A number of changes are being made to Australian visas from 1 July. Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, some important changes are taking place in some visa classes.

Changes to some visas in Australia from 1 July will make it easier for skilled workers to gain permanent immigration, provide more space for working holidaymakers, and compensate graduates who have been affected by the closure of the border due to Covid-19.

Ben Watt, a lawyer at the Visa-Envoy Migration Agency, said the changes would allow some people to recover from the damage caused by Covid-19.

Mr Watt added that the changes were being seen as a reward for some visa holders, especially those struggling to stay in Australia during this global pandemic.

Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482 visa holders can easily apply for permanent immigration.

From July 1, they will be able to apply for a temporary residence transition or TRT visa. These skilled workers, nominated by employers, will allow them to live and work in Australia permanently.

However, this new pathway can only be used for two years from now.

Luke Edwards of Work Visa Lawyers said the temporary changes would make it easier for visa holders to settle in Australia.

To qualify for this, they must be at least 1 year between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021.

A spokesman for the Department of Home Affairs told SBS News that highly skilled immigrants who stayed in Australia during the global pandemic would be able to stay in Australia as a “special consideration” and thus gain Australian citizenship at the same time.