Effective 01 November 2021, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, announced new pathways to Australian permanent residency for people from Hong Kong.
In its commitment to strengthen ties with Hong Kong, the Australian government has introduced two new permanent residence visa streams, applicable to Hong Kong passport holders and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders.
Currently, Hong Kong and BNO passport holders can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 after studying in Australia and meet the eligibility requirements, with a validity of up to 5 years. Similarly, (if eligible) Hong Kong and BNO passport holders can apply for the Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa Subclass 482, and are granted a validity period of 5 years.
These new visas provide the opportunity for temporary graduates and temporary skilled workers from Hong Kong to permanently settle in Australia, having already developed ties in Australia during their extended stay here. The pathways will commence from 05 March 2022, and the following criteria must be met:
- Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa Subclass 191 – the Hong Kong (regional) stream
This is for primary visa holders who were usually resident in Australia for a continuous period of at least three years immediately before applying and who lived, worked and studied exclusively in a designated regional area for that period, while holding the qualifying visa. - Skilled independent Visa Subclass 189 – the Hong Kong stream
This is for primary visa holders who were usually resident in Australia for a continuous period of at least four years immediately before applying, and who held the qualifying visa during that period.
If you need assistance with planning out your migration pathway under these visa subclasses, please feel free to send us an enquiry or call our offices to book an appointment with one of our registered migration agents.