The Australian Government has announced that holders of Sponsor Visas (482 or 457) involved in the post-pandemic economic recovery could enjoy Pathways to Permanent Residency.
Months of silence from the Government were followed by reports from economists, warning of the dangers of near-zero unemployment. Along with that, labour shortages across all industries affected the country’s economy and its recovery during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more: Covid-19 Visa (subclass 408): Changes March 2022
Then, finally, on March 19, a legislative instrument was published that confirmed and made everything concrete.
What does the law say?
Here is a summary of what the text of the law says:
Sponsor Visas 482 (or 457) holders with a position on the Short Skill List (STSOL), who have been in Australia for at least 12 months between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 and are currently visa holders requiring Employer nomination (such as 482 or 456 subclasses) and actively employed by an Australian employer, will have access to Permanent Residency.
In other words, people who have been sponsored through the new Temporary Skill Shortage 482 program (or the old 457) with positions on the STSOL (i.e., the so-called “Short” list, which does not grant transition to Permanent Visa through Sponsor) and remained in Australia during the pandemic, will be able, exceptionally, to enjoy the same mechanisms that lead to Permanent Residence for those with professions on the ‘Long Term List’, such as Chefs for example.
Let’s see the conditions:
1) It is necessary to be the holder of a 482 or 457 subclass. Yet, It is not clear (and we have already asked official sources such as the Migration Institute of Australia and Home Affairs about this) if those who are still waiting for a response (and therefore are on Bridging Visa A or are in the Appeal phase with the Court) fall under this law.
2) It is necessary to show that the applicants have stayed in Australia for at least 12 months during the period between February 1, 2020 and December 14, 2021.
3) Before being able to apply for the final phase (and therefore Permanent Residence), the applicant must demonstrate employment with the sponsor for at least 3 years.
4) Applicants who meet the requirements listed above will be able to apply from July 1, 2022 (not earlier).
The Immigration Department has informed registered agents that additional information will be released in the coming days.
These measures represent an opportunity that has been impossible for several years (before the 2017 reform) for categories such as Cafe and Restaurant Managers, Marketing Specialists, Graphic and Interior Designers, Brand Managers, Massage Therapists, Hairdresser and many other positions.
Key to know: It should be noticed that when it comes to migration programs, each situation is unique and a definitive answer is only possible after a thorough analysis.
If you are interested to apply for this migration pathway, we encourage you to book a consultation with our registered immigration agent. BOOK HERE.