Hospitality employers and skilled migrants, take note! On 7th December 2024, the Australian Government announced significant changes to the 482 Visa, now rebranded as the Skills in Demand Visa (SID). These updates to the 482 visa regime represent a shift that directly impacts the process of hiring and sponsoring skilled workers under the critical 482 visa stream, particularly in the hotel and hospitality industry.
Understanding these changes to the 482 visa pathways is key to navigating the updated system and ensuring that your business or career benefits from the opportunities offered by this new visa framework.
Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know—key updates to the 482 visa regime, eligible occupations, alternative pathways, and how Ferntree Migration can help guide you through the process.
1. Key Changes to the 482 Visa
The renaming of the 482 Visa to the Skills in Demand Visa comes with several updates that skilled migrants and hospitality employers who were pursuing the 482 visa pathways need to understand. Changes to eligibility, work experience, and occupational lists have streamlined hiring processes while introducing new considerations. Here’s what’s different to the previous 482 visa system:
Occupational List Updates
- Cafe and Restaurant Managers (ANZSCO 141111) have been removed from the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- Businesses can no longer sponsor Cafe and Restaurant Managers outside of regional areas unless through special agreements like:
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (494), or
- Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) under the Skills in Demand Visa.
Work Experience Requirements Reduced
- The minimum required work experience has been reduced to 12 months. However, candidates still need to meet the detailed ANZSCO skill-level experience requirements for specific roles.
Stricter English Proficiency Standards
Applicants now face enhanced English language proficiency requirements:
- IELTS: Minimum overall score of 5.0 with no component below 5.0.
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 36 overall and in each component.
Stream-Specific Criteria
The SID now has specialised streams with distinct eligibility criteria, particularly for:
- Work experience.
- Skills assessments.
- Salary thresholds.
These changes aim to ensure highly professional, skilled workers are matched with suitable roles across industries.
2. Hospitality Occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
While some professions that were available under the previous 482 visa system have been removed from sponsorship eligibility, many critical hospitality roles remain on the Core Skills Occupation List. Here are a few positions still eligible under the Skills in Demand Visa’s Core Stream:
Hotel and Accommodation Roles
- Hotel or Motel Manager (141311)
Alternate titles include Hotelier and Publican, with specialisations such as Resort Manager and Duty Manager.
- Licensed Club Manager (141411)
Specialisations include Gaming Manager and Nightclub Manager.
- Accommodation and Hospitality Managers NEC (141999)
Covers diverse roles such as Backpackers’ Manager, Hostel Manager, and Casino Duty Manager.
Food Service Roles
- Chef (351311) – Eligible with restrictions.
- Cook (351411) – Eligible with restrictions.
- Pastrycook (351112)
- Baker (351111)
Hotel Service Manager (431411)
Specialisations include Front Office Manager, Head Housekeeper, and Concierge roles.
This list provides plenty of opportunities for both businesses and skilled migrants focused on hospitality.
3. Cafe and Restaurant Managers — Alternative Pathways
With the removal of Cafe and Restaurant Managers from the CSOL, businesses looking to sponsor these professionals will need to explore alternative pathways to the former 482 visa stream, including:
Labour Agreements
Two key agreements allow hospitality businesses to recruit Cafe and Restaurant Managers:
- Fine Dining Labour Agreement – Tailored for high-end hospitality establishments.
- Company-Specific Labour Agreements – Customised agreements designed to meet individual business needs.
Regional 494 Visa
This remains a viable option for Cafe and Restaurant Managers in regional areas, offering:
- Pathway to Permanent Residency after three years.
- Age concessions for applicants under 55.
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)
Businesses in certain regions can sponsor Cafe and Restaurant Managers through DAMAs, which may provide concessions on:
- Age.
- Income.
- English proficiency requirements.
Hospitality Occupations Available under DAMAs
Many roles fall under DAMAs, such as:
- Chef (351311) and Cook (351411).
- Cafe or Restaurant Manager (141111) (in select DAMA areas).
- A variety of support and service roles across regional areas.
4. Practical Advice for Hospitality Employers and Migrants
Navigating these changes to the 482 visa program might feel overwhelming, but the following steps can help:
- For Employers:
- Carefully assess your business’s current and future workforce needs to ensure you can effectively address critical gaps. This includes identifying roles essential to your operations and forecasting future hiring demands.
- Explore regional and DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreements) pathways, particularly when roles like Café and Restaurant Manager are not available under the CSOL (Consolidated Skilled Occupation List). These programs provide flexibility for filling hard-to-fill roles in specific regions.
- Work closely with migration agents to navigate and implement specialist Labour Agreements tailored to your business model. This partnership can help secure the skilled talent needed to support your company’s growth while adhering to immigration policies.
- For Skilled Migrants:
- Thoroughly review your eligibility for visa programs and customise your applications to align with the specific requirements of the visas you are applying for. This includes understanding which pathways best suit your skills and experience.
- Ensure your professional experience, educational qualifications, and English language proficiency meet the latest standards for migration. These elements are critical for a successful application.
- Consult with migration experts to evaluate and choose the most suitable visa pathways for your career goals. Their guidance can help you avoid common mistakes and take a more strategic approach to securing your future in a new country.
Inquire about our affordable Visa Ready Review Service to ensure you have a strong chance of visa approval before committing to full service fees.
Why Choose Ferntree Migration?
At Ferntree Migration, we specialise in helping hospitality businesses and skilled migrants thrive under Australia’s evolving visa landscape. Our tailored services include:
- Securing Labour Agreements (e.g. Fine Dining and Company-Specific Agreements).
- Guiding businesses through DAMA and other regional pathways.
- Assisting skilled migrants with navigating SDV and alternative visa options.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients successfully secure visas with outcome-driven results. Just take it from Jennifer:
“We can’t thank Cathrine enough! Her knowledge, expertise, and hands-on guidance helped us secure our visas in record time. The experience was truly seamless.”
Or Marco:
“I couldn’t have asked for a more meticulous and supportive agent. Ferntree Migration made a daunting process feel easy, and their attention to detail gave me absolute confidence every step of the way.”
Contact Us – Your Migration Partner
Whether you’re a business in need of skilled workers or a migrant searching for new opportunities, Ferntree Migration is here to support you.
Contact Cathrine Burnett LL.M, Director and Principal Migration Agent (MARN 0324641), and get expert advice tailored to your needs.
Start securing the skilled talent—or opportunities—you need to succeed today.
As a trusted partner of the Australian Hospitality Association (AHA Vic), we proudly offer expert immigration advice at exclusive member rates.