Earlier this week, the Department of Home Affairs announced big news for Temporary Skill Shortage (482) visa holders who have a nominated occupation on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): they have a pathway to permanent residency. For thousands of workers who are only able to work in Australia for short periods of time, with no stability, this news has sent a wave of relief through the country after unpredictable years of Covid-19.

These short-term visa holders under subclass 482 are typically not eligible for any permanent prospects and must leave at the expiration of their visas. However, many of these short-term worker visa holders filled many gaps during the tumultuous years of Covid-19, and the Commonwealth is thanking them for stepping up for Australia.

Who is eligible?

The main group of visa holders affected are those who:

• hold a subclass 482 in the short-term stream, and
• commencing on 1 July 2022, have been in Australia 12 months cumulatively from 1 February 2020 and 14 Dec 2021, and
• are employed

This group will be eligible for a pathway to permanent residency beginning 1 July, 2022.

There has also been an announcement of the extension of the grandfathering provisions for 457 visa holders. This includes:

• a visa holder who, on 18 April 2017, held or had applied for a subclass 457 visa that was subsequently granted.

As occupations on the STSOL are typically not granted any rights to a permanent resident stream, the Department has opened the Employer Nomination Scheme (186) – Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRT) to allow these classes special permission to remain in Australia permanently.

Your employer may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence through the:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187).

Under the TST requirements, you must have worked for the nominating employer for a period of 3 years before you are eligible to apply.

How do I apply for this?

This visa pathway does not go into effect until July 1, 2022. If you think you meet the requirements, then inform your employer and have them reach out to us now, so we can begin steps to lodge on July 1, 2022 when the visa applications are available.

Can my family apply?

Yes – Eligible family members may be included as long as they are specifically mentioned in the nomination application.

What are my next steps?

Have your employer reach out to us so we can discuss next steps and eligibility options. Our team of accredited specialists and registered migration agents will be able to assist you through the visa application.

Contact our team today to discuss your options.