On 18 March 2022, the transitional arrangements (concessions) for certain 457 and 482 (TSS) visa holders, enabling them to access permanent residency through employer sponsorship, will cease.
Visa holders who held or had applied for a subclass 457 visa on 18 April 2017, which was subsequently granted (transitional 457 and transitional 482 workers) should urgently consider confirming their eligibility to lodge a subclass 186 (Employer Nominated Scheme) or subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visa under the TRT (Temporary Residence Transition) Stream, before the 18 March deadline.
Situation prior to 18 March 2022
The concessions available to transitional 457 and transitional 482 workers include:
- Occupation list requirements do not apply
- Unless exempt, applicants must be under 50 years of age
- Working in a nominated occupation for their sponsored employer for at least two of the past three years.
Situation post 18 March 2022
From 18 March 2022, those transitional 457 and transitional 482 workers who do not make an application for a subclass 186 or subclass 187 visa before this date will no longer be able to benefit from the concessions listed above. Rather, those remaining on 457 or 482/TSS visa will need to demonstrate that they are:
- Working in an occupation that is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Under the age of 45 (unless exempt) at the time of application
- Working in a nominated occupation for their sponsor for at least three of the past four years.
How BDO Migration Services can assist you
If you require assistance with skilled visa applications or have other migration-related needs please contact Maria Jockel, Global and National Immigration Leader, Legal Principal and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, or Rebecca Thomson, Principal Lawyer, BDO Migration Services.