By Sharon Kan, Australian-qualified lawyer and Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1387899), ASG Immigration, Sydney Australia
On 9th July, the Australian Government announced that Hong Kong nationals would be able to access a five-year visa and a pathway to Australian permanent residence. Further announcements were made on 17th July and you can read about those by clicking here
Last week the Australian Government implemented the first of these announced changes. Holders of existing Temporary Work Skilled (subclass 457), Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas will have their visas automatically extended until 8th July 2025. These changes only apply to visa holders who held Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports (not British National Overseas passports) at the time of their current visa grant, as well as their included dependent family members (regardless of what passport the family members hold).
Furthermore, Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visas granted to HKSAR passport holders from 9th July 2020 will be granted for a validity period of five years. This appears to apply regardless of which occupation list (i.e. short or medium-long term) the person is nominated under.
ASG expects that the pathways to permanent residence for these visa holders/applicants will be announced at a later date.
By Sharon Kan, Australian-qualified lawyer and Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1387899), ASG Immigration, Sydney Australia
ASG Immigration offers advice and practical assistance to a variety of clients, including multi-national corporations, SMEs, entrepreneurs, investors and high net worth individuals.
