Important Changes to the Subclass 482 Visa: Simplified GTE Policy & Flexible Work Experience Requirements

Catch Up on the Latest Immigration News - subscribe to the Migration Affairs Newsletter for regular immigration updates and resources.

Australia’s Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa has undergone key changes that streamline the visa application process.

If you're an employer looking to sponsor skilled workers or a visa applicant seeking opportunities in Australia, these updates, effective from August 2024, may significantly impact your pathway to working in Australia!

Simplified Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Policy for Subclass 482 Visa ?

As of 2 August 2024, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the Short-Term Stream of the Subclass 482 visa has been revised as follows:

• The GTE requirement is now assumed to be met unless there are specific concerns raised during the visa application process.
• Past visa holders with a string of temporary visas, or applicants who haven’t left Australia for long periods, will no longer face negative consideration under this policy.

However, the Department of Home Affairs will still assess GTE based on factors including:

• A history of visa cancellations or non-compliance of visa conditions of the applicant or their family member (except for certain Subclass 457 and TSS visa cancellations due to cessation of employment and the applicant was offshore).
• Inconsistent information provided in previous applications (e.g., declared occupations or employment history).
• Multiple unsuccessful (either withdrawn or refused) TSS visa applications, particularly if the nominated occupation, employment history, and/or education history is inconsistent.
• Applicants flagged in migration fraud reports or those with concerning immigration histories (e.g., prior visa refusals or non-compliance in other countries).

This change simplifies the GTE process, making it easier for eligible candidates to meet this critical requirement.

?? Work Experience Flexibility in Subclass 482 Visa Policy

The migration policy update in August 2024 introduced greater flexibility regarding the work experience requirements for Subclass 482 visa applications:

• There is no longer a requirement that work experience must have been gained within the last five years.
• The previous exclusion of casual employment from counting towards work experience has been removed.

Key changes include:

• While full-time work experience remains preferred, it is not mandatory to meet visa requirements.
• Both part-time work and non-continuous employment can now be used to satisfy the work experience requirements under Clause 482.221 of the visa regulations.

This update provides enhanced options for visa applicants, particularly those with varied employment histories, casual work experience, or employment gaps.

What These Changes Mean for Subclass 482 Visa Holders and Employers ??

These updates to the Subclass 482 visa process reflect a more efficient, applicant-friendly approach by reducing barriers to meeting both GTE and work experience requirements. Employers can expect faster processing and increased flexibility in sponsoring skilled workers, while applicants with non-traditional work backgrounds or casual experience will have a better chance of meeting the visa criteria.

?? Key Takeaway ?? Ensure your visa applications are accurate, complete, and reflect your full employment history to avoid any GTE concerns or discrepancies in work experience.

Stay Informed on Subclass 482 Visa Updates

As Australia's skilled migration landscape evolves, staying informed about visa policy changes is crucial. For expert advice on how these updates could impact your visa application or business, reach out to our team today.

Changes to the migration program can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.

Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice on the circumstances and eligibility.