New permanent residence pathways for 482 TSS short-term stream visa holders
The Department of Home Affairs has implemented changes to allow eligible 482 short-term stream visa holders to access pathways to permanent residence from 1 July 2022.
TSS short-term stream visa holders are now able to apply for permanent residence through the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa.
To be eligible, visa holders must:
have been in Australia for at least one year between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021
meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TRT stream of the ENS 186 visa, which include having worked for the sponsor for at least 3 years.
Notwithstanding, former TSS visa holders who have worked in Australia during the COVID-19 will now be able to apply for a third short-term stream TSS visa while in Australia. This change aims to allow former 482 visa holders to meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the 186 TRT stream visa.
To be eligible applicants must:
have been in Australia between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 for at least one year while holding a TSS (short-term stream) visa
meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TSS short-term stream visa
hold a substantive or bridging (A,B or C) visa at the time of application.
With these new changes, migrants who had occupations on the short-term list and have worked in Australia during COVID can now access a pathway to permanent residency. You might be able to apply for an ENS 186 visa, or a third 482 TSS visa. To discuss your eligibility and ask questions, book a consultation with our Immigration Lawyer here.
