Exemption Categories

Academic Applicants

Nominated by an Australian university for a position at academic Level A through E, in the occupation of University Lecturer (ANZSCO 242111) or Faculty Head (ANZSCO 134411). Does not apply to TAFE colleges, affiliated institutions, or non-academic roles at universities. The University Lecturer occupation covers a broad range of research and teaching roles regardless of direct teaching time. The five levels are: Level A (Assistant/Associate Lecturer, Research Fellow, Demonstrator), Level B (Lecturer, Research Fellow), Level C (Senior Lecturer, Senior Research Fellow), Level D (Associate Professor, Head of Department, Principal Research Fellow), Level E (Dean, Head of School, Professor).

Legacy 457 Workers

Held a Subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017, was in Australia for at least 12 months between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021, and applied for the Subclass 186 on or before 30 June 2024. Designed to support skilled migrants who worked in Australia through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regional Medical Practitioner Applicants

From 25 November 2023 — nominated for a position in a designated regional area and was employed as a medical practitioner in a designated regional area while holding a Subclass 457 or 482 visa for at least 2 years in the 3 years before lodgement. The 2 years need not be consecutive. May need to provide evidence of location during the period.

Science Applicants

A researcher, scientist or technical specialist nominated in an ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 occupation by a Commonwealth or State/Territory science agency or Australian university. Examples of qualifying agencies include CSIRO, ANSTO, the Australian Astronomical Observatory, the National Measurement Institute, IP Australia, Questacon, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, the Defence Science and Technology Group, the Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, and the Bureau of Meteorology. Research must be part of the applicant's official duties. Does not apply to non-research roles (such as accountants or HR staff at science organisations), applicants nominated by commercial sub-contractors of government agencies, or science organisations at local government level.

Subclass 444/461 Worker Applicants

Worked for the nominating employer in the nominated occupation for at least 2 years in the 3 years before applying, while holding a Subclass 444 (Special Category) or Subclass 461 visa for almost all of that period. Paid leave counts as time worked. Unpaid leave does not. The 2 years can be consecutive or non-consecutive. Overseas training fully arranged and paid for by the nominator counts. Overseas work on behalf of the nominator counts if the role requires such work and full salary is paid throughout. Evidence includes PAYG summaries, payslips and a detailed employer statement covering commencement date, paid and unpaid leave, and overseas travel.