TSS Visa to Permanent Residency

Date: 12 December 2023

The Department of Home Affairs has officially unveiled the pathway that allows all TSS (subclass 482) visa holders to pursue PR through the Subclass 186 visa

The Subclass 482 “TSS” visa is designed for skilled workers who are sponsored by an Australian employer to fill a position that cannot be filled by an Australian worker. The visa is typically issued for up to four years, with the option to renew it once. However, until now, TSS visa holders did not have a clear pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

The announcement outlines that individuals holding a TSS (subclass 482) visa, irrespective of their sponsorship in an occupation listed under the Short-term (STSOL), Long-term (MLTSSL), or Regional Occupation List (ROL), will now have a route to achieve permanent residency.

All TSS visa holders will have access to permanent residency

The Department has confirmed that by the end of 2023, the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of Subclass 186 will be amended and allow all TSS (subclass 482) visa holders to apply for permanent residency.

The nominated person will need to have held their TSS (or subclass 457) visa(s) for 2 out of the 3 years before nomination

Reduced eligibility for TRT visa to 2 Years

The Department will also reduce eligibility for the TRT stream 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 Subclass 186 visa.

Removed limits on number of short term stream TSS visa applications

The Department will also remove limits on the number of Short-term stream TSS visa applications that visa holders can make in Australia. Applicants who wish to lodge a third or more Short term-stream TSS visa can do so from onshore

This will assist those currently onshore who would normally need to go offshore to make further visa applications.

Age exemption requirements for regional medical practitioners & high income earning applicants

Adjustments will be implemented to age exemptions for regional medical practitioners and high-income earning applicants aged 45 years and above, permitting a two-year pathway instead of the existing three-year requirement.

Nominated occupation requirements

Nominated occupations will no longer be assessed against skilled migration occupation lists.

The nominated occupation will need to be listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and the nominated worker will need to continue to work in the occupation nominated for their TSS visa(s).

Changes to the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream nomination requirements will apply to new ENS/RSMS nomination applications and applications that are yet to be finally determined as at 25 November 2023.

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