Australian Repealed visas

Australia’s visa system is intricate and subject to frequent adjustments. Over time, numerous visa subclasses have been abolished, replaced, or merged as part of ongoing reforms aimed at streamlining processes and aligning with evolving immigration goals. Below is an overview of discontinued Australian visas and the context behind these changes:

### 1. Abolished or Discontinued Visa Subclasses

Australia has phased out several visa subclasses in recent years, with several key examples including:

- Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457):

- Phased out in March 2018 and succeeded by the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482).

- This reform was introduced to prioritize Australian workers while ensuring skilled migration addressed critical workforce shortages.

- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489):

- Discontinued in November 2019 and replaced by the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491).

- The objective of this change was to encourage skilled migrants to settle in regional parts of Australia.

- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 187) – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS):

- Ceased in 2022 for certain streams, with revised pathways such as the Subclass 494 visa introduced to address similar needs.

- Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 132):

- Abolished in July 2021 and replaced by the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP), encompassing Subclass 188 and Subclass 888 visas.

- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Direct Entry Stream:

- Closed to new applications in 2019 as part of broader regional visa program updates.

- Skilled Graduate Visa (Subclass 476):

- While not entirely discontinued, this visa has undergone significant restrictions and policy adjustments over time.

- Other Phased-Out Visas:

Over the years, various temporary and permanent visas, including some family, business, and student visa subclasses, have been discontinued or consolidated into newer categories.

### 2. Rationale Behind Discontinued Visas

- Streamlining the Visa Framework:

The Australian government has implemented measures to reduce the number of visa subclasses, creating a more accessible and straightforward system for applicants and employers.

- Addressing Workforce Needs:

Abolished visas are often replaced with options that better reflect Australia’s economic priorities and labor demands, especially in areas experiencing skill shortages.

- Promoting Regional Settlement:

Many changes have been designed to encourage migrants to live and work in Australia’s regional areas, helping to alleviate congestion in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.

- Enhancing Integrity and Reducing Fraud:

Some visa subclasses were discontinued in response to concerns about misuse or fraudulent applications.

### 3. Currently Active Visa Subclasses

Despite the removal of certain visas, there remains a wide range of active visa options in Australia, including skilled migration visas (e.g., Subclass 189, 190, 491), employer-sponsored visas (e.g., Subclass 482, 186), family migration visas, and humanitarian visas. Staying informed about the latest visa options is essential for prospective applicants.

### 4. Steps to Take If Your Intended Visa is Discontinued

If the visa you were considering is no longer available:

- Research the replacement visa subclass and understand its eligibility criteria.

- Seek guidance from a registered migration agent to explore alternative pathways.

- Review other visa options tailored to your circumstances, such as regional, skilled, or employer-sponsored visas.