Allow me to paint a picture:

You were granted your 457 visa a few years ago and remember someone telling you that you can apply to become a Permanent Resident (PR) before your 457 expires. You love Australia and you really want to continue living here but your 457 visa is close to expiry. What do you do next?

If this is your story, you would naturally have concerns that the recent introduction of the new 482 visa on 18 March 2018 might affect your transition from a 457 visa to PR.

Therefore, I would like to address this FAQ – “how does the abolishment of the 457 visa affect me as a current 457 visa holder?”

Essential Date To Note – 18 April 2017

Depending on when your 457 application was lodged, you may not be affected by the seemingly stricter 482 to 186/187 (PR visa) transition.

The date we are talking about here is the date you lodged your 457 application, not when it was granted.

If you lodged your 457 application on or before 18 April 2017, even if the grant came later, you’re safe!

As long as you have worked for the sponsor for 2 years and if they wish to continue sponsoring you, you may have a pathway to become a PR under the 457 to 186 transition stream.

457 Visas Lodged On Or After 18 April 2017

To qualify for PR under the 186/187 transition stream:

  1. Occupation must be on the Medium-to-long-term list
  2. Level of Competent English language is now a requirement unless exempt
  3. Age limit lowered to 45 to get PR
  4. Years of work experience increased from 2 to 3

Note: 482 Visa does not have an age limit but if you are 45 and above, then there will be no PR pathway via the 186/187 transition stream.

Also, please seek advice before making any job switch as it might affect your eligibility for PR!

Conclusion

With the introduction of the 482 visa, there are now 3 categories of people holding this work visa:

  1. 457 visa lodged before 18 April 2017 – Also known as “Grandfathering Provision”
  2. 457 visa lodged on or after 18 April 2017 – Also known as “Transitional Period”
  3. 482 visa lodged on or after 18 March 2018

If you are one of the above, we urge you to seek advice at the soonest to put your mind at ease.

We’ll take you through the process so you don’t have to do it alone. Get in touch with us right away!