Changes to restrictions on Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Temporary Work Visa holders take effect on July 1, 2022, in order to encourage foreign workers to stay in Australia and help fill labor shortages. The following are the modifications:
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THIS VISA?
The TSS visa is a temporary visa that allows you to live in Australia while working full-time in the selected capacity for the sponsoring employer. TSS visa applicants are allowed to include dependent family members in their application.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE TSS VISA?
There are two types of TSS visas: short-term and medium-term. Those on the Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL) are eligible for visas of up to two years (renewable once for another two years), while those on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) are eligible for visas of up to four years, with permanent residency eligibility after three years.
Holders of a Subclass 482 Visa can apply for a TSS Visa.
Subclass 482 visa holders on the Short Term Skills Occupation List (STSOL) will be able to apply for a third subclass 482 visa onshore if they meet the following criteria:
From 1 February 2020 to 14 December 2021, you must have held a subclass 482 visa for at least 12 months.
Before July 1, 2023, submit a new TSS application.
Previously, holders of subclass 482 visas in the short-term stream were needed to meet the “onshore renewal restriction,” which required them to remain outside of Australia in order to submit a valid Temporary Skill Shortage visa application. The “onshore renewal limitation” condition will be removed with the modifications that take effect on July 1, 2022.
Eligible 482 and 457 visa holders can apply for permanent residency.
If you meet specific qualifications, you will be able to apply for permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) within the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream beginning July 1, 2022. The conditions are as follows:
A subclass 482 or 457 visa is required.
Must work in a Short-Term Skilled Occupation List job.
Between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021, you must have spent at least a year in Australia.
The age limit for holders of Subclass 457 visas has been removed.
Legacy Subclass 457 visa holders who held their visa on or after 18 April 2017 and were in Australia for at least 12 months between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 will be eligible for an age exemption. This means that the Temporary Residence Stream’s 45-year-old age limit will no longer apply to eligible Temporary Work visa holders.
