Department update for applicants for a subclass 186 (457 transitional stream) visa

After a long period of consultation with the Department, Carina Ford Lawyers is happy to announce that DHA has confirmed that its policy will be changing for 'transitional' 457 applicants for the 186 visa from 18 March 2018 to 18 March 2022.

The change is that decision makers can now accept 23 months as having satisfied the '2 years of work' requirement for these applicants.

This change will avoid 457 / 482 visa holders (and their employers) from having to apply for an additional TSS / 482 visa expressly for the purpose of ensuring that they have held a 457 / TSS visa for 'at least 2 years' before lodging their 186 visa nomination and visa application.

If you believe that you are affected by this policy change, please book an appointment with one of our lawyers.