One of the highlights in Australian migration this year is undoubtedly the reforms in Sponsored Visa pathways. These changes have created exciting opportunities for people looking to make their dream of living permanently in Australia into a real possibility.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through sponsored visas, focusing on the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa and how recent immigration policy changes might affect your journey (Spoiler alert: It’s good news!). If you're already on the sponsorship track or aspiring to be, keep reading – this is for you.
PR Pathways for Sponsored Visas
Sponsored visas open several pathways to permanent residency, each offering its unique advantages:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS)(subclass 482): This is your express lane to PR through the 186 visa in just a couple of years. We'll delve deeper into this pathway shortly.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): Your employer can directly sponsor you for PR through this visa, or it could be your bridge from another visa to permanent residency, for example if you are already on a 482 visa.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494): Tailored for regional areas, leading to PR via the 191 independent pathway, this visa offers opportunities in regional Australia for that coveted permanent residency status.
- Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457). If you were a legacy 457 worker and held your visa on or after 18 April 2017, residing in Australia for at least 12 months between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021, you're eligible to apply for the 186 visa under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream until 30 June 2024. Notably, there's no age limit for legacy 457 workers. This visa was abolished on 18 April 2017 and replaced with the TSS visa. But recent legislative changes have also expanded PR opportunities for those who held legacy 457 visas.
The buzz around the 482 visa
The 482 visa has always been a fantastic PR pathway, but recent changes in Australia's immigration system have made it even more appealing. Here's why:
- Full-time work privileges: Unlike student visas that limit you to part-time work, sponsored visas enable full-time employment, setting the stage for professional growth. More, if you have a dependant, for example your partner, they are also entitled to full-time work rights.
- Reduced waiting time to PR: Instead of waiting for 3 years, new 482 visa holders now only need to wait for 2 years to apply for the 186 visa.
- More migration opportunities: Recent updates in immigration have expanded migration opportunities for current 482 or 457 visa holders. If you are under 45 years old, employed in a occupation listed under regional (ROL), short-term (STSOL), or medium and long-term (MLTSSL) lists, or covered under a Labour Agreement, you may apply for PR under the 186 visa via the TRT stream. You must have worked on the 482 or 457 visa with the same employer and occupation for at least 2 years.
- More time for your strategy: While on this visa, you've got time on your side. You can use it to plan a skilled visa application, reducing reliance on your current employer and shaping a more comprehensive migration strategy. You may have 2 or more strategies for PR when considering applying for a TSS 482 visa.
Skilled or Sponsored Visas: Which Is Better?
Both visa types can pave the way to permanent residency. The choice really depends on your opportunities, experiences, and visa requirements.
Sponsored visas can serve as a pathway or help you meet specific visa requirements. For instance, moving from a student visa to a sponsored visa not only allows for full-time work but also creates alternative pathways for future visas. If you don’t mind continuing your employment with your sponsoring employer, this visa may be an option for you.
Skilled visas can be strategic and, sometimes, happen faster than waiting for 2 years on a TSS 482 visa. But it can require meeting specific criteria, such as points-based assessments, proficiency in English, and an occupation on the skilled occupation list. On the plus side, they give you more freedom in job selection and do not tie you to a specific employer.
But, how about you take both options and go both ways?
Sponsored Visas: A ticket to PR?
The recent changes have made sponsorship an increasingly attractive option for those eyeing permanent residency in Australia. The rise in sponsor visa applications speaks volumes about these changes, and the numbers are only expected to grow. If you have a potential sponsor, taking that first step, asking about possibilities, and scheduling a chat with your employer are crucial for embarking on this promising pathway.
Need help with your 482 or 186 visa application or visa advice? Whether it’s choosing between a sponsored or skilled visa or helping you and your employer, our team is here to guide you. Get in touch with us today for personalised advice and expert assistance on your migration journey to Australia.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature, subject to change at any time and not intended to provide any sort of migration advice.