Temporary Residency
Prior to the impact of the Global Financial Crisis, Australia offered a streamlined system of temporary residency visas. Although visas in this category remain unaffected by a quota system, the requirements have been significantly tightened.
The majority of temporary residence visas are directed towards the needs of the business community and provide for skilled workers to come to Australia for varying periods, initially up to 4 years. Most of these visas require sponsorship by an employer.
Holders of temporary resident visas do not generally gain access to Medicare or any other social security benefit. As they now have to hold private medical insurance in order to obtain a temporary resident visa, there is no cost to the Australian community.
