Update (October 2026)
The COVID-19 concession period ended on 25 November 2023. In addition, since 14 February 2023 SHEV and TPV holders (and former holders) have been able to apply for the permanent Resolution of Status (subclass 851) visa, which does not require the SHEV pathway requirements to be met. For most SHEV holders the 851 visa is now the main path to permanent residence.
The Australian Government has provided concessions to SHEV holders seeking to meet the SHEV pathway requirements who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All SHEV holders (both current and former) seeking to meet the SHEV pathway requirements can count periods of time towards the pathway requirement if during a ‘concession period’ and while holding a SHEV, they:
- access Special Benefit payments, or
- are unemployed, or
- work outside a SHEV regional area in an essential service
The COVID-19 ‘concession period’ refers to the time period from 1 February 2020 until a future date yet to be specified due to the ongoing and unpredictable nature of the pandemic.
The reference to being ‘unemployed’ is a reference to the fact of not being engaged in employment.
This means that during a concession period, the following periods will count towards the SHEV pathway requirements:
- employment or study in a SHEV regional area, regardless of whether Special Benefit payments are received;
- employment outside a SHEV regional area in an essential service, regardless of whether Special Benefit payments are received;
- periods of unemployment (i.e. periods when the SHEV holder is not engaged in employment); and
- periods during which the SHEV holder receives Special Benefit payments.
What this means in 2026
The COVID-19 concessions above helped SHEV holders count time towards the SHEV pathway requirements while work and study were disrupted. They ended with the concession period on 25 November 2023. More importantly, since 14 February 2023 most SHEV and TPV holders no longer need the SHEV pathway at all, because they can apply for the permanent Resolution of Status (subclass 851) visa.
| SHEV pathway (with COVID-19 concessions) | Resolution of Status visa (subclass 851) | |
|---|---|---|
| Status now | Concessions ended 25 November 2023 | Open since 14 February 2023 |
| Who it suits | SHEV holders working or studying in a SHEV regional area | Most people who held, or had applied for, a TPV or SHEV on 14 February 2023 |
| Main requirements | 42 months of regional work or study while holding a SHEV, then a separate visa | Health, character and security checks; no regional work or study needed |
| Result | Access to certain other visas, for example skilled or family | Permanent residence, with a pathway to citizenship |
Do I still need to meet the SHEV pathway requirements?
Usually not. If you are eligible for the 851 visa, it gives you permanent residence without meeting the regional work or study requirement. Some people may still choose another visa for their own reasons, so get advice on your situation.
Can I apply for citizenship after the 851 visa?
Yes, once you meet the residence requirement: generally 4 years living in Australia on a valid visa, including 1 year as a permanent resident, plus the other citizenship criteria.
Can my family join me?
As a permanent resident you may be able to sponsor a partner or dependent child, subject to the usual visa requirements and processing priorities.
Next steps: if you hold a SHEV or TPV and have not yet applied for the 851 visa, check your eligibility and keep your identity and character documents ready. Read our 851 visa guide or book a consultation for advice.
