Now that we have entered the new fiscal year, Australia will make a series of changes to its visa policy. First, the visa changes will provide new pathways to permanent residence for Skilled Workers. Secondly, provide more work options for people coming to Australia for working h

Now that we have entered the new fiscal year, Australia will make a series of changes to its visa policy. First, the visa changes will provide new pathways to permanent residence for Skilled Workers. Secondly, provide more work options for people coming to Australia for working holidays. At the same time, the new visa policy will also provide graduates affected by the COVID-19 border closures with more opportunities to make up for the time they were excluded from Australia due to the epidemic.

Immigration lawyer Ben Watt said the changes were "exciting" and believed they were seen as a reward for some visa holders who persisted in staying in Australia during the epidemic.

Here are the key changes in the visa policy:

1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visas

(1) 482

Holders of this type of visa will find it easier to apply for permanent residence. As of March 31, there were 52,440 people in Australia holding a 482 visa or the related 457 visa.

From July 1, these visa holders can apply for the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) temporary residence transition visa, which allows skilled workers nominated by employers to live and work permanently in Australia. But this new channel is only available for two years from this date. Eligible candidates must have lived in Australia for at least one year between February 1, 2020 and December 14, 2021. Luke Edwards, associate solicitor at

Work Visa Law Firm, said the temporary change would make it easier for these temporary visa holders to live in Australia permanently.

(2) 457

The above changes also apply to 457 visa holders whose occupation is on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson told SBS News these special concessions are for highly skilled immigrants who choose to stay in Australia during the pandemic. This allows them to stay in Australia.

Another policy change affecting 457 visa holders is the exemption from age restrictions. This means they will no longer be subject to age restrictions when applying for permanent residency through the TRT system. But this policy, like the one above, only applies within two years from July 1. Meanwhile, 457 visa holders must have held their visa on or after April 18, 2017, and have been in Australia for at least one year between February 1, 2020, and December 14, 2021, to be eligible. exemption.

2. Temporary Graduate Visas

Starting July 1, temporary graduate visa holders who have been delayed due to COVID-19 travel restrictions can apply for a replacement visa. Applicants must hold a valid temporary graduate visa, or have previously held a temporary graduate visa that expired on or after 1 February 2020. At the same time, applicants must also be outside Australia between February 1, 2020 and December 15, 2021. The measure is expected to benefit approximately 30,000 current or former temporary graduate visa holders.

3. Working Holiday Maker Visas

During the epidemic, many people who expected to come to Australia for working holidays were blocked from the border. From July 1st, the working holiday quota will be increased by 30% as part of the 462 visa plan.

The new fiscal year also marks the implementation of the new immigration plan. More than 30,000 places will be added to the various routes for skilled workers into Australia. Labor has proposed a plan to push for a renewed focus on permanent residence pathways to combat the insecurities caused by rising numbers of temporary migrants.

However, in order to cope with the impact of the epidemic and the visa backlog, the original visa framework will have to continue to be implemented. Watt said people should not expect "dramatic changes" to the visa system immediately because of the change in government. He believes it will be at least a few years or 12 months before any direction or significant changes can actually be seen.