The Australian Government is making significant changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visas. These changes, scheduled to begin on 25 November 2023, are designed to simplify and expedite the pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers.
The key changes include:
- Removing the limit on the number of Short-term stream TSS visa applications that visa holders can make in Australia. This will provide TSS visa holders with more flexibility and certainty in their planning.
- Expanding eligibility for the TRT stream to include holders of all TSS visa streams, including Short-term and Labour Agreement stream holders. This will give employers more flexibility in nominating workers for permanent residence.
- Removing the requirement for nominated occupations for the TRT stream to be assessed against a skilled migration occupation list. This means that any occupation listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) will be eligible for nomination under the TRT stream.
- Reducing the period of time a TSS visa holder must hold their visa and work in their nominated position or occupation to be eligible to be nominated by their employer for the TRT stream from three years to two years. This will make it easier for TSS visa holders to apply for permanent residence.
The Australian Government believes that these changes will make Australia a more attractive destination for skilled workers and their families, and will help to support the Australian economy.
Key takeaways:
- TSS visa holders will be able to apply for multiple Short-term stream visas without having to leave Australia.
- Employers will be able to nominate holders of all streams of TSS visas for the TRT stream.
- Any occupation listed in the ANZSCO will be eligible for nomination under the TRT stream.
- TSS visa holders will only need to hold their visa and work in their nominated position or occupation for two years to be eligible to be nominated for the TRT stream.
Note : These changes are subject to the approval of regulation changes.