The new 482 Skills in Demand Visa has been introduced at the end of 2024. One major change is the criteria for required work experience.
Some might see the news saying that the work experience requirement has been reduced from the previous 2 years for 482 TSS Visa to the current ONE year
Is this really the case? Let us find out.
We shall first look at the relevant regulations:
482.23—Criteria for Core Skills stream
Note: These criteria are only for applicants being assessed against the primary criteria for a Subclass 482 visa in the Core Skills stream.
482.231
(1) The Minister is satisfied that:
(a) the applicant has carried out (whether on a full-time, part-time or casual basis) a period or periods of work in the nominated occupation or a related field; and
(b) the total period of work carried out is, or is equivalent to, at least 12 months full-time work; and
(c) the period or periods of work were carried out during the period of 5 years ending immediately before the day the application was made.
(2) The applicant has the skills, qualifications and employment background that the Minister considers necessary to perform the tasks of the nominated occupation.
(3) If the Minister requires the applicant to demonstrate that the applicant has the skills that are necessary to perform the tasks of the nominated occupation, the applicant demonstrates that the applicant has those skills in the manner specified by the Minister.
To summarise Reg 482.231 (1), the applicant is required to have 1 year of full-time or equivalent (whether on a full‑time, part‑time or casual basis) work experience in the past 5 years in the nominated occupation or a related field.
So, on face value, the requirement has indeed changed from the previous 2 years to 1 year.
Further, a couple of things will need to be highlighted as well:
- Equivalent Part-time and Casual jobs are now accepted in the regulation.
- 1 years work experience is time of application criteria – unlikely the previous 2-year experience requirement is time of decision criteria
Is this all? We should also take a closer look at Reg 482.231(2). Based on the relevant policies, this is generally referred to ANZSCO guidelines for occupations.
For example, for occupation 225113 Marketing Specialist, ANZSCO says that the occupation should have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree. Further, it says, at least five years of relevant experience can substitute for the formal degree.
So essentially, even on face value, the work experience requirement is only ONE year, but this is based on the situation when the applicant has a relevant required qualification. Without the qualification, MORE experience is required. In this case, if the applicant does not have a bachelor degree, then 5 years relevant work experience is required instead of one.
To summarise, when checking if you have sufficient work experience to meet the 482 Visa requirement, you should take a holistic approach and consider both your work experience and your education background.