Subclass 482 Visa Policy Changes effective 24th November 2024

Subclass 482 Visa Policy Changes effective 24th November 2024

**Update**- Please note that the proposed changes to the 482 Visa outlined in this article have yet to be passed through the Australian parliament. Therefore, the changes to the 482 Visa are not confirmed and the old requirements still apply to the 482 Visa.

The Government has recently unveiled several major reforms to the migration system as part of the Federal Budget. One significant change involves reducing the work experience requirement for obtaining a Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa, set to take effect in late 2024, pending parliamentary approval.

Starting on 23 November 2024, assuming the changes are passed through parliament, applicants for the TSS 482 visa will only need to provide evidence of 1 year of full-time work experience in their occupation or a related field, down from the previous requirement of 2 years.

It’s important to note that if an applicant does not possess the necessary qualifications, additional work experience will be required instead. Several factors will also influence whether the work experience is adequate, including the type of qualification held, the skill level, and the recency of the work experience.

Other key changes to the 482 Visa are:

Removal of the 5-year time frame for work experience

A significant change is eliminating the requirement for work experience to be gained within the last five years. As a result, applicants can now factor in a broader spectrum of experiences, including those from earlier in their careers.

Flexibility around Casual Employment

In the past, casual employment did not count towards fulfilling the work experience requirement. However, this limitation has now been removed. The revised policy clarifies that work does not need to be full-time, enabling casual workers to use their experience to meet the work experience criteria.

Preference for Full-Time experience

Although full-time work experience remains highly valued and can significantly enhance an applicant’s profile, the policy now clearly indicates that it is not a compulsory requirement. This change offers applicants greater options and flexibility in showcasing their work experience.

Continuous Work Experience Not Required

The revised policy also specifies that work experience does not have to be continuous. This allows applicants to include experiences from various jobs or employment periods, enabling a more thorough evaluation of their skills and qualifications.

The recent modifications to the 482 visa work experience policy benefit applicants. By eliminating limitations regarding the duration, type, and consistency of work experience, the Australian government is facilitating the process for skilled workers to secure temporary visas and support the nation’s economy.