Changes to the Australian 457 work visa - FAQ
The Federal Government has made several changes to Australian work visas this year which can often be confusing and complex. This is a follow up to our blog post about changes to the 457 working visa in Australia.
Luckily at Wavelength, we have an experienced in-house Regulatory and Migration team to provide migration expertise for Doctors. Our Registered Migration Agents have provided the below FAQ to guide you through the recent changes.
Is the 457 work visa still in effect?
The 457 visa was made redundant as of the 18th March 2018. It has been replaced by the TSS visa – Subclass 482.
What happens if I am the holder of a 457 visa? Can I apply for another work visa?
Anyone with a 457 visa can still continue to work in Australia until the expiry date of their 457 visa.
If your occupation is still on the immigration occupation list, you can apply for a new work visa which is the TSS visa – Subclass 482
How long will my new Subclass 482 visa be valid for?
Depending on your occupation, you may be eligible for a 2-year work visa (if your occupation is on the short term skilled occupation list), or you may be eligible for a 4-year visa (if your occupation is on the medium and long-term strategic skills list).
Does the visa have any work experience requirements?
Yes, you will need to provide evidence that you have worked in the nominated occupation, or a related field, for at least two years.
Can I work part-time on the Subclass 482 visa?
The 482 visa is a full-time visa and therefore requires the applicant to work on a full-time basis.
Does the 482 visa have an age requirement?
No there are no age requirements for the Subclass 482 visa
Are there age requirements that apply when applying for permanent residency?
Yes, if you are applying for an Employer nomination or a Skilled visa application, the age limit at the time of application is under 45 years of age.
Are there age exemptions that apply?
Yes, the following age exemptions will apply for medical practitioners:
- you are applying through the Temporary Residence Transition stream and have been working for your nominating employer as the holder of a TSS or subclass 457 visa for the last three years and your earnings were at least equivalent to the Fair Work High Income Threshold Fair Work High Income Threshold for each year over that period
OR
- you are a medical practitioner and you meet all of the below:
- you have been working in your nominated occupation as the holder of a TSS or subclass 457 visa for at least three years immediately before applying
- for two of those years, you were employed in regional Australia
- the nominated position is located in regional Australia
What are the fees for the 482 TSS visa?
Fees for this visa are dependent on the stream applied for. There is a short-term stream and a medium-term stream, and you apply for the stream that your occupation is listed on.
There was a very slight increase in the fees as of 1 July 2018.
Short-Term stream: Visa granted for up to 2 years only
NEW FEES: $1175 per applicant 18 years and over / $295 per applicant under 18 years of age
(Prior to 1 July 2018 it was $1150 main applicant and $290 applicant under 18 years of age)
Medium-Term stream: Visa granted for up to 4 years
NEW FEES: $2455 per applicant 18 years and over / $615 per applicant under 18 years of age
(Prior to 1 July 2018 it was $2400 main applicant and $600 applicant under 18 years of age)
Where can I find more information?
To find relatable visa information, please visit The Department of Home Affairs website
Doctors interested in a confidential discussion relating to their personal migration circumstances can contact our in-house Regulatory & Migration team by emailing rms@wave.com.au