Upcoming PR Pathway Arrangements for STSOL and Flexibility for Visa 485
On 25 November 2021, the Australian Government announced the PR (Permanent Residence) pathway for STSOL (Short Term Skilled Occupation List). Additionally, the Government also announced upcoming changes for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa. These changes aim to support the returning of the international education sector as international borders reopen.
Find the details below.
What is STSOL (Short Term Skilled Occupation List)?
STSOL or Short Term Occupation Skilled Occupation List is one of the skilled occupation lists provided by the Australian Government. Skilled Occupation Lists are usually used as occupation measurements for Australian Skilled Working Visa.
STSOL is used for Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) Visa Short Term. It means, if you are planning to apply for TSS 482 Visa Short Term, you must make sure your occupation is listed on STSOL.
Find more about Sponsored-Employment Migration here.
Upcoming PR Pathway Arrangement for STSOL
Currently, there is no direct PR Pathway for STSOL. If you plan to get a Permanent Residency while your occupation is listed in STSOL, in some cases, one may apply for a TSS 482 Visa first, and when able to meet the requirements, then apply for a 494 Visa and later on access Permanent Residency through a 191 visa. Otherwise, if your occupation is listed in STSOL, you can apply for the General Skilled Migration program to obtain a Permanent Residency later on.
However, as per the announcement from the Australian Government, there will be upcoming changes where a direct PR pathway may be possible for you whose occupation is listed on STSOL. The Government will give further information on the requirements and pathway.
Read more: Australian Skilled Workers are Expected to Return to the Country by the end of 2021
Upcoming Changes for Visa 485
The Australian Government also announced upcoming changes for visa 485. The forthcoming changes are generally about flexibility for visa 485 holders who cannot travel to Australia within the Visa validity period due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The upcoming changes would mean:
- Replacement visas will be available for visa 485 holders who cannot travel to Australia due to COVID-19 international border limitations. Current and former visa 485 holders whose visas expired on or after 1 February 2020 will be able to reapply for a new subclass visa 485 with the same length of stay as their original visa.
- The Government will raise the period of stay on the visa 485 for Masters by coursework graduates from two to three years, bringing it in line with Masters by research graduates. Graduates of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector will also be eligible for a two-year visa 485.
- The new visa arrangements would also expand existing provisions for students and temporary graduates, allowing time spent studying online while studying abroad to contribute toward a temporary graduate visa qualification.
Find more about Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa here.
What does it mean to you?
If your occupation is listed on STSOL, you might find a direct PR pathway once the Government announces further information on the requirements and pathway.
Additionally, if you are an international student graduate, now you may be able to reapply for a visa 485 if your visa has expired. There will also be a longer visa validity period for Masters by coursework graduate. Following the new arrangements for Travel Exemption Australia, after 1 December 2021, if you are a holder of a 485 visa, you will be able to travel to Australia without a travel exemption, with the condition that you must be fully vaccinated.
Let’s explore your Permanent Residency Pathway with ONE derland Consulting!
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