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1 May 2018

The new Subclass 482 Visa | Changes for employers and skilled visa applicants

For over 20 years, 457’s were Australia’s most commonly used employer-sponsored visa program.

Its replacement with the 482 Visa has resulted in significant changes to the way in which individuals can be sponsored for a skilled visa and there are now several new factors to consider.

Here’s some of the main changes:

New requirements for employer-sponsored applicants

– There are two discrete streams of the 482 Visa – a short and medium term stream. Only 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 are 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. This is a new salary concept stipulating how the ‘market salary’ rate is determined. It will require employers to pay the visa holder the equivalent of an Australian employee working in the same role.

– Employers will also need to pay a contribution to the Skilling Australians Fund (subject to legislation passing). We expect the legislation governing the Skilling Australians Fund to be finalised and implemented by mid-2018.

We’ve also prepared a Fact Sheet showing a summary of what has changed for businesses and individuals. However, 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 6263 4406 or contact hello@immigracious.com.au for a complimentary visa assessment.


Sheila Woods

Posted by: Sheila Woods

A very experienced migration agent, Sheila has always been fascinated by this field. Her university degree thesis was on Australia’s post-war immigration history (and it earned her first-class honours).


Filed in: Visas

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