On 5 May 2023 the Department of Home Affairs released additional information on the expanded pathways to permanent residence for Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS - Subclass 482) visas. Clarifications were also provided regarding the expected increase of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
Expanded pathways to permanent residence
By the end of 2023, the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa will be available. This stream is for all Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa holders whose employers wish to sponsor them.
Applicants will need to continue to work in the occupation nominated for their TSS visa(s). Eligible occupations will include the Short‑term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
The eligibility period for the TRT stream will be reduced from three years to two years employment with the sponsoring employer. Applicants will need to meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TRT stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa.
To facilitate these pathways, the Government is also removing limits on the number of Short-term stream TSS visa applications that visa holders can make in Australia. This is an interim measure to assist those currently onshore who would normally need to go offshore to make further visa applications.
The changes will provide more certainty to TSS visa holders and their employers about the permanent residence pathways available. Employers will be able to alleviate skills shortages by ensuring a permanent employer sponsored pathway is available for a wider range of occupations.
Raising the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold
From 1 July 2023, the TSMIT will increase from $53,900 to $70,000. New nomination applications after this date will need to meet the new TSMIT of $70,000 or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.
This change will not affect existing visa holders and approved nominations lodged before 1 July 2023.
More information
The Department will make more information available on both of these measures closer to their implementation date. ImmiUpdates will publish more information as it comes to hand. Check our website regularly for more information.
For more information please Contact Us or email elan@ryshermigration.com.au
Elan Rysher is a Registered Migration Agent and Qualified Student Counsellor. He is the main Writer for ImmiUpdates and the founder of Rysher Migration. Elan has many years of experience working in immigration, finance and health. Being a former migrant himself, Elan is passionate about helping others fulfil their Australian dream.
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