Exciting Updates to the 482 Visa: More Flexibility in Work Experience Requirements

The Australian Government’s recent migration policy update brings great news for those looking to apply for the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa. In August, key changes were introduced that make the work experience requirements for the 482 visa more flexible than ever before. These amendments can make it easier for applicants to meet the eligibility criteria and open doors to a wider range of skilled workers.

Here’s what you need to know about the changes:

1. No More Restrictions on When Work Experience Was Gained

Previously, there was an expectation that applicants’ work experience needed to have been undertaken within the last five years. This requirement has now been removed, offering more flexibility for applicants who may have had gaps in their employment history or gained relevant experience further back in their careers. This change is particularly beneficial for those with solid industry experience who may have taken time off for personal reasons or career changes but still possess the skills needed for their nominated position.

2. Casual Employment Can Now Count

The old policy excluded casual employment from counting towards the work experience requirement. However, with the recent update, the restriction has been lifted, and applicants can now count casual work towards their total work experience. This change is especially helpful for individuals in industries where casual or part-time work is common, allowing them to leverage all relevant experience, regardless of the nature of their employment contract.

3. No Requirement for Full-Time Employment

While full-time work experience is still preferred and can strengthen an applicant’s case, the policy now clearly states that full-time employment is no longer a strict requirement. Part-time or even casual work is acceptable, as long as it’s relevant to the nominated occupation. The experience does not need to be continuous either, allowing applicants to combine various roles and periods of employment to meet the requirements.

What Does This Mean for You?

The new work experience policy makes the 482 visa more accessible, especially for workers who may have struggled to meet the strict requirements under the previous rules. Whether you’ve worked part-time, casually, or had gaps in your employment, you now have a better opportunity to qualify for a 482 visa, as long as your experience is relevant to your nominated position. You can also explore work visa options.

If you’re considering applying for a Subclass 482 visa or are in the process of preparing your application, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these new, more flexible requirements.