Providing evidence of skills, qualifications and employment background for the 482 TSS visa
Some TSS 482 visa applicants are required to commence a skills assessment prior to lodging their application as outlined in Mandatory skills assessments 482 visa.
Where this applies, evidence of successful completion of such an assessment will be requested by DOHA where not already provided at time of application.
Where a mandatory skills assessment is not required, DOHA need to decide whether:
- they are satisfied that the skills requirement is met based on information provided with the visa application – e.g. the visa applicant is a lawyer and has provided academic transcripts from their law degree, evidence of completing required practical professional training, a comprehensive CV, and work references outlining previous work experience; or
- additional information needs to be requested – e.g. ANZSCO requires the visa applicant to have educational qualifications plus work experience, however, the CV provided does not clearly outline what experience the visa applicant has, and work references would assist the delegate to assess whether subclause skills requirement is met; or
- a discretionary skills assessment should be requested.
Examples of circumstances in which DOHA may require further evidence such as formal qualifications, a CV, employment references or a skills assessment include:
- where concerns exist about the validity of the documentary evidence provided;
- where concerns have been raised about the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that provided the qualification, including where it is unclear on what basis a qualification awarded through Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) was obtained;
- if the nominated occupation is not the same as the occupation currently performed by the applicant – particularly if it is in a different ANZSCO unit group; and
- if the visa applicant’s qualifications and experience do not appear to correspond with that required to perform the occupation.
Sport-related occupations and TSS 482 visa
Sport-related occupations often require high levels of personal commitment, physical fitness, sporting ability and ‘relevant experience’ in the occupation in lieu of formal qualifications. Key factors in determining if a visa applicant has the skills as a sportsperson include:
- an employment record as an elite full-time professional in the nominated occupation;
- ‘recent experience’ as a full-time elite player or coach for a substantial period under Australian standards;
- ‘relevant and recent experience’ that does not include experience as a trainee, apprentice or cadet and/or non-professional experience; and
- the nominated position does not require the nominee to supplement their sporting activities with ancillary work or income (that is, the nominee would have one position in Australia and would not work for any other employer or in any activity not approved in the nomination application).
If the visa applicant has at least 3 years elite-level professional experience (in lieu of formal qualifications) in the nominated occupation, DOHA may consider the skills requirement met without further enquiry. The elite and professional status of the visa applicant should be demonstrated by past income records. The income must be substantiated against national income levels and be the principal source of income. Visa applicants may also be asked to provide references from the relevant national administrative body of the sport in which the visa applicant is engaged, showing the skill level and income received.
Note:
- If a former holder of a Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa or a Subclass 500 (Student) visa submits evidence of a successful Job Ready Program Final Assessment in their nominated occupation, DOHA can consider the skills requirement met without further investigation.
- Australian Recognised Trades Certificates (ARTCs) are issued for a specific purpose and are not acceptable to be used for migration purposes.
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