Expanded Pathways to Permanent Residence for Temporary Skilled Sponsored Workers

Starting 25 November 2023*, the Australian Government will introduce changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) visas. These changes aim to simplify the pathway to permanent residence for TSS visa holders, offering greater certainty for employers and workers.

Key Changes to TSS Visas:

• Removal of the cap on the number of Short-term stream TSS visa applications that can be made in Australia.
• Applicable to new TSS visa applications from 25 November 2023. Existing short-term TSS visa holders with expiring visas before this date must apply from outside Australia.

Key Changes to TRT Stream:

• Employers can nominate holders of all TSS visa streams, including Short-term and Labour Agreement streams.
• Removal of the requirement to assess nominated occupations against a skilled migration occupation list, needing only to be listed in ANZSCO.
• Reduction of the required period a TSS visa holder must work in their nominated position from three years to two out of the previous three years before nomination.

Changes to TRT Visa Application Requirements:

• Updated age exemptions for regional medical practitioners and high-income earners aged 45 and over, providing a two-year pathway.
• Ending of COVID-19 related age exemptions.

These changes are part of ongoing reforms to skilled visa programs following the 2023 Migration System Review. Updates will be provided on the Department’s website closer to the implementation date.