Why Early Action is Crucial

The Australian Government is transitioning from the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa to the new Skills in Demand visa, with implementation to now be expected around February 2025. While the timeline and specifics are not fully confirmed, acting now can help sponsors and visa applicants avoid potential disruptions.

To ensure your application is processed under the current criteria, we strongly advise lodging all nominations and visa applications by mid-January 2025, at the latest.

What’s Changing?

Several significant updates have been announced in preparation for the Skills in Demand visa rollout. Here’s what employers and applicants need to know:

Introduction of a New Visa Framework

The Skills in Demand visa introduces a three-tier system based on occupation and salary, offering a 4-year skilled worker pathway to support Australia’s workforce needs.

Streamlined Work Experience Requirements

Expected in February 2025, visa applicants will need just 1 year of relevant work experience (reduced from 2 years). This change aims to make the visa more accessible to skilled workers globally.

Counting Casual Employment Toward Experience

For the first time, casual work will contribute to meeting work experience requirements. While full-time experience is still ideal, this offers more flexibility for applicants with diverse employment histories.

More Time for Employment Transitions

Visa holders will have up to 180 days consecutively, or a total of 365 days during the visa period, to find a new sponsor, change visas, or make arrangements to leave Australia. During this time, they can work in other occupations to support themselves.

Expanded Scope of Work Experience

Work experience no longer needs to have been gained within the past five years, giving applicants the ability to showcase a broader range of their professional achievements.

How These Changes May Impact You

While the transition to the new Skills in Demand visa is expected to streamline the system, some aspects remain uncertain. Here’s what to expect:

Existing Applications Protected: Applications submitted before the rollout are likely to be assessed under the current criteria, reducing the risk of disruptions for early applicants.
Standard Business Sponsorships to Remain Valid: Businesses with current SBS approvals should be able to use them under the new framework.
Similar Criteria for Core Skills Pathway: The new visa’s Core Skills Pathway may closely resemble the criteria for the current Subclass 482 visa.

Steps to Take Now

To stay ahead of these changes, here’s what sponsors and applicants should focus on:

Submit Applications Early

Lodge all pending nominations and visa applications before end of January 2025 to avoid potential impacts from the new visa framework.

Act Quickly on Labour Market Testing

Begin advertising for roles immediately to ensure compliance with labour market testing requirements. Contact us for guidance, as the criteria are precise and require careful navigation.

Renew Visas for High-Risk Occupations

For workers in roles like Café or Restaurant Managers, renewing their visas now is essential. This allows them to meet the required 2 years of full-time experience with their current sponsor, ensuring eligibility for permanent residency pathways under the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream.

Need Assistance?

These upcoming changes underscore the importance of careful planning and early action. At Sellanes Clark Immigration Law Specialists, we’re here to help you navigate the evolving skilled migration landscape.

For tailored advice or support, reach out to us at enquiries@sellanesclark.com or schedule a consultation today by calling 1300 99 88 88.