The new Subclass 482 Visa | Changes for employers and skilled visa applicants
The 457 Visa was Australia’s most commonly used employer-sponsored visa program for more than 20 years and its replacement with the 482 Visa on 18 March 2018 has resulted in significant changes to the way in which individuals can be sponsored for a skilled visa.
If you are interested in sponsoring an employee under the 482 Visa, or if you would like to apply for an employer-sponsored visa, there are several new factors to consider. Here’s some of the main changes:
New requirements for employer-sponsored applicants
- Two discrete streams of the visa exist – a short and medium term stream. Only the medium term stream visa holders have access to permanent residence.
- Applicants must have at least two years of post-qualification work experience in their occupation unless exemptions apply.
- Applicants in the short term stream must demonstrate they meet ‘genuine temporary entrant’ requirements.
- Higher levels of English language is required and more rigorous character testing, including the need for police certificates.
New obligations for employers sponsoring visa holders
- Labour market testing is now mandatory unless an International Trade Obligation applies.
- Employers must pay the Australian Market Salary Rate – a new salary concept which stipulates how the ‘market salary’ rate can be determined (this is to require pay that is the equivalent of an Australian employee working in the same role).
- Employers will need to pay a contribution to the Skilling Australians Fund (subject to legislation passing). Legislation governing the Skilling Australians Fund is yet to be finalised, however we expect this to be implemented by mid-2018.
We’ve also prepared a Fact Sheet showing a summary of what has changed for businesses and individuals. For more information on the new character requirements or our recommendations on how to manage impacts on timing, view our additional fact sheets below.
TSS Visa Tool – Managing Impacts on Timing
TSS Visa Tool – Mandatory Character Requirements
TSS Visa Tool – Permanent Residence Pathways
Of course, as this only serves as a summary, we encourage you to contact our migration agents about the legislative changes that have occurred and how they may impact your business’ migration needs or your skilled visa options.
Speak to one of our registered migration agents by contacting 08 9221 3388 or contact visas@interstaff.com for a free assessment of your visa options.
