The Australian Government has implemented major changes to the subclass 482 visa, transitioning it from the Temporary Skills Shortage visa to the Skills in Demand visa. The transition appears to have been particularly beneficial to the childcare industry, with the addition of “Child Care Worker” on the Core Skills Occupation List.
On 7 December 2024, the Australian Government announced major updates to the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa subclass 482, rebranding it as the Skills in Demand (SID) visa subclass 482. This transition aims to provide employers and nominated employees with a more streamlined and potentially faster pathway to Australian Permanent Residency.
Notably, the childcare sector stands to benefit significantly from this change, with the Childcare Worker role being recognized as one of the occupations experiencing critical nationwide shortages. This new pathway presents exciting opportunities for international students pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).
Possible Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Study Phase (2.5 years)
- A newly graduated high school student begins by studying for the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. This qualification typically takes 12 months to complete under the Student Visa 500.
- After completing the Certificate III, the student progresses to the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, which requires approximately 18 months of study.
- Temporary Graduate Visa (1.5 years)
- Upon graduation, the student may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485 in the Post-Vocational Education Work stream (if other requirements are satisfied such as English testing). This visa is granted for 1.5 years and permits visa holders to work full-time in Australia.
- During this time, graduates may gain essential professional experience as Childcare Workers, fulfilling industry requirements and strengthening their eligibility for further skilled visas.
- Skills in Demand Visa (SID) 482 (2 to 4 years)
- After completing their temporary graduate visa, graduates may seek sponsorship by an approved childcare centre under the SID subclass 482 visa (various requirements apply).
- This visa not only addresses Australia’s skills shortages but also provides a pathway to permanent residency.
- Permanent Residency Visa 186
- After 2 years of working under the SID subclass 482 visa, eligible graduates may apply for the subclass 186 visa in the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (subject to meeting requirements including obtaining further sponsorship by the employer).
Benefits for International Students
- Clear and Structured Pathway: For students who later decide to pursue permanent residency in Australia, the changes provide a clearer pathway to graduates.
- Addition of Child Care Worker to the skills list: The childcare industry has suffered labour shortages for years. There are employment opportunities available to suitable candidates, and the addition of Child Care Worker to the list creates a pathway to PR for graduates working in this industry.
- Reduction in work experience requirement: The work experience requirement for the subclass 482 visa has reduced from 2 years down to 1 year. This creates a faster pathway to sponsorship and permanent residency.
This update represents a win-win for international students and the Australian childcare sector. Students gain access to rewarding, long-term career opportunities while addressing critical workforce gaps in Australia’s essential childcare industry.
Warning and Disclaimer
- This document provides general information which is publicly available at the DHA website.
- All visas have their own set of requirements. If you are considering to study in Australia, you should obtain advice from a qualified immigration professional.
- Australian laws may change in the future.