Visa holders of 457 and 482 Short-term Stream could be eligible to apply for an Australian Permanent Residency Visa under the 186 Temporary Residence Transition Stream
In response to the strong labour demand and the declining number of temporary visa holders in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on 25 November 2021 the Australian Government announced that measures will be introduced to improve access to permanent residence for certain holders of Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visas (subclass 482 visa) and Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visas (subclass 457 visa).
The Department of Home Affairs has released the Legislative Instrument that details the conditions under which 457 and 482 Visa holders may apply for Permanent Residency under the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream.
The Legislative Instrument identifies two types of specified persons.
A person who held an SC 457 or was an applicant for an SC 457 (that was subsequently granted) before 18th April 2017,
OR
Commencing on 1 July 2022 – had been in Australia for at least 12 months [cumulatively] between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021. * This includes persons who may hold a subclass 482 or 457 visa in the Short-term stream.
AND
at the time of application is employed by a person actively and lawfully operating a business in Australia.
There are still requirements for the employee to work for a period of time in a full-time capacity to be eligible which is for 457 Visa Holders (applied or granted prior to 18 April 2017) two years in the past 3 years and for all other applicants three years in the past 4 years. It must be for the same employer.
The instrument makes allowance for people who were unable to work or had a work limitation that was directly related to Covid restrictions and the 2 or 3 year period may be reduced by that time.
If you believe yourself or your employees are eligible to take advantage of this change please get in touch with us today.
Contact via: enquire@visaroos.com
Dario Ishiyama – Principal Registered Migration Agent, Visaroos
MARN: 1800462