Update for Working Visa Australia: Age Concession for Visa 457 and Visa Extension for Visa 482

The Australian government has announced two great news at the same time for working Visa Australia holders, especially for the sponsored-scheme working visa holders!

The first announcement is related to the age concession for specific Visa 457 holders and the second announcement is related to the visa extension applications for Visa 482 short term holders. Those updates are a response to the high labour demand in Australia.

Find the details below.

Age Requirement Concession for Visa 457 Holders

The Australian government announced to omit the age requirements to get the permanent residency for specific Visa 457 holders.

The Department of Home Affairs has ceased receiving any new applications for Visa 457 since 18 March 2018 and replaced the Visa 457 with Visa 482 since then. Visa 457 has a Permanent Residency Pathway either through applying for Visa 186 or Visa 187.

However, the age requirement to get Visa 186 or Visa 187 has become one of the biggest struggles for existing Visa 457 holders. The age requirement for visa 457 holders to be below 50 years old when they lodge the Visa 186 application.

Due to the struggles and the high labour demand in Australia, the Australian government decided to omit the age requirement in applying for a Visa 186 for certain Visa 457 holders. The certain Visa 457 holders are:

• Those who hold Visa 457 on or after 18 April 2017; and
• Were in Australia for at least 12 months between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021.

The new arrangement is applicable from 1 July 2022.

Read more: Changes for Visa 408 are in Place as Part of Australia Economy Recovery

Visa Extension Arrangement for Visa 482 Short Term Holders

The Australian government also put amendments for Visa 482 Short Term stream. The amendment is related to the current update from the Australian government that Visa 482 Short Term stream will have a permanent residency pathway to Visa 186 from 1 July 2022.

Regarding the new permanent residency pathway, the Australian government amended the regulation on Visa 482 Short Term stream that the Visa 482 Short Term stream holders may extend the visa onshore for the third time. So that you may extend your Visa 482 Short Term stream to meet the requirement for employer nomination for a visa 186 application.

This would be applicable to you if you were in Australia as the holder of a TSS visa in the Short-term stream for periods that total at least 12 months between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 and you make that further application before 1 July 2023 unless the Department specifies a later date.

Read more: Permanent Residency Requirements for Short Term Stream Visa 482 Holders

What does it mean to you?

It’s excellent news for you who hold a working visa in Australia!

Now you have a permanent residency pathway as a Visa 457 holder if you previously were not able to meet the age requirement. It might be a long wait for you to get the permanent residency pathway, and your waiting is paid off.

Also, as a Visa 482 Short Term stream holder, you have a chance to meet the requirement for a Visa 186 application. This means you will be able to get your permanent residency as a Visa 482 Short Term stream holder!

Are you looking for the best Working Visa?

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We fully understand that applying for a visa to Australia is certainly very complicated. It is even more challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will help you assess your visa options. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.

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Take the first step and get in touch with us. Our team members are professional, honest and speak various languages such as Mandarin/ Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us through email at [email protected] or via phone on 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.