Labour agreement 482: Everything you need to know
Labor agreement 482 is a temporary visa program that permits Australian employers to hire skilled overseas workers for a period of up to four years, for jobs that can`t be filled by the local workforce. Also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, it replaced the 457 visa program and came into effect on March 2018.
The Labor agreement 482 has two streams – Short-Term stream and Medium-Term stream. The Short-Term stream targets employers who require skilled foreign workers, where the nominated occupation is listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). This stream has a two-year visa period, with the possibility of visa extension once for a further two years, but no pathway to permanent residency.
On the other hand, the Medium-Term stream targets employers who require skilled foreign workers, where the nominated occupation is listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This stream has a four-year visa period, with a pathway to permanent residency after three years.
To be eligible for the 482 visa program, the employer must have a Labor agreement with the Department of Home Affairs, which outlines the terms and conditions of the employment. The agreement must align with the Australian labour market and be negotiated with a relevant Australian authority.
Furthermore, the employer must demonstrate that they have tried to fill the vacancy with a local Australian worker but have been unsuccessful. They must also provide evidence of the candidate`s skills and qualifications, which must meet the Australian standards for the nominated occupation.
The candidate must also meet the eligibility criteria, including English language proficiency, health, and character requirements. They must have relevant skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation and be able to demonstrate work experience in the field.
In conclusion, the Labor agreement 482 offers Australian employers the flexibility to hire skilled overseas workers to fill the labour gap in their business. The program aims to address the skills shortage in the local labour market and help Australian businesses remain competitive in a global economy. However, the program has strict eligibility criteria and requirements that must be met by both the employer and the candidate. Employers looking to hire foreign workers under the Labour agreement 482 must ensure that they seek professional advice and guidance to ensure compliance with the program`s requirements.