The recent changes to Australia’s occupation lists have sparked concerns among visa applicants, particularly regarding the removal of certain occupations and the introduction of new caveats. While these changes significantly impact some visa categories, it’s essential to clarify that they do not apply to individuals preparing for or lodging the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream.
This is fantastic news for Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream candidates, and the Department of Home Affairs has also introduced additional, welcoming updates to support applicants pursuing permanent residency through this pathway.
Who Can Access the 186 ENS TRT Stream?
The 186 ENS Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream is accessible to individuals who:
- Hold, or have held, a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa or a 457 visa for at least two years;
- Have worked for their sponsoring employer or in a related field during this period; and
- Meet the age, skill, and work experience requirements as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs.
This pathway is designed to help eligible temporary residents transition to permanent residency in Australia.
Key Updates Benefiting 186 ENS TRT Stream Applicants
- Expanded Recognition of Sponsored Employment
Applicants can now count all periods of sponsored employment towards meeting the two-year work experience requirement. This change is not restricted to employment with the current nominating sponsor. - Inclusive Consideration of Related Work Experience
Work experience in a related field or promotions within the applicant’s career are now considered valid towards fulfilling the work experience requirement. This provides greater flexibility for individuals who have grown and developed their careers during their time in Australia. - Evidence Provided by Applicants, Not Employers
The responsibility to provide evidence of meeting the work experience requirement now lies with the applicant, not the nominating employer. This shift allows applicants to take greater control of their application process. - Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) Introduced
The CSIT has replaced the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). While the CSIT remains the same amount at AUD 73,150 (indexed annually), this adjustment reflects an evolution in policy terminology and ensures income thresholds align with core skill requirements.
- Age Exemptions Remain in Place
Applicants under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa can still benefit from age exemptions for regional medical practitioners and high-income earners. For those without exemptions, the age limit remains younger than 45 at the time of application. - Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Clarification
The changes to the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream do not affect the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa, which closed in 2019. Certain transitional groups, however, retain access to this program under specific, limited circumstances.
What This Means for You
If you are applying for the 186 ENS visa under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream, you are not impacted by the recent occupation list changes or the newly introduced caveats. Instead, these updates provide increased opportunities and more flexibility for you to meet the application requirements.
The Department’s changes reflect a more applicant-friendly approach, recognising diverse work histories and easing some of the burdens traditionally placed on nominating employers.
Preparing Your Application
As with any visa process, ensuring compliance with all requirements is critical. With these positive changes, it’s an excellent time for Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream applicants to move forward confidently with their plans for permanent residency.
If you have questions about how these updates apply to your situation or need assistance with your 186 ENS visa application, contact Kris Ahn Lawyers and book a consultation with us. Our experienced team can guide you through the process and ensure your application is prepared to the highest standard.
Conclusion
The recent changes to the occupation lists have created challenges for many visa applicants, but they have no impact on the 186 ENS visa Temporary Residence Transition stream. With these welcoming updates, the Department of Home Affairs has provided greater clarity, fairness, and opportunity for skilled workers transitioning to permanent residency in Australia.
Now is the time to take advantage of these improvements and secure your pathway to becoming a permanent resident. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your migration goals.
For expert guidance and personalised support, contact Kris Ahn Lawyers today. Explore our resources for more insights on migration policies:
Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice
The information provided in this blog post/article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create a representative-client relationship. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content may not reflect the most current legal developments or specific circumstances.
Do not rely solely on the information presented here – but please book in a consultation with us to see how you this information applies to you and may benefit you. Any reliance on the material in this post is at your own risk.
Australian immigration law is arguably one of the most complex laws in Australia. Seek professional legal advice tailored to your individual needs before making any decisions based on the content of this post.
