On 13 February 2023, the Department has confirmed that the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa holders with occupations on the ROL are able to apply for permanent residence through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa.
The Department confirmed that in addition to the subclass 482 visa holders who have been in Australia for at least one year between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 and at the time of application are lawfully employed, subclass 482 visa holders with occupations on the ROL can also access the permanent residency pathway that is available under LIN 22/038 which allows sc 482 STSOL visa holders to apply for a subclass 186 TRT. However, such applicants must also meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TRT stream of the ENS visa. The purpose of this change is to improve access to permanent residence for skilled migrant workers who chose to stay in Australia during the pandemic by providing permanent residence pathway for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa holders with an occupation on the Regional Occupation List.
The Department made clear that those holding a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa with an occupation on the ROL and who worked in Australia during the pandemic are able to access the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa in the TRT stream with the concessions under LIN 22/038. The Department has further confirmed that this pathway is available now and there are no legislative changes required to give effect to this.
This pathway is currently available for two years from 1 July 2022 and further decision regarding the continuation or discontinuation of this pathway will be taken by Government on 1 July 2024.
