Tuesday, 07 Apr 2026
One common question holders of the 482 Skills in Demand visa have is can I reduce my hours of work so I can study/look after children/follow another activity? The answer to this is yes, part-time work is usually possible. However, the part-time working arrangement will need to be agreed with the sponsoring employer and outlined in the nominated occupation, and be in line with Government requirements.
We want to make sure you know the rules so you can make sure you’re protecting your visa and your permanent residency eligibility. In this article we’ll discuss what part-time work looks like on a 482 visa, key points for employee holders of the visa and holders of the visa seeking new employment, and key points for employers.
Australia currently uses the 482 Skills in Demand Visa, rather than the previous TSS program, and this change was implemented in December 2024. Foreign employees can enter this country if employers require skills that are not locally available. The sponsoring organizations make this possible for foreign employees to enter the country through this route.
Key points about the 482 SID visa:
Before looking at part-time options, it’s important to understand how the 482 visa works. There are important conditions to keep in mind, as employers usually need to offer a role that covers most of the workweek, around 38 hours or more. The reason behind this? It's built into the system so companies can bring someone in when they truly lack skilled people on hand. But do note that this visa is possible only if the occupation is an exempt occupation or in limited circumstances only.
That said:
In most cases, you are not allowed to work a second job, as the 482 visa usually requires you to work only in the nominated role for your sponsoring employer. This job is the one you described in your visa application.
Working another job that's not this one mentioned may be seen as breaking your visa rules. If you want to work for someone or do a different job you need to get a new visa or change who is sponsoring you. If you do not follow these rules you might lose your visa. So it is important to know what you can and cannot do. If you are not sure you should talk to a registered migration agent for advice.
The 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa has just been updated to ensure that more skilled foreign workers can enter Australia to help address Labour Market Needs. The updated changes affect Eligibility, Work Experience and the pathway to Permanent Residency for 482 Skilled Visa Applications and Skills in Demand (SID) categories.
Key changes effective from December 2024 include:
You should also consider how these new rules might affect how part-time work is counted towards the work experience requirements for particular visas. Find the updated rules here or seek advice from a registered migration agent to ensure your plans will not be affected by these changes.
Even if an employer is engaging you in a part time role, they are still required to meet all relevant visa conditions. This will include payment at Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR), compliance with minimum income levels for the relevant visa stream and compliance with all other relevant workplace laws (E&OE), including employment contracts and hours of work under the Fair Work Act 2009 and related awards/enterprise agreements.
Part time work implies less hours of work than full time, therefore the employer must make sure that the wage is sufficient to meet the requirements of the visa on a pro-rata basis. Also see compliance.
It is important to note that if you breach any of the conditions of your 482 visa, this could have serious repercussions for you, including having your visa cancelled, restrictions being placed on your ability to apply for a visa in the future and in extreme cases, you could be deported.
Breaches of your working conditions are usually caused by misusing your visa by working for another employer, over staying your hours of work, or engaging in different work to your nominated occupation or terms and conditions of your visa. Protect your visa and your future job options. Always read your contract and check your visa conditions before making any changes to your current or future work.
When applying to move from your 482 visa to a permanent residency visa (e.g. a 186 visa), generally speakers of non-English language(s) at the Medium band, the Government expect to see consistent, full time, engagement by you with your sponsoring employer.
For some visas, part time work (at the required level) undertaken over time can be counted towards the full time work requirement. However, some visas have specific conditions and limitations and these would need to be considered on a case by case basis. You should check with a registered migration agent or immigration expert that the type of work you do is suitable for permanent residency.
The 482 Skills in Demand visa skill set has specific linkages to the occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Currently, for an applicant to be considered for a 482 Skills in Demand visa, they must be engaged in one of the nominated occupations on the CSOL. Processing times for a 482 visa application will vary because of the differences in occupation and stream as well as the quality of the application. Generally, most cases will be processed within a few months. It is also important to be aware of any changes to occupations listed on the CSOL, as well as changes to processing times. Having a registered migration agent assist with your application will ensure that you have the most up-to-date information relating to the visa and occupation.
The rules around visa conditions and restrictions on working part time while on a 482 Skills in Demand visa can be confusing and often have very serious consequences if not correctly understood. Before you enter into any commitments or make decisions around your future it is recommended that you seek proper advice.
We can help with 482 visa conditions and sponsorship requirements. Including how you can do part time work and pathways to permanent residency. If you are looking for a registered migration agent in Canberra, Classic Migration can provide clear, practical advice tailored to your situation and guide you through every step of the process.
Yes, potentially depending on the sponsor and terms of the visa. Generally 482 roles are full time and any reduction of hours would require approval from the employer.
There is no minimum percentage for part time work under immigration law and the majority of jobs in Australia are full time and carry out 38 hours of work per week. Most part time jobs are less than 30 hours and can be negotiated with your employer provided that your immigration requirements are still being met.
The changes to the 482 visa are now based on the Skills in Demand framework. The occupations that are designated to be part of the 482 visa have changed. The work experience requirements have been decreased for certain streams. Permanent residency pathways still exist for holders of the 482 visa.
Generally no. Provided that you are engaged in your nominated occupation and have agreed areas of work with your sponsoring employer, you can work for that employer. You should not work for any other employer without prior approval that has been agreed with your sponsoring employer and specified in your nomination application. Working in another occasion or place of work without permission can breach visa conditions.