Employer Sponsored Visa 2025: Key Updates & What You Need to Know

Will It Be Harder to Secure a Subclass 482 Visa in 2025?

A key change introduced in December 2024 is the reduction in work experience requirements for the 482 visa—from two years to one year of relevant, paid work experience. While this may open the door to more applicants, it’s important to understand that employer sponsored visas are not points-tested like the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

This means you are not in direct competition with other candidates. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and have an approved employer sponsor, your application will still be considered valid—even if demand is high.

Important Note: If there is a backlog in applications, you may be issued a Bridging Visa while waiting for a decision. This allows you to continue working in Australia lawfully and continue gaining work experience during the processing period.

Can You Count Unpaid Internships as Work Experience?

No. Unpaid or voluntary internships do not meet the work experience requirements for the 482 visa. The Department of Home Affairs only considers paid employment in your nominated occupation as qualifying work experience.

Make sure you can provide evidence of employment, such as:

• Payslips

   

• Employment contracts

   

• Tax documents

   

• Employer references

   

Can You Apply for a 482 Visa Without a Formal Degree?

Yes, you can apply without a university degree. If you lack formal qualifications, you may be eligible through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which evaluates your existing skills and work experience.

However:

• RPL does not replace the need for formal qualifications where specifically required

   

• You may still require a positive skills assessment, depending on your occupation and country of passport

   

To confirm your eligibility and assess your documentation, it’s best to consult a registered migration agent.

Chef or Cook – Which Occupation Should You Apply Under?

Both Chefs and Cooks are eligible for the 482 visa, but choosing the correct occupation is crucial for a successful application. The decision depends on your daily responsibilities:

Apply as a Chef if you:

• Plan menus

   

• Train or supervise kitchen staff

   

• Oversee kitchen operations

   

Apply as a Cook if you:

• Focus on preparing and cooking meals

   

• Follow recipes and menu plans

   

• Have limited supervisory responsibilities

   

If your role involves only food preparation without leadership duties, applying as a Cook is likely more suitable.

Do You Need to Fulfil the 482 Visa Terms Before Switching to PR?

Yes. You are expected to meet the conditions of your current 482 visa until a new visa (such as the 186 visa) is granted. However, once you are approved for a new visa, such as through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, the new visa’s terms will override your current ones.

New Work Experience Rules for Subclass 186 (TRT) Visa

As of 7 December 2024, significant changes were made to the 186 TRT stream:

• Work experience completed under multiple employers will now count

   

• Previously, you had to remain with the same employer, but now transfers between sponsors will not reset your work experience

   

• Only time spent working under a valid Subclass 482 or 457 visa will be counted

   

• You must still accumulate two years of full-time work experience from the date your visa was granted

   

This update allows greater flexibility for workers seeking a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

Plan Your Pathway to Australian PR

The 482 visa remains a strong and viable route to employment and eventual permanent residency in Australia. With recent updates offering greater flexibility and clearer transition pathways to the 186 TRT visa, now is the time to take advantage of the opportunities available.

Need Personalised Advice?

At LIVV Immigration, we provide expert, end-to-end assistance with employer sponsored visas. Whether you’re a skilled worker or an Australian business looking to sponsor talent, our team is here to support your migration goals every step of the way.

Book your consultation today and take the next step towards your future in Australia.