If you’re applying for a Subclass 482 visa and your work experience includes part-time employment, you may be wondering: does part-time work count towards the 2-year experience requirement? And if so, how is it calculated?
This is a common question, and the answer involves understanding how the Department of Home Affairs views full-time equivalent (FTE) work experience.
The 2-Year Work Experience Requirement
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To be eligible for a 482 visa nomination, the nominee must generally demonstrate at least 2 years (24 months) of relevant full-time work experience in the nominated occupation. This experience must have been gained within the 5 years immediately before the nomination application.
But what counts as “full-time”? In Australia, full-time employment is generally considered to be 38 hours per week (based on the Fair Work Act standard). So 2 years of full-time work equates to approximately 1,976 hours (38 hours × 52 weeks).
How Part-Time Work Is Calculated
Part-time work can count towards the 2-year requirement, but it needs to be converted to its full-time equivalent. The key principle is based on total hours worked, not simply the number of months employed.
Here’s how it works in practice:
- Calculate total hours worked: Multiply your weekly hours by the number of weeks employed.
- Compare to full-time standard: Full-time is 38 hours × 52 weeks = 1,976 hours per year, or approximately 3,952 hours for 2 years.
- If your total hours meet or exceed the FTE threshold, you may satisfy the requirement.
A Practical Example
Let’s say a nurse has been working 33 hours per week for 15 months (approximately 64 weeks):
- Total hours: 33 × 64 = 2,112 hours
- Full-time equivalent for 1 year: 38 × 52 = 1,976 hours
- Since 2,112 hours exceeds 1,976 hours, this meets the FTE for 1 year of full-time work.
Using this calculation method, 15 months of work at 33 hours per week is equivalent to more than 1 year of full-time employment. The nominee would need additional experience to reach the 2-year FTE threshold.
Do Overtime Hours Count?
A related question that often arises is whether overtime hours count towards the FTE calculation. The general view among migration professionals is that all working hours count, regardless of how they are classified on the payslip.
For example, if a payslip shows:
- Part-time ordinary hours: 25 hours
- Overtime at 150%: 6.5 hours
- Overtime at 125%: 6.5 hours
The total working hours for that week would be 38 hours (25 + 6.5 + 6.5), which counts as a full-time week. The overtime loading is a pay calculation — what matters for visa purposes is the actual hours worked.
What Evidence Do You Need?
To demonstrate part-time work experience converted to FTE, you should provide:
- Employment references that clearly state your weekly hours, duties, and period of employment
- Payslips showing regular hours worked per pay period
- Employment contracts specifying part-time hours and conditions
- Tax records to corroborate the employment period
- A clear FTE calculation in your submission to show how the part-time hours add up to the required full-time equivalent
Key Takeaways
- Part-time work does count towards the 482 visa work experience requirement when converted to FTE.
- The calculation is based on total hours worked, not just months of employment.
- Full-time is generally 38 hours per week (1,976 hours per year) in Australia.
- Overtime hours count as working hours for FTE purposes.
- Provide clear evidence including payslips, references, and an FTE calculation with your application.
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Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and is current at the time of publishing. It is not intended as legal or migration advice specific to your situation. For personalised advice, please book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents.
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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