SYDNEY – The Australian authorities are on the path to implementing major changes to the visa system under which different categories of visas would change.
The Department of Home Affairs has formally announced that the changes will be made to the employer-sponsored/nominated temporary and permanent residence visa programs from 25 November 2023.
For Employer Sponsored Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 482 Visa), the changes include the removal of certain restrictions. For instance, presently, short-term stream subclass 482 visa holders (i.e., their nominated occupation code is on the Short-Term Occupation List) must be outside Australia in order to lodge a further short-term stream subclass 482 visa application if they have held more than one short-term stream subclass 482 visa and were in Australia when their most recent short-term subclass 482 visa application was lodged (unless an international trade obligation applies); this restriction will permanently be removed.
As far as Employer Nominated Permanent Residence Visa Pathway (Subclass 186 TRT stream) is concerned, presently, the employer-nominated permanent residence visa pathway is available to medium-term stream subclass 482 visa holders only, unless one of the concession provisions applies (e.g., COVID concession) but from November 25th, all subclass 482 visa holders, will be able to access an employer nominated permanent residence visa under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, irrespective of whether their subclass 482 visa is short-term or medium-term stream.
It bears mentioning that under the current rules, eligible subclass 482 visa holders must have been working in their nominated occupation code under the subclass 482 visa sponsorship of the same sponsor/employer for at least three out of the last four years in order to access the subclass 186 visa program under the TRT stream.
Under the changes about to be implemented, this minimum period of employment will be reduced to two out of the last three years. This change will also apply to subclass 482 visa holders who are aged 45 and over and wish to rely on an age exemption to apply for a subclass 186 visa under the TRT stream provision based on their guaranteed annual earnings being at least Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT), Lexology reported.
Australia, a vast and diverse country, is renowned for its unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Australia’s population exceeds 25 million people, encompassing a multicultural society.
With iconic attractions such as the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, and the vast Outback, Australia attracts millions of tourists annually. The country offers a range of experiences, from the bustling urban life of Sydney and Melbourne to the natural wonders of the Outback and the coastal beauty of places like the Gold Coast.
In terms of occupations, Australia has a diverse job market, with major roles spanning healthcare, education, construction, and technology. The nation’s economy is known for its stability and resilience, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors alike.
