Do you hold a Talent (Accredited Employer) or Long Term Skills Shortage visa?

If you do this article will be of interest.

First time work visa applications for either the Talent or Long Term Skills Shortage List (LTSSL) closed on 31 October 2021. If you wanted to apply for one of these visas and have not held one before then unfortunately that door is now firmly closed. If you lodged an application before the cut off date it will still be processed.

People wanting to move from one accredited employer to another can still do so even if the new employer’s accreditation status expired after 31/03/2021. An application for a variation of conditions to the work visa needs to be lodged and approved before switching employers.

Pathways to residence remain open for those holding a Talent visa. The basic rules remain the same which include that you have worked for an accredited employer (even if accreditation has now expired) for two years or more, paid at or above the minimum salary base (in some cases this will be $55,000 per annum and in other cases $79,560 per annum), employment remains full time, genuine and ongoing plus everyone in the family is of good health and character. English language requirements apply to some dependents.

Of course, the 2021 Resident Visa may provide a new quicker pathway to residence but if doesn’t then it is good to know the ability to apply for Residence from Work remains open. Anyone who already held a Talent visa before 31 October and lodged a residence application under Residence from Work can apply for further Talent visas. Until a resident visa is issued it is smart to keep all options open.

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