It’s fair to say that COVID-19 had a big impact on international travel and the Australian economy overall, but with the easing of restrictions comes the easing of permanent residency in Australia. The Australian Government has announced a new permanent residency pathway via the 186 TRT stream for short-term 482 visa and 457 visa holders in recognition of their contribution to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be eligible for the new permanent residency pathway short-term 482 visa and 457 visa holders must meet the below eligibility requirements:
- Applicant must have held, or hold a 457 visa that was applied for and granted before 18 April 2017, or
- Applicant holds 482 or 457 (applied for after 18 April 2017) and is in a nominated occupation on a short-term list and was in Australia for 12 months between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021.
For occupation settings and list guidance, see the Skilled occupation list and note current advice for TRT. COVID-19 timing criteria are outlined in the Department’s visa concessions. You can also verify your current visa conditions in VEVO.
Additionally, to be eligible for subclass 186 – Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS), applicants will have to meet the below requirements:
- Subclass 457: applicants need to have had two years full-time employment in the last three years with the same employer, or
- Subclass 482: applicants need to have had three years full-time employment in the last four years with the same employer.
Check the current TRT process and nomination settings here: Employer Nomination Scheme 186, including salary requirements, police certificates and visa pricing estimator or the current fees table.
The government has also announced a third short-term 482 visa is available onshore to assist with complying with the above requirements. See Home Affairs program updates and news: TSS and 186 TRT pathway changes. For historic 482 short-term stream details, refer to the short-term 482 visa page.
This pathway is available as of 1 July 2022, please get in touch with our team for a free eligibility check.
Please note, we are still waiting for additional criteria from the Department.
- Australian Border Force travel documents
- AFP National Police Check
- Parliamentary Library quick guide to TSS
- Department of Home Affairs
For a fast eligibility review and clear next steps, contact Jameson Law or call (02) 8806 0866.
