The Australian Government announced that starting from 23 November 2024, the work experience requirement for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa would be reduced from two years to one year. However, no legislative instrument has been issued to formalise this change.
482 visa changes delayed：
- In this year’s Federal Budget, it was announced that the Government would be reducing the work experience requirement from two years to one year for all applicants.
- For this change to come into effect, a legislative instrument would need to be released to amend regulations 482.221, 482.231, and 482.242. For now, no legislative instrument has been released to formalise the reduction in work experience requirements.
- The delay appears to be connected to the introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which also includes a one-year work experience requirement.
- The Department of Home Affairs has not provided a definitive commencement date for the SID visa but has indicated that it is expected to be released before the end of the year.
- Applicants who were relying on this change may now need to explore alternative visa options, wait for the changes to be implemented, or consider the upcoming SID visa.
Skilled Migration Updates from the Department of Home Affairs
A meeting between the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) and the Department of Home Affairs was held on 13 November 2024. During the meeting, the Department shared key migration updates:
- Skills in Demand and National Innovation visas: no start dates are confirmed for these programs, but preparatory fact sheets and resources are underway.
- Global Talent Visas: lodged applications and those with invitations will continue to be processed, while Expressions of Interest without invitations may shift to the upcoming National Innovation visa.
- Increased demand: lodgements rose by 70% compared to the previous year, slowing processing times. Recruitment and overtime are addressing this backlog, with a 28% increase in finalised cases reported this year.
- Non-decision-ready applications: applications with insufficient documentation are delaying outcomes. Outreach and training programs are being developed to help businesses submit stronger, decision-ready applications.
Although the TSS visa work experience change has been announced, its implementation remains on hold. As visa programs such as the SID visa approach launch, employers and applicants are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for upcoming reforms.
For further assistance or to discuss your migration options, please contact aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.
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