The Australian Government is gearing up to implement significant revisions to employer-nominated visas, specifically targeting the subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Stream, Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
The objective is to simplify and clarify the path to permanent residency for TSS visa holders, instilling greater confidence in employers and skilled workers, and enhancing Australia’s capacity to attract and retain crucial talent.
In the realm of the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482), effective November 25, 2023, the government plans to remove the cap on Short-term stream applications made within Australia. This adjustment applies to new TSS Short-Term visa applications initiated on or after the specified date. Short-term stream visa holders with visas expiring before November 25, 2023, will need to leave Australia to submit a third short-term stream application.
For the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Temporary Residence Transition Stream, substantial changes are in the pipeline. These include permitting employers to nominate individuals from all TSS visa streams, eliminating the skilled migration occupation list requirement for nominated occupations, and reducing the TRT prerequisite nomination requirement to two out of the last three years before nomination.
Additional modifications encompass adjustments to TRT stream visa application prerequisites, such as alterations to age exemptions for regional medical practitioners and high-income applicants aged 45 years and over. The goal is to establish a two-year pathway for these candidates while discontinuing COVID-19-related age exemptions.
These adjustments reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to create a more accessible route to permanent residency for TSS visa holders. The reforms align with the Government’s Migration Strategy Outline and respond to the findings of the 2023 Review of the Migration System.
It’s important to note that this information is a general guide, and individuals should seek specialist advice tailored to their specific circumstances.