This week, the Minister of Immigration made an announcement on improvements for talented temporary workers seeking a permanent residency path. The skilled workers who stayed in Australia throughout the epidemic will gain from these reforms and be encouraged to remain here permanently.
“Eligible skilled workers, already in Australia, will continue to support local businesses facing critical shortages, particularly in health, hospitality and our regions,” Minister Hawke said.
These visa changes will improve access to permanent residence for:
- Existing 482 visa holders (Temporary Skill Shortage) in the short-term stream
- Legacy 457 visa holders (Temporary Work Skilled) who no longer meet the age requirement.
In accordance with these new regulations, current holders of 482 and 457 visas issued for “Short-term” jobs who have stayed in Australia during the epidemic may be qualified to apply for the 186 ENS Permanent Visa. Legacy category 457 visa holders who no longer fit the 45-year maximum age requirement will also be affected by this.
“While continuing to address Australia’s acute shortages, this is a special concession acknowledging those highly skilled migrant workers who chose to remain in Australia throughout the pandemic.” With a route to Australian citizenship, this enables them to remain here, according to Minister Hawke.
Approximately 20,000 main Temporary Skill Shortage and 457 visa holders in Australia are at present eligible to get benefits from these arrangements. The majority of these individuals are in the most skilled professions, and the workers who stand to gain the most from these reforms are those who work in the hospitality and health sectors, which includes a big number of people in regional Australia, according to Minister Hawke.