Pathways to Permanent Residency from Temporary Work visas SBS NEWS

From March 2018, the current 457 visa program will be abolished and replaced with the completely new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.

The TSS visa will be comprised of a Short-Term stream allowing stays of up to two years, and a Medium-Term stream allowing stays of up to four years.

The Short-Term stream visa is renewable only once.  The STSOL occupation list will apply for Short-Term Stream applicants.

The Medium-Stream visa holders may renew their visas onshore and may apply for permanent residence pathway after working for three years in Australia. The MLTSSL occupation list will apply for Medium-Stream visa applicants. This stream is relatively similar to the current 457 visa.

Tighter Regulations for both streams:

• Increased Work Experience Requirements
• Higher English Language Levels Requirements
• Mandatory Labour Market Testing
• Set Australian Market Salary Rates
• Additional Character, Anti-Discrimination and Training Requirements

Changes to Occupation lists in 2018