News & Insights

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced yesterday the Hong Kong extradition agreement has been suspended. Travel advice for Hong Kong has also been updated. This has led to a decision to put in place additional visa measures to provide opportunities to Hong Kong nationals who have the skills and experience that would be of a benefit to Australia.

The Government will adjust immigration policy settings to provide a solution for Hong Kong nationals to remain permanently in Australia. This includes providing five-year visa periods with a pathway to permanent residence for Skilled and Graduate visa holders, for both those currently in Australia and for future visa applicants.

It is intended that the following changes will be implemented:

• If you are a current or future student, at the end your studies you will be eligible to be granted a five-year Temporary Graduate visa, which will have a pathway to permanent residency at the end of those five years.
• Temporary Graduate or Skilled visa holders will be able to obtain a visa for an additional five years from yesterday, in addition to the time they have already spent in Australia. This visa will have a pathway to permanent residency at the end of those five years.
• Australia will also provide a five-year visa with a pathway to permanent residence for future Hong Kong applicants for temporary skilled visas who meet the updated skills list and are able to evidence the appropriate labour market testing.
• A pathway to permanent residence after three years may be available to Hong Kong nationals who study and work in regional areas.

Currently, there are approximately 10000 citizens of Hong Kong currently in Australia as the holders of temporary visas.

We will provide further information when the Department of Home Affairs has released the relevant legislation.