Employer-Sponsored 482 Visa Changes in 2024
The new Skills in Demand visa (former Temporary Skills Shortage 482 Visa)
In December 2023, the government released their migration strategy, whereby the new Skills in Demand visa was announced. This visa would replace the existing Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) 482 visa and enable full mobility and clear pathways to permanent residence.
The Department has indicated in its Action Plan that this switch will be implemented in late 2024. Unfortunately, no specific dates for when this will occur have been published.
What we do know from what the government has unveiled is that the visa’s features are:
- A stay of up to 4 years;
- There will be a pathway to permanent residence, and periods of employment with any approved employer will count towards permanent residence requirements;
- Three new streams will be introduced: Specialist Skills, Core Skills and Essential Skills.
Specialist Skills Pathway
This pathway is for highly skilled specialists to ensure Australia can quickly and efficiently recruit top talent in areas of need.
Specific eligibility criteria (in addition to the general visa criteria):
- in any occupation except trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers
- earning at least AUD$135,000 (the Specialist Skills Threshold) and no less than Australian workers in the same occupation.
- A median service standard of 7 days of processing
Core Skills Pathway
Most temporary skilled migrants will come through the Core Skills Pathway, designed to bring in the professional employees Australia needs now and in the future.
Specific eligibility criteria (in addition to the general visa criteria):
- whose occupation is on a new Core Skills Occupation List;
- who will be paid a salary at or above the 482 salary threshold, which is currently at AUD$73,150 base salary (called now TSMIT, but to be retitled the Core Skills Threshold);
- A median service standard of 21 days processing.
Essential Skills Pathway
This is a more regulated pathway for lower-paid workers with essential skills in the care and support economy to be sponsored.
Specific eligibility criteria (in addition to the general visa criteria):
- The government are still consulting States and Territories on how this program can be managed, so the details of this stream have yet to be fleshed out;
- Visa applicants may be earning a salary under the 482 salary threshold.
Other significant changes to this visa program are:
- Reduced Work Experience Requirement: Starting 23 November 2024, applicants need only have one year of full-time work experience in their nominated occupation or a related field to be eligible to apply. This is a significant reduction from the previous 2-year requirement;
- Increased Flexibility for Visa Holders: The government has extended the grace period for 482 visa holders who lose their employment, allowing them to work for up to 180 days while searching for a new sponsor;
- Labour market testing (LMT): there is a plan to streamline LMT to increase the validity of the advertising period from 4 to 6 months;
- Skilling Australian Fund (SAF): the government is exploring a model for employers to pay trailing SAF charges and fees rather than an upfront fee at the time of application;
- Sponsor public register: a commitment to develop a public register of approved sponsors to enable monitoring and oversight.
Understanding these changes is crucial for anyone considering a temporary employer-sponsored migration pathway to Australia. By staying informed and seeking professional advice, applicants can navigate this dynamic process and increase their chances of success.
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Written by Sofia Maniam and Sarah Mathew