The federal government has announced two new permanent residence visa streams for Hong Kong, China and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders.
Immigration and Citizenship Minister Alex Hawke says the announcement shows Australia is delivering on its July 2020 commitment to providing a pathway to permanent residence for people from Hong Kong.
“These new visas will provide a pathway for temporary graduates and temporary skilled workers from Hong Kong currently in Australia on extended visas and will build on the already close family connections and economic ties with Hong Kong that have existed for many years.”
From March 5, 2022, eligible Hong Kong and BNO passport holders can apply to two new visa streams:
- Subclass 191 – the Hong Kong (regional) stream — 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.
- Subclass 189 – the Hong Kong stream — 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.
“These dedicated and simpler visa streams for Hong Kong resident will attract skills and talent and build business links, helping to boost productivity and create further job opportunities for Australians,” Hawke said.