Under these changes, holders of the TSS Subclass 482 visa may now be able to enjoy a shorter, simplified road to qualifying for PR under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS) of the ENS visa program.
It is important to seek legal advice from experienced immigration lawyers to understand if you qualify. You may be eligible for PR earlier than you think.
Nevett Ford specialises in assisting ambitious professionals to navigate Australia’s employer-sponsored and nominated visa process. We take pride in our high success rates and numerous satisfied clients.
With our extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of Australian immigration laws, we are committed to helping you achieve your dreams of securing Australian PR. From eligibility assessments to document preparation, our lawyers endeavour to make the process thorough yet straightforward, delivering a stress-free path towards a fulfilling career and life in Australia.
If you’re a skilled worker thinking about PR in Australia, contact us today for expert legal support on how these visa changes can affect you.
What You Need To Know
TSS (Subclass 482) Visa Changes Overview
- All TSS Subclass 482 visa holders – including Short-Term and Labour Agreement streams – will be eligible for ENS Subclass 186 visas sponsored by their employers.
- TRTS-nominated occupations no longer need to be assessed against a skilled migration occupation list. Instead, the nominated occupation must be listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
- Applicants must continue working in the occupation nominated for their TSS visa(s).
- Workers now need two years of sponsorship (instead of three) on a TSS by an employer to qualify for ENS eligibility under the TRTS.
- Applicants must meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TRTS of the ENS visa.
- There is now no limit on short-term stream onshore TSS visa applications.
TRTS Changes Overview
1. Age exemptions for regional medical practitioner applicants and high income-earning applicants aged 45 years and over have been updated to allow for a two-year pathway.
2. COVID-19 related age exemptions that will become redundant due to the two-year pathway have also been removed.
3. Changes to the TRTS nomination requirements also apply to new ENS and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme nomination applications, as well as applications pending determination as of 25 November 2023.
ENS (Subclass 186) PR Visa Pathway Overview
Since 1 July 2022, applicants can also apply for PR if they are:
Subclass 457 visa holders
– A person who, on 18 April 2017, held a Subclass 457 visa or had a pending 457 visa application that was subsequently granted
Subclass 482 visa holders
– A person who was in Australia for at least 12 months between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021; and
– Was employed by an employer who was actively and lawfully operating a business in Australia at the time of application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the recent visa reforms affect my chances of permanent residency?
The recent Australian visa changes provide streamlined access to PR for all TSS visa holders while the government continues work on reforms to the skilled visa programs.
Crucially, after two years of sponsorship by your employer, you can be eligible for the TRTS under the 186 visa program. This is regardless of whether your nominated occupation is on the Medium & Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
However, there are other eligibility criteria that you must satisfy to get on this new PR pathway. Contact us for a personalised assessment of your eligibility.
Is there a deadline for applying under the new legislation?
While there is no immediate deadline, staying informed and acting promptly is advised. The sooner you explore your options, the better. Get in touch with our experienced team of immigration lawyers for the latest updates.
Can I apply for permanent residency if my nominated occupation is on the STSOL?
Yes, the new visa changes provide a pathway for short-term 482 visa holders, regardless of your nominated occupation’s classification and after you have been employed by your sponsor (employer) for two years.
How does the removal of the limit on short-term stream 482 visa applications impact me?
The removal of the limit allows more flexibility for onshore applications. If you are in the short-term stream, you now have greater freedom in pursuing your permanent residency goals through multiple applications.
What documentation is required for the new application?
The application process involves various documents, including employment records, nomination details, and visa requirements. Our team of skilled immigration lawyers will provide you with a comprehensive checklist tailored to your situation to ensure a smooth application process. Get in touch with us today.
Have more questions?
Why Choose Us
Years of Experience
Our immigration lawyers have many years of experience and expertise in immigration matters and strive to achieve successful visa results – even for those who have had their cases rejected by other lawyers. Nevett Ford has been providing immigration law advice to clients since the 1980s.
Quality, Tailored Service
We understand that every employer-sponsored and nominated visa application is unique. We will assist you step-by-step and provide quality migration advice tailored to your situation.
High Standard Of Care
Multilingual Lawyers
Our lawyers can provide written and oral advice in multiple languages, including Mandarin, Malay, Arabic, Sinhalese, German, Tamil, Spanish, Hindi, Marathi, Serbian and Cantonese, to overcome language barriers and ensure a successful application.
Initial Fixed Cost Consultations
We are dedicated to providing transparent and affordable fees to ensure our clients are aware of what the process will look like ahead of time.
WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
Ryan Curtis-Griffiths
Director
Dora Park
Senior Associate
Helen Zheng
Associate Director
David Stratton
Special Counsel
Melissa Vincenty
Special Counsel, US Immigration Law
Heather Dzviti
Senior Associate
Kiri Stefanidis
Associate
Emily Barr
Lawyer
Shalini Kodikara
Senior Paralegal
Chloe Wang
Paralegal
Collette Goh
Legal Assistant
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