Australia has long been a destination of choice for skilled workers seeking new opportunities and a high quality of life. Many individuals arrive in the country through temporary skilled visas, contributing their expertise to various industries. While these temporary visas provide a valuable avenue for skilled professionals, there has been a growing recognition of the need to create more accessible pathways to permanent residency (PR).
Australia’s Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, subclass 482, is a popular choice for employers looking to fill skill gaps. However, the pathway from temporary work to permanent residency is often challenging, leaving skilled workers uncertain about their long-term prospects in the country.
Upcoming Changes
Effective from 25 November 2023 (subject to the approval of regulation changes), the Australian Government is set to implement transformative adjustments to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) visas. These changes promise a simpler and clearer pathway to permanent residence for TSS visa holders, aiming to provide employers and skilled workers with increased certainty and reinforce Australia’s position as a global hub for talent.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream: Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
The following modifications to TRT stream nomination standards are planned:
- enabling TSS visa holders in all streams to be nominated by employers (including Short-term and Labour Agreement streams).
- eliminating the need for the TRT stream to be evaluated against a list of skilled migration jobs in order for nominated occupations to be considered. The nominated worker must continue to work in the occupation nominated for their TSS visa(s), and the nominated occupation must be included in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
- lowering the amount of time a TSS visa holder needs to maintain their visa and work in their designated role or profession to two of the three years prior to nomination in order to be qualified to receive an employer nomination for the TRT stream.
Changes to the TRT stream nomination requirements are meant to apply to newly submitted nomination applications for the ENS and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, as well as those that are still pending as of November 25, 2023*.
The following will change in terms of TRT stream visa application requirements:
- modifying age exemptions to provide a two-year pathway for applicants seeking to become regional medical practitioners and high income earners 45 years of age and older.
- removing age exemptions linked to COVID-19 that will be unnecessary because of the two-year route.
While the government continues to work on reforms to the skilled visa programs in response to the findings of the Review of the Migration System 2023 and the development of the Outline of the Government’s Migration Strategy, these changes symbolizes the first step toward granting more equitable access to PR for all holders of TSS visas.
A Clearer Roadmap to Permanent Residency
One of the key highlights of the upcoming changes is the focus on providing a more transparent and straightforward journey from temporary work to permanent residency. The adjustments aim to demystify the process, ensuring that skilled workers and their employers have a clearer understanding of the steps involved in transitioning from a TSS visa to permanent residency under the TRT stream of the ENS.
The imminent changes to the TSS and TRT streams of the ENS visas mark a significant milestone in Australia’s efforts to refine its skilled migration system. As of 25 November 2023, pending regulatory approval, employers and skilled workers can look forward to a more straightforward and predictable pathway to permanent residency. These changes not only benefit individuals seeking to build a future in Australia but also fortify the nation’s ability to attract and retain the skilled workforce necessary for continued prosperity and growth. Australia’s commitment to providing a welcoming environment for global talent is poised to set new standards in the competitive landscape of international skilled migration.
We’re a team of Australian Migration Specialists who advise daily on visa applications and pathways to residency. Are you unsure of how to proceed? Visit our home page and make sure you book a consultation where we can answer any questions you might have directly relevant to your situation.
Please note that the above information is general and not exhaustive or specific to your case. We always advise that you first speak to a migration agent or lawyer before making any migration-related decision.
