The Dept of Home Affairs has expanded the eligibility criteria for existing Subclass 482 (TSS) visa holders to become eligible for permanent residency in Australia

The Dept of Home Affairs recently announced that Subclass 482 (TSS) visa holders in the Medium-term stream with an occupation on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) are now eligible for a pathway to permanent residency. This update was made public on 13 February 2023.

This pathway to permanent residency is applicable for nominations under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, which is relevant to employer-sponsored visas, including Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa and Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visa.

Prior to this recent policy amendment and the initial implementation of concessions back in July 2022, meeting the eligibility criteria for nomination under the TRT stream required the applicant to have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The legislation also allowed certain holders of Subclass 457 (Temporary Work Skilled) visas and TSS visa holders in the Short-term stream to access permanent residency.

This latest policy change builds upon the previously established concessions for temporary skilled visa holders in the Short-term stream by extending the same permanent residency pathway to eligible visa holders with an occupation listed on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This pathway furnishes this new group of individuals with greater job security and more stable life in Australia.

PR pathway with an occupation on the Regional Occupation List (ROL)

Eligibility for this pathway, the applicant must:

  • Be employed by a suitable Australian employer; and
  • Have been in Australia for at least 12 months between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021; and
  • Hold an eligible visa; and
  • Meet all other nomination and visa requirements.

Per the last point above, it’s important to note that this pathway to permanent residency is subject to meeting all other nomination and visa criteria, including visa eligibility, age limitations, license or registration, and health and character requirements. Nomination requirements are complex, and a detailed assessment of the candidate’s visa history and circumstances is essential to establish their eligibility for permanent residency under these concessions.

According to the existing policy, these concessions will be accessible for a period of two years, starting from July 1st, 2022.

It’s a fact that this recent policy change expands the eligibility criteria for temporary skilled visa holders to become eligible for permanent residency in Australia, providing this cohort with more stability and security in their future employment and life in Australia.

Criteria and requirements for approval of nominated positions have NOT been included in this post. An approved nomination is required to obtain an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186).