Question
For a 400 onshore conversion to a 482 visa, an applicant will have 12 months of post-qualification employment experience by June 2026. Can the 482 visa be lodged in April/May 2026, allowing the applicant to continue working on the BVA, so that by the time the 482 is processed they would have the required 12 months experience? Is the 12 months requirement a time of decision criterion?
Answer
The 12 months work experience requirement is now a time of application criterion, not time of decision. The legislation (482.221) specifically states that:
(1) The Minister is satisfied that:
(a) the applicant has carried out (whether on a full‑time, part‑time or casual basis) a period or periods of work in the nominated occupation or a related field; and
(b) the total period of work carried out is, or is equivalent to, at least 12 months full‑time work; and
(c) the period or periods of work were carried out during the period of 5 years ending immediately before the day the application was made.
This applies to both specialist and core skills streams. However, note that the ANZSCO skill level requirement is still a time of decision criterion, meaning an applicant who has the recent 12 months work but not yet the qualification or ANZSCO equivalent work experience can accumulate this prior to decision (DHA or ART).
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Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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