Pathway via Temporary GSM Visas

The new GSM temporary visas can be stepping visas for the permanent residence employer nomination scheme visas. Here’s the detail[1]:

The subclasses 476 Recognised Graduate Visa and the 485 Skilled Graduate Visa[2] become ‘qualifying’[3] requisite visas for the subclass 855 Labour Agreement visa.

The 495 Skilled Independent Regional Visa, the 475 Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa, the 476 Recognised Graduate Visa, the 485 Skilled Graduate Visa & the 487 Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa become ‘qualifying’ visas for the subclass 856 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa & the subclass 857 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa[4].

Applying via these temporary visas stops the clock as far as the 45 age limit is concerned for the ENS visas.  If applying via these temporary visas the applicant will need the level of English consistent with the GSM scheme visas (ie IELTS 5 for vocational trades & 6 for other occupations) and the 4007 waiverable health criteria will apply at the permanent residence stage.

[1] See generally Migration Amendment Regulations 2007 (No 7) Sched 1, Items 97 to 119

[2] Migration Amendment Regulations 2007 (No 7) Sched 1, Item 97

[3] 855.212(4)

[4] The 495 SIR visa was already a qualifying visa for the RSMS 857 visa.