The Australian Government is preparing to replace the 482 visa with the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa by the end of this year, as outlined in the Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023. Although the exact implementation date and complete details are yet to be confirmed, it is essential for sponsors and visa applicants to begin preparations immediately.
Take Action Now:
To avoid disruption from upcoming changes, we strongly advise lodging nomination and visa applications before mid-November 2024. Applications submitted before the introduction of the new visa are expected to be assessed under the current criteria.
Key Changes to Expect:
- Introduction of the Skills in Demand Visa:
- The 482 visa will be replaced with a new 3-tiered Skills in Demand visa system.
- The new visa will provide a 4-year temporary skilled worker pathway tailored to occupation and salary tiers.
- For more details, view our fact sheet [insert link here].
- Reduced Work Experience Requirement:
- Effective 23 November 2024, the work experience requirement will drop from 2 years to 1 year of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field, as announced in the Federal Budget.
- Recognition of Casual Employment:
- Casual employment will now count towards the work experience requirement, offering greater flexibility for applicants.
- Full-time experience remains preferred but is no longer mandatory.
- Extended Grace Period 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
- Apply for another visa
- Make arrangements to depart Australia
- During this period, visa holders can work for different employers, even in roles not listed in their original sponsorship.
- Visa holders will have up to 180 consecutive days or a total of 365 days during the visa period to:
- Removal of the 5-Year Work Experience Limit:
- Work experience no longer needs to have been gained within the past 5 years, allowing applicants to include a broader scope of their career history.
What to Expect During the Transition:
- Subclass 482 applications lodged before the introduction of the new visa are expected to be assessed under existing regulations.
- Businesses with Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approvals will likely be able to nominate workers under the new visa.
- Similar nomination and application criteria are expected to apply to the Core Skills Pathway of the new visa, resembling the current subclass 482 framework.
Recommended Steps for Sponsors and Applicants:
- Submit Applications Promptly:
- Lodge nomination and visa applications before mid-November 2024 to avoid being affected by the upcoming changes.
- Labour Market Testing (LMT):
- Act quickly to meet advertising requirements for sponsored roles. Contact us for guidance, as LMT requirements are detailed and specific.
- Renew Visas for High-Risk Occupations:
- Workers in high-risk roles (e.g., Café or Restaurant Managers) transferring to new sponsors should renew their visas now. This ensures they can accumulate the required two years of full-time work experience to qualify for the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream before possible removal from the skilled occupation list.
Stay Informed and Prepared:
With significant changes ahead, it is crucial to stay proactive. For expert guidance and assistance in navigating these updates, contact K1 Migration today.