On 3 November, the Australian government announced significant reforms, specifically ensuring that temporary skilled workers have a pathway to PR. This move reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to ensuring that Australia continues to attract and retain skilled workers to enhance its thriving economy. These changes are due to begin on 25 November 2023.
Changes to the TSS Visa
There will be no limit on the number of short-term stream TSS applications visa holder can make in Australia. Applicants who wish to lodge a third or more short-term stream TSS visa can do so from onshore.
Short term stream TSS holders with visas expiring before the changes will need to travel outside Australia to lodge a third short term-stream TSS application
Changes to nomination requirements for the Temporary Residence Transition Stream of the Employer Nominated Scheme
Eligible visa requirements for ENS/RSMS nominations:
Employers will be able to nominate holders of all TSS visa streams, including Short-term and Labour Agreement streams. The nominated person will need to have held their TSS (or subclass 457) visa(s) for 2 out of the 3 years before nomination.
The RSMS visa will continue to be restricted to transitional 457 workers and transitional 482 workers.
Nominated occupation requirements:
Nominated occupations will no longer be assessed against skilled migration occupation lists.
The nominated occupation will need to be listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and the nominated worker will need to continue to work in the occupation nominated for their TSS visa(s).
Work experience requirements:
The period in which TSS visa holders are required to have worked in a position with their sponsoring employer (or in the occupation for medical practitioners and certain executives) will be reduced to 2 out of the 3 years before nomination.
Changes to visa requirements for the TRT stream of the ENS and RSMS visa subclasses:
Age exemption requirements:
Changes will be made to age exemptions for regional medical practitioner applicants and high-income earning applicants aged 45 years and over to allow for a two-year pathway.
Ending COVID-19 related age exemptions that will become redundant as a result of the two-year pathway.
These new developments are a welcomed change. They will provide more visa holders especially those on the short-term occupation list, with a pathway to permanent residence. These changes will also offer increased certainty to both employers and TSS visa holders and make the visa nomination a lot easier to navigate.
Do you require further assistance
If you have further questions about the above, or have any other immigration related query, please get in touch with our experienced team. Contact us by email at hello@canberramigrationservices.com.au or by phone at +614517572873.
This article does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult an immigration professional for up to date information.
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