Planning Your Application: Timing and Strategy for Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa
When applying for a Skills in Demand (SID) (subclass 482) Visa, you will need to provide additional documents alongside your application, such as a
Positive skills assessment for your occupation,
Evidence of having relevant work experience.
It is important to keep in mind the timing of each part of your application, as you will need to ensure that these documents do not ‘expire’ when your application is made. If you are looking to transition into a permanent visa afterwards, it may also be possible to reuse your previous skills assessment and English results for a future Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) Visa.
Why is the timing of lodging an application important?
For a subclass 482 visa, you will need to both lodge a visa application and have your sponsoring employer lodge a nomination application. You do not necessarily need to lodge both of these at the same time. However, you will need to send your visa application within 12 months of the nomination being approved. Additionally, if an ENS (SC 186) visa - a permanent visa is your objective, be aware that applicants must be under 45 years old to apply for the Direct Entry Stream and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
Related: Is Your Company at Risk of Adverse Information for a Nomination Application?
How long is my skills assessment relevant?
A skills assessment will be relevant for a period of 3 years prior to your visa application. You can find the relevant assessing body for your nominated occupation under IMMI 18/039. After working for 2 years under the subclass 482 visa, you can apply for a subclass 186 visa with the same sponsor. Although a skills assessment is not mandatory for a subclass 186 visa, you may be asked to provide one. If you receive a skills assessment shortly before lodging your subclass 482 application, it will likely also be valid for your subclass 186 application.
How long is my English test relevant for?
Similarly, your English results will be valid for a period of 3 years after taking the test. You can find the score requirements for each English language test under LIN 24/099. It is important to keep in mind that if you want to apply for a subclass 186 visa, you will need to demonstrate that you have ‘competent English’. The exact score requirements for this can be found under section 5 of IMMI 15/005. Generally, the English requirements for a subclass 186 visa will be slightly higher than those for a subclass 482 visa. As such, you should aim for a higher score than needed under LIN 24/099, as it could allow you to reuse your test result.
Do I have enough work experience?
For a subclass 482 visa, you will need to have completed at least 12 months of full-time work in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation. If you do not work full-time, you will need an equivalent amount of time done on a part-time or casual basis. This work must be done within 5 years of making your application.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
It is always a good idea to plan for your objective so you can know what to do next for your visa pathway. Reach out to one of our immigration lawyers at Agape Henry Crux for a tailored strategy session. Our team works with 2 of our Accredited Specialists Immigration Lawyers (s) who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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