Big Changes to the TSS 482 Visa: Flexible Work Experience Rules for Skilled Workers

The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482), frequently referred to as the 482 visa or sponsored visa, permits Australian companies to sponsor qualified international workers to fill labour shortages. One of the primary eligibility requirements for this visa is relevant work experience in the applicant's specified occupation. Recent revisions implemented in August 2024 increased flexibility around the standards and extended applicants' eligibility.

Key Updates to Work Experience Requirements 

  • Inclusion of Casual Employment 

    Casual employment, which was previously excluded from consideration, is now recognized as valid work experience. Applicants can now count casual work, provided it is relevant to the nominated occupation. 

  • Part-Time and Casual Work Now Accepted, Full-Time Still Preferred 

    While full-time employment is still preferred, the new policy allows part-time and casual work to meet the visa’s work experience requirements. As long as the work is relevant to the occupation, applicants can still qualify without full-time positions. 

  • Non-Continuous Work Experience 

    Applicants no longer need to demonstrate continuous employment. Gaps in work history are now permitted, as long as the total duration of relevant experience meets the required threshold. 

Implications for Applicants and Employers 

These changes offer more flexibility for applicants with varied work histories, especially those in sectors where part-time or casual work is common, such as hospitality, retail, and healthcare. For employers, this opens up a larger pool of potential employees who may not have previously qualified under stricter conditions.

 

Other Visa Requirements Remain 

Although the work experience requirements have become more flexible, applicants must still meet other criteria, such as passing a skills assessment, achieving the required English proficiency, and ensuring their occupation is listed on the appropriate Skilled Occupation Lists

For those applying under the Medium-Term stream, which offers a pathway to permanent residency, the nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and the applicant must secure a positive nomination from their employer. 

Changing employer sponsorship on a Subclass 482 visa is feasible, provided you follow the necessary procedures and comply with visa conditions. To ensure you remain compliant with immigration regulations, consider all available options, including finding a new sponsor, applying for a different visa, or leaving Australia.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

These updates have shown us that the Department is allowing more applicants to be eligible and apply to address the skill shortages in Australia. For any professional legal advice on the subclass 482 visa and its eligibility requirements, contact us at Agape Henry Crux. Our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law and our team of immigration lawyers are specialised in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.  

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.  

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