Changes to the Sc 186 visa in the Temporary Resident Transition stream

Background

Following its pre-election commitments, the Albanese Labor government has implemented changes to the Sc 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ESN) visa programs to expand access to a greater number of Sc 482. The Amendments state the purpose of these changes is to increase the equity in the system by providing all Sc 482 visa holders with a pathway to permanent residency.

The key changes impact both Sc 482 visa Short Term stream and access to the Sc 186 ENS TRT stream. These changes address issues which arise from the cancellation of the Sc 457 visa program in 2018, such as the limitation on renewal of Sc 482 Short Term stream visas and the lack of a pathway to permanent residency for 482 Short Term stream visa holders.