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Visa requirements and permanent residency options for South Africans
Are you a South African looking to gain permanent residency in Australia? If so, you may be considering the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482 Visa) or the General Skilled Migration Program. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but which one is the better choice for South Africans? In this article, we will compare the two pathways and discuss the best way for South Africans to gain permanent residency in Australia.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482 Visa)
The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa or the “TSS Visa” is designed for skilled workers who are sponsored by Australian employers. It allows a stay of up to four years but is not a direct pathway to permanent residence. To apply under the employer nomination stream, it is ideal to be between 40 and 41 as you need to work for three years and apply for the 186 visa before turning 45.
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa has some drawbacks that you should consider:
1. Temporary nature:
The TSS Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to work in Australia for up to four years. Unlike permanent residency visas, the TSS Visa does not provide long-term security or a direct pathway to Australian citizenship.
2. Employer sponsorship:
To be eligible for the TSS Visa, you need to be sponsored by an Australian employer. This means that your employment opportunities may be limited to the specific employer who sponsored you. If you lose your job or your sponsor withdraws their sponsorship, you may have to leave Australia.
3. Limited occupation options:
The TSS Visa is tailored to specific occupations that are in demand in Australia. If your occupation is not on the eligible occupation list, you may not be able to apply for the TSS Visa. This can restrict your options if you want to work in a different field.
4. No access to some government benefits:
While the TSS Visa provides access to certain healthcare and social security benefits, there may be limitations on the benefits you can receive compared to permanent residents or Australian citizens. This includes access to certain government-funded services and programs.
It’s important to take into account these drawbacks when making a decision whether the TSS Visa is the right option for you. You may want to explore other visa programs, such as the General Skilled Migration Program, which offers a more direct route to permanent residency in Australia.
General Skilled Migration Program
On the other hand, the General Skilled Migration Program is tailored for individuals with in-demand skills in Australia. The visa grants permanent residency, allowing the applicant to reside and work in Australia indefinitely and potentially obtain citizenship in the future. It requires an Expression of Interest (EOI) and skill assessment and offers a more direct route to permanent residency. For the Skilled Visa, it is important to apply before the age of 45 to ensure eligibility. However, if you are considering applying under the 491 Visa category, it is essential to note that age does not serve as a limiting factor or a cutoff point once the application has been submitted. This means that individuals who fall outside the typical age range for other visa categories can still explore the opportunity to apply for this visa subclass. By removing the age constraint, the 491 Visa category offers a more inclusive pathway for prospective applicants who may have previously felt restricted by their age in their pursuit of migration to Australia. This visa lasts five years and requires living and working in a regional area for three years.
Comparison and Analysis
If your ultimate goal is to secure permanent residence in Australia, the General Skilled Migration Program may be your best option due to the various advantages it offers. This program not only provides individuals with more independence, allowing them to have greater control over their future, but it also presents a wider range of occupation options, increasing the chances of finding a suitable job in your desired field. Moreover, one of the most enticing aspects of this program is the assurance of obtaining permanent residency status right from the beginning, without having to go through the hassle of temporary visas or uncertain immigration pathways.
Conclusion
After considering the advantages and disadvantages of the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa and the General Skilled Migration Program, it is clear that the best way for South Africans to gain permanent residency in Australia is through the General Skilled Migration Program. While the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa may offer certain advantages in specific situations, the General Skilled Migration Program provides a more stable and long-term pathway to permanent residency. It is important for South Africans to carefully consider their individual circumstances and consult with immigration professionals to make an informed decision.
Planning ahead is essential, particularly when considering age restrictions. For personalised assistance, get in touch with Andrew at +27 11 453 1229 or email him at [email protected].
To find out if you qualify, complete our Free Skilled Visa Assessment today!