Background
The Australian government previously announced its intention to
create additional pathways to permanent residency for people who
were present in Australia during the pandemic period. While the
details at the time of the announcement were not clear, it was
expected that Sc 482 visa holders in the Short Term stream would
have access to permanent residency.
The new instrument does create a limited pathway for
some of those individuals who have remained in
Australia through the pandemic and have, or obtain, a Sc 482 visa
in the Short Term stream from 1 July. However, the current
instrument does not provide a pathway for people in a number of
different circumstances, such as those who have applied for a Sc
408 or other, non-482 visas.
