On 1 November, announced changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) and the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream within the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) visas.
The government said these changes, to be effective from 25 November this year, will provide employers and holders of TSS visas with more certainty and ensure Australia attracts the skilled workers it needs.
"Current pathways to permanent residency for temporary skilled visa holders are often limited, which has led to a growing number of ‘permanently temporary’ visa holders in Australia," the department said.
Signage for the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs is seen in Melbourne. Source: AAP / JAMES ROSS/AAPIMAGE
Changes for Subclass 482
The government has revealed its intention to eliminate the cap on the quantity of Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa applications in Australia, enabling individuals to submit an increased number of applications.
It also said that Subclass 482 visa holders, irrespective of their sponsorship in an occupation listed on the short-term, medium or long-term, will now be eligible for a route to permanent residency.
To attract the skilled workers Australia needs, the government plans to create clear pathways to permanent residency for all Temporary Short Skill visa streams. Source: iStockphoto
In addition, the eligibility duration for employment on a TSS 482 visa has been shortened from three years to two years of employment with the sponsor most recently approved.
Nishant Sharma, an expert in migration, said that despite the growing popularity of the Subclass 482 visa, some specific short-term stream occupations face restrictions in transitioning to permanent residency eligibility.
"With the latest update, adjustments will enable individuals in all listed professions to pursue permanent residency. This expansion now covers a wider array of occupations, encompassing roles like cooks, chefs, hospitality, health and construction workers," he said.
Visa Application Form Credit: teekid/Getty Images
Official data indicates that as of September 2023, there are more than 139,000 Subclass 482 visa holders in Australia, which include over 30,000 individuals from India.
Mr Sharma said this modification is generating excitement among many individuals and is anticipated to have a positive effect on application figures, contributing to an increased influx of applicants from India.
Changes to Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Temporary Residence Transition Stream
The government plans to allow employers to nominate holders of all streams of TSS visas (including Short-term and Labour Agreement streams), remove the requirement for nominated occupations for the TRT stream to be assessed against a skilled migration occupation list.
The nominated occupation will still need to be listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations and the nominated worker will need to continue to work in the occupation nominated for their TSS visa(s).
Current pathways to permanent residency for temporary skilled visa holders are often limited. Credit: Epoxydude/Getty Images/fStop
The department said its website will be updated closer to implementation.
Mr Sharma mentioned that he anticipates additional modifications in the Subclass 186 in the near future.
"These changes, as expected from the government, aim to simplify the process of obtaining permanent residency for skilled workers," he added.
