Petition to the Minister of Immigration: A fair go to permanent residency for temporary residents living in Australia

Since arriving in Australia in 2012, this country has been my home. Over the past 12 years, I’ve only spent 11 months overseas. My time here has been defined by hard work, studying, navigating complex visa pathways, and contributing to the community. I earned my degree here, worked throughout the pandemic without government financial support, and committed to the employee-sponsored visa pathway, enduring redundancies and setbacks along the way. Despite these challenges, my goal has always been to build a permanent life in Australia.

This journey isn’t solely about me. It’s about being a responsible, contributing member of Australian society. I’ve volunteered with dog rescues, led donation drives for families affected by the 2019-2020 bushfires, and dedicated myself to supporting the community that welcomed me. Now, due to recent changes in skilled visa requirements, I face the heartbreaking prospect of leaving the country I call home.

Through this petition, I seek support to advocate for a fairer and more compassionate approach to permanent residency applications. These new rules don’t only impact me—they affect countless others who have worked hard to build lives in Australia. As of 2020, over 7.5 million people living in Australia were born overseas, underscoring the significant contributions immigrants make to this country.

Australia’s cultural diversity deserves recognition and protection. I urge the government to consider permanent residency cases on an individual basis, assessing each person’s contributions and dedication to the nation. Immigrants are more than points on a system; we are real people who bring skills, commitment, and service to Australia.

After 12 years, working in industries with skill shortages, supporting regional areas, and contributing to my community, I face the possibility of being forced to leave due to uncontrollable changes in visa regulations.

I ask the Australian Government to review cases like mine individually and provide alternative paths to permanent residency for those who have dedicated their lives to Australia. This isn’t just my story; it’s a call for fairness and recognition for the many immigrants who help shape Australia.