Australia: Migration pathways for Hong Kong SAR and BNO passport holders

Students who are Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and/or British National (Overseas) passport holders that are completing eligible tertiary studies in Australia can apply for a five-year Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa on the successful conclusion of their studies. Information on how to apply for a Student (subclass 500) visa is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Skilled Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and/or British National (Overseas) passport holders will be able to apply for a five-year Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) visa with a pathway to permanent residency.

From 5 March 2022, two new pathways to permanent residency will be available if you hold one of the above temporary visas and you meet other eligibility requirements.

For applicants who were usually resident in Australia for a continuous period of at least 3 years immediately before applying and who lived, worked and studied exclusively in a designated regional area for that 3 year period, while holding a qualifying visa.

For applicants who were usually resident in Australia for a continuous period of at least 4 years immediately before applying, and who held a qualifying visa during that period.

Applicants will not be required to meet occupational or skill assessment requirements. They will also not require any ongoing sponsorship, or nomination. However, they will have to meet the usual health, character and security requirements for the grant of a permanent visa.

The Australian Government is prioritising visa applications lodged by applicants who are Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and/or British National (Overseas) passport holders for certain visa under the Skilled Migration Program, including through the:

• Business Innovation and Investment Program
• Global Talent Visa Program

• Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)