The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482), often referred to as the 482 visa, plays a crucial role in addressing the skills shortage in Australia by allowing Australian businesses to sponsor skilled workers from overseas. One of the core eligibility requirements for applicants under this visa is to constantly prove relevant work experience in the nominated occupation. Recent changes introduced in August 2024 have significantly modified the requirements surrounding work experience, providing more flexibility for applicants.
Critical Changes to 482 Visa Work Experience Requirements
1. No Longer Limited to the Last Five Years
Previously, applicants were expected to demonstrate that their work experience was obtained within the last five years before applying for the 482 visa. This requirement has now been removed, meaning that older work experience can be considered valid for meeting the visa criteria, allowing applicants with older but relevant experience to qualify.
2. Casual Employment Now Counted
In earlier versions of the policy, casual employment was not counted toward fulfilling the work experience requirements. This has now changed. Applicants can include work experience gained through casual employment, as long as it is relevant to the nominated occupation, thereby broadening the scope of qualifying work.
3. Full-Time Employment is Preferred, But Not Required
While full-time employment is still viewed favourably and may strengthen an applicant’s case, the new policy explicitly states that full-time work is not required to meet the visa’s work experience criteria. This means that part-time or even casual employment can now help an applicant meet the threshold for eligibility, provided that the work performed is relevant to their nominated occupation.
4. Non-Continuous Work Experience
The policy has been further relaxed to allow for non-continuous work experience. Applicants no longer need to show an uninterrupted period of work; gaps in employment history will not disqualify them as long as the overall work experience meets the required duration and relevance to the occupation.
Implications for Employers and Applicants
These changes provide greater flexibility, particularly for applicants who may have had periods of part-time or casual work or those who took career breaks. The adjustments are especially relevant for sectors where part-time and casual work is more common, such as hospitality, retail, and healthcare.
For employers looking to sponsor overseas talent under the 482 visa, these amendments mean a broader pool of potential applicants who may not have met the more stringent requirements of the past.
Ongoing Eligibility and Other Requirements
It is important to note that while the work experience policy has become more flexible, applicants must still meet all other visa requirements, including obtaining a valid skills assessment if necessary, meeting the required English language proficiency, and ensuring their occupation is listed on the Medium-term or Short-term Skilled Occupation Lists.
For the Medium-Term stream, which grants a pathway to permanent residency, applicants must demonstrate that their occupation is on the relevant Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and have a positive nomination from their employer. For further information, please refer to: skilled occupation lists.
Final Thoughts
The recent amendments to the Subclass 482 visa work experience requirements reflect the Department of Home Affairs’ aim to adapt the visa system to current market needs and to make the process more inclusive for a broader range of applicants. These changes significantly benefit applicants with diverse work histories, allowing them to showcase a broader range of work experiences.
For those considering applying for the 482 visa, staying updated with the latest policies and ensuring that all work experience is well-documented and relevant to the nominated occupation is crucial.
To learn more about the 482 visa and its specific eligibility requirements, you can visit the official Department of Home Affairs website.
Contact Us for Professional Guidance Navigating visa requirements can be complex, especially with the evolving migration landscape. At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we provide expert advice and comprehensive assistance for visa applications. For more information or to book a consultation, please visit our website or book a consultation directly. Let us help you make your migration journey a success!
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