Immigration update: Significant visa changes ahead for thousands of temporary workers

The federal government is set to overhaul the Subclass 482 visa, replacing it with a new Skills in Demand visa. Although the timeline and full details of the transition are still unconfirmed, an expert shares insights into the expected changes.

A new visa, called Skills in Demand, would have three targeted pathways, and visa settings that encourage migrant worker mobility in the labour market. Credit: Deepak Sethi/Getty Images

Last year, the federal government unveiled the Migration Strategy, signalling the end of the Subclass 482 visa in its current form and the launch of a new four-year temporary skills worker visa.

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The reform aims to align temporary skilled migration with immediate skills shortages and improve worker mobility, while refocusing permanent skilled migration to foster long-term economic growth.

The Department of Home Affairs told SBS Hindi "A new visa, called Skills in Demand, would have three targeted pathways, and visa settings that encourage migrant worker mobility in the labour market."

There were more than 17,000 visas granted in Subclass 482 category during 2023-24. Credit: Drazen_/Getty Images

The DHA said this pathway was "to make it easier for Australia to attract highly skilled workers, for example in the technology or green energy industries."

"New commitments include a Core Skills Pathway, new visa settings that give migrant workers more mobility in the labour market to help tackle worker exploitation and streamlined labour market testing and visa processing," the department said.

According to migration expert Seema Chauhan, one of the key changes would be the reduction of the work experience requirement for the Subclass 482 visa.

"Currently, to be eligible for this visa, an applicant must have at least two years of relevant work experience. From late November this year, this will be reduced to only one year," she said.

A key element of the Migration Strategy is the establishment of the Skills in Demand visa, which the government plans to introduce by the end of 2024. Credit: Stock Photo

"For those wanting to lodge the application should submit their visa applications before mid-November to avoid being impacted by the changes," she stressed.

In the 2023-24 financial year, the federal government issued over 17,600 visas to primary applicants under Subclass 482.

(Disclaimer: The information given in this interview is of general nature. This information may not be appropriate for your personal circumstances. Contact a migration expert for clear advice on your situation.)

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