Australian Visa Changes 2022

Thanks to the Australian visa changes in 2022, Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa Holders now have new pathways to permanent residency. TSS subclass 482 visa holders can now apply for the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) visa.

To be eligible, you must be a skilled worker nominated by your employer and have been living in Australia between February 2020 and December 2021 for at least one year. This pathway will be accessible for two years from July 2022.

This change also applies to those on the Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) who are subclass 457 visa holders. These visa holders will also no longer be restricted by age.

For two years from July 2022, those who have held a 457 visa from or after April 2017 could be eligible for an age exemption.

Australian Citizenship Application

A minor change has been made regarding payment fees for those applying for Australian Citizenship. Where you used to be able to pay in a variety of foreign currencies, the application fees must now be paid in Australian currency.

Working Holiday Visa

Industries have been struggling since border closures locked out Australia’s working holiday makers. To rectify this situation, working holiday visas have increased by 30%, enabling a larger number of overseas workers to contribute to these industries by working and travelling within Australia.

Visa Application Charges

A small fee increase has been implemented as part of the Australian visa changes in 2022. As of July 2022, the visa application charge will go up by 3% which will be rounded to the nearest $5. This increase is in alignment with the CPI increase.

Student Visa Conditions

There has been a new condition (Condition 8208) imposed on all student visas. If your course or thesis relates to critical technology and you would like to change that focus, you must now get approval from the Minister.

Fair Work High Income Threshold

The Fair Work High Income Threshold has increased from $158,500 to $162,000.