In a recent development, the Department of Home Affairs has officially unveiled a significant opportunity for all TSS (subclass 482) visa holders to achieve permanent residency through the Employer Nominated Scheme (subclass 186) visa, specifically via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. This noteworthy change solidifies a clear path to permanent residency for individuals holding TSS 482 visas, regardless of whether they are sponsored for occupations on the Short-term (STSOL), Long-term (MLTSSL), or Regional Occupation List (ROL).

The Department has indicated that these changes are anticipated to take effect from November 25, 2023, pending regulatory approval. An additional benefit of this announcement is the reduction in the employment eligibility period for TSS 482 visa holders from 3 years to 2 years, with the most recently approved sponsor.

Moreover, the restrictions on the number of short-term stream TSS applications that visa holders can submit within Australia are being eliminated. This means that applicants who wish to lodge a third or subsequent short-term stream TSS visa can do so without the need to leave Australia.

Age exemptions for regional medical practitioners and high-income earning applicants aged 45 years and older will also be modified. These individuals will now have the option of following a two-year pathway to permanent residency instead of the previous requirement of three years.

The information provided here is sourced from a fact sheet issued by the Department of home affairs.

If you require more detailed information or wish to discuss your specific circumstances and eligibility for permanent residency as a TSS 482 visa holder, please feel free to contact our office at 03 9041 7939 or submit an online inquiry. We are here to assist you in navigating this exciting new opportunity.