Look, if you hold a TSS visa or you sponsor TSS workers, the government just handed you something significant. The permanent residency pathway opened up in 2023. Wider access. Shorter wait times. But there is a catch on salary.
The TRT Stream Is Now Open to Everyone
The Temporary Residence Transition stream of the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme used to be locked behind specific occupation lists. If your job was not on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, you were out of luck.
That restriction is gone. Every TSS visa holder now has access to the TRT stream, as long as their employer is willing to sponsor them for permanent residency. Your occupation does not need to be on any particular list anymore.
Two Years Instead of Three
Here is the other change that matters. The eligibility requirement dropped from three years to two years with your sponsoring employer. That is a full year less waiting.
Two years of work. Then you can apply for PR. That is the new timeline.
No More Limits on Short-Term Stream Applications
Previously, if you were on the Short-term stream, you could only apply a certain number of times while onshore. The government scrapped that. You no longer have to leave Australia to lodge another visa application.
TSMIT Jumped to $70,000
From 1 July 2023, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold increased from $53,900 to $70,000. That is a 30% jump.
Any nomination lodged after 1 July 2023 must meet the new threshold of $70,000, or the annual market salary rate if that is higher. If your nomination was lodged before 1 July 2023, the old threshold still applies. Existing visa holders are not affected.
What This Means If You Hold a TSS Visa
You now have a clearer and faster pathway to permanent residency. Two years with your employer, and you can apply for the TRT stream. Your occupation does not matter anymore.
But your salary does. If your employer is paying you less than $70,000, that needs to change before a new nomination can be lodged. Check where you stand against the new skilled visa requirements.
What This Means If You Sponsor TSS Workers
You can now sponsor workers for permanent residency across a much wider range of occupations. But you need to pay at least $70,000 or the market rate, whichever is higher.
More flexibility to retain your skilled workers. Higher salary obligations to do it.
What Should You Do Now?
If you are on a TSS visa and have been with your employer for two years, the TRT stream may be open to you now. Check your eligibility. If you are an employer, review your sponsored workers' salaries against the new TSMIT before lodging any nominations.
Not sure where you stand? Book a consultation and let us work out your options.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on your specific circumstances, book a consultation.
