Australian Immigration News: Updated Work Experience Requirement for the 482 visa, changes to NSW State Sponsorship (Subclass 190 & 491) and New Ballot System for Work and Holiday Visas (Subclass 462)

Australia’s immigration landscape has seen notable changes recently, especially regarding the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa, State Sponsored Subclass 190 & 491 and the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa programs.

Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa – Work Experience Requirements Made More Flexible

The Australian government has revised the 482 visa policy, amending the work experience requirements. Previously, applicants needed to demonstrate that their work experience was obtained within the last five years. However, this requirement has now been removed. This adjustment provides greater flexibility, allowing applicants to present work experience from a broader timeframe.

Additionally, the policy has removed the stipulation that casual employment could not be counted toward meeting the work experience requirement. This is a notable shift from past practices and recognises the value of diverse work experience. Under the new policy, while full-time work is preferred and can significantly strengthen an application, it is no longer a mandatory condition. The updated policy confirms that the work experience does not need to be continuous, providing even more leeway for applicants who might have accumulated relevant experience in various roles over time.

NSW State Sponsorship (Subclass 190 & 491) Updates

The New South Wales (NSW) State Government has introduced a few major changes for the 2024-25 Program Year. NSW will now release occupation lists for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas, streamlining the process and aligning it with the state’s economic priorities. The revised lists will emphasise key sectors like health, education, construction, and trades, demonstrating NSW’s strategic collaboration with industry stakeholders. The first round of invitations for the Subclass 190 visa are set for October, with additional invitation rounds occurring every 2-3 weeks until the allocation is exhausted.

2024-25 State Allocations

• New South Wales: 5,000 places
  • 3,000 for 190 visa nomination
  • 2,000 for 491 visa nominations

• Australian Capital Territory: 1,800 places
  • 1,000 places for 190 visa nominations
  • 800 places for 491 visa nominations

• Northern Territory: 1,600 places
  • 800 places for 190 visa nominations
  • 800 places for 491 visa nominations

• Queensland: 1,200 places
  • 600 places for 190 visa nominations
  • 600 places for 491 visa nominations

• South Australia: 3,800 places
  • 3,000 places for 190 visa nominations
  • 800 places for 491 visa nominations

• Tasmania: 2,860 places
  • 2,100 places for 190 visa nominations
  • 760 places for 491 visa nominations

• Victoria: 5,000 places
  • 3,000 places for 190 visa nominations
  • 2,000 places for 491 visa nominations

• Western Australia: 5,000 places
  • 3,000 places for 190 visa nominations
  • 800 places for 491 visa nominations 

Introduction of a Ballot System for Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) Visas

In response to high demand for the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa from specific countries, Australia has introduced a new pre-application ballot process for applicants from China, Vietnam, and India. Starting from September 16, 2024, individuals from these countries wishing to apply for their first Work and Holiday visa will need to enter this electronic ballot system.

Applicants must pay a registration fee of AUD 25 to enter the ballot, noting that if their application is accepted they will then need to pay that standard visa application fee of AUD 650.

For applicants from China, Vietnam, and India who already hold a first Work and Holiday visa, the new ballot system does not affect their ability to apply for subsequent visas. They can continue to apply for a second or third Work and Holiday visa through the existing online system. The ballot process will specifically apply only to first-time applicants from these high-demand countries.