With four months behind us now we are taking the opportunity to give some feedback on the new 482 visa program.

1 Genuineness:  The test of genuineness is certainly being more tightly interpreted with the 482 visa.  We notice that when applying for 482 visas as opposed to 494 visas, for the same occupation, the evidence supporting genuineness for the 482 is required at a higher standard.

2 Further from point 1 above there seems to be a greater emphasis of showing why internal promotion of an Australian citizen or permanent resident was not available especially in management level occupations.

3 The promise of processing times within 28 days in no longer being met with average times now over two months.

4 Clients should note that the English language requirement for the 482 differs from the old program.  A score of 5 in each band of an IELTs test is now required (or the equivalent under another test).   We regularly see clients who are ready to apply but have not obtained a certificate to the new standard.

5 Employers shoud note that the Core Skills Income Threshold ($73,150) is indexed and will rise on 1 July 2025.

All in all however the program does seem to be an improvement over the old 482 program with a slightly more steamlined process in place.

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