New Skills in Demand Visa to Succeed the 482 Visa: Key Updates & Applicant Essentials
The Australian Government has announced that the 482 visa will soon be replaced by a Skills in Demand visa by year-end. Although specific details and the final launch date are pending, it’s advisable for both sponsors and applicants to start preparations early to mitigate any potential application delays.
Schedule a Consultation with RACC Australia
With these upcoming changes, now is the time to secure your application under the current guidelines for a smooth transition. Feel free to book a consultation with our experienced team at RACC, where we’ll ensure your application is prepared with established criteria and provide guidance from start to finish for a seamless process.
Main Updates with the Skills in Demand Visa
As Australia transitions to the Skills in Demand visa, the Government has rolled out several new guidelines, with more updates expected by mid-November. Here’s a summary of the major changes:
Revised Visa Structure for Skills in Demand.
The 482 visa will be phased out, making way for a three-tier system tailored by occupation and salary level. This restructured visa will provide a four-year temporary work pathway, aimed at addressing critical workforce needs across essential sectors.
Lowered Work Experience Requirement.
Update November 24th, 2024
Originally beginning November 23rd, 2024, applicants will only need one year of full-time experience in their field, down from the previous two years. As highlighted in the May 14, 2024, Federal Budget, this has now been delayed.
Inclusion of Casual Employment
Casual employment will now count toward the experience requirement, allowing more flexible pathways for applicants. While full-time experience is preferred, this change offers additional options for meeting eligibility criteria.
Extended Allowance for Employment Gaps
Visa holders will have up to 180 consecutive days (or a total of 365 days during the visa period) to find a new sponsor, pursue a different visa, or make arrangements to leave Australia. During this period, they may work outside their original nomination, offering financial stability during transitions.
Elimination of the 5-Year Work Experience Limit
Work experience no longer needs to fall within the last five years, broadening eligibility by allowing applicants to leverage a more extensive career history. This policy update is now reflected in the Department of Home Affairs guidelines.
For more insights on occupations in high demand, refer to Australia’s Occupation Shortage List.
Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) in Development
The Government is also drafting a Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) to prioritize roles vital to the Australian workforce, refining the skilled migration criteria in support of the Skills in Demand visa. Explore the draft CSOL to learn more about these critical roles.
Predicted Outcomes of the Skills in Demand Visa Rollout
While not definitive, the following outcomes are anticipated:
Applications lodged before the new visa launch may remain unaffected and will follow the current criteria.
The Department of Home Affairs might allow businesses to leverage existing Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approvals for nominations under the new visa.
The Core Skills Pathway within the new visa is expected to operate under frameworks similar to the subclass 482 visa.
Advice for Sponsors and Visa Applicants
File Applications Before Mid-November: To prevent delays, sponsors and applicants should file all applications by mid-November, as those lodged before the rollout are anticipated to remain under current guidelines.
Act Quickly on Labor Market Testing Requirements: With limited time for advertising, sponsors planning to hire foreign workers should advertise roles promptly. Consulting professionals can help ensure compliance with labor market testing criteria.
Priority for High-Risk Occupations: Those in high-risk roles (e.g., Café or Restaurant Managers) transitioning to new sponsors should renew their visas early to meet the two-year full-time work experience requirement for the subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream.
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