Australian News

Employer Sponsored changes from 25th November 2023

Publish Date: 25/11/2023

Pathways to PR for Temporary Skilled Workers

The government is implementing changes to provide a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) for temporary skilled workers.

Visa Subclasses Affected

The changes will impact the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and the Temporary Residence Transition stream (TRT) of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187).

Commencement Date

These changes are scheduled to commence from 25 November 2023, pending regulatory approval.

Purpose of Changes

To address limitations in the current pathways to PR for temporary skilled visa holders and reduce the number of 'permanently temporary' visa holders.

Clarity for Employers and Visa Holders

The changes aim to create clear pathways to PR for all TSS visa streams, providing more certainty to employers and visa holders and simplifying the nomination process.

Equitable Access to PR

These changes mark the first step in providing more equitable access to PR for all TSS visa holders, aligning with broader reforms to the skilled visa programs.

Applicability of Changes

Changes to the TSS visa will apply to new applications lodged on or after 25 November 2023, while TRT stream nomination requirements apply to new ENS/RSMS applications and pending applications as of the same date.

No Change in Migration Program Planning Levels

Although the changes increase access to PR for temporary skilled workers, there will be no change in migration program planning levels.

Changes to TSS Visa

From 25 November 2023, short-term stream TSS visa applications can be lodged in Australia, removing limits on the number of short-term stream applications and allowing third or more applications from onshore.

Nomination Requirements for TRT Stream

Changes include expanded eligibility for ENS/RSMS nominations, a shift away from skilled migration occupation lists for nominated occupations, and reduced work experience requirements for TSS visa holders.