Subclass 482 - Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

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Temporary Work Solution for Skill Shortages
with Pathways to Longer Stay

Overview of the Subclass 482 Visa

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, known officially as the Subclass 482 Visa, enables Australian businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill critical gaps in their workforce. It offers the flexibility to employ international talent for up to four years, depending on the applicable stream.

There are three distinct streams under this visa:

1. Short-Term Stream: Designed for temporary skill needs, typically allowing stays of up to two years.

2. Medium-Term Stream: Intended for more enduring skill shortages, with a longer validity period and potential eligibility for permanent residency pathways.

3. Labour Agreement Stream: Tailored for specific occupations or industries through special agreements between employers and the Australian government.

To qualify, applicants must have a job offer from an approved employer, meet skills and qualifications criteria (including assessments when required), and fulfill health, character, and English proficiency standards. While this page highlights the Short-Term and Medium-Term streams, details on the Labour Agreement stream can be accessed via another dedicated page.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 482 Visa Applicants

Occupation Requirements

Applicants must have a nominated occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Age Requirements

No age restrictions apply for this visa stream.

Employer Nomination

To qualify, applicants need an employer nomination from an Australian business that operates lawfully. The job offer must be within the nominated occupation and connected to the sponsoring business or an associated entity. Before applying, employers must submit a nomination application on behalf of the applicant, either as an existing approved sponsor or by applying to become a standard business sponsor.

Skills Assessment

Some applicants, depending on their country of origin and nominated occupation, may be required to complete a skills assessment. This is designed to verify that they possess the relevant qualifications and expertise for the role as determined by an assessing authority.

Relevant Work Experience

Candidates must demonstrate at least two years of relevant work experience in the nominated field (reduced to one year from November 2024). This experience must be recent, gained within the last five years, and can include full-time or equivalent part-time roles. Casual employment is not considered. Experience as part of advanced degrees (e.g., Master's or PhD) through structured placements or internships may also qualify.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency through approved testing methods, or by holding a passport from certain English-speaking countries.
Minimum test scores include:
1. IELTS: A minimum score of 5.0 in each category (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
2. PTE Academic: Minimum scores of 36 across all components.
3. Equivalent scores on other accepted tests or exemptions may also apply.

Health and Character Requirements

Applicants must meet specified health and character criteria as set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Assessing Your Occupation

To apply for the medium and long-term stream, visa applicants must have a nominated occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

To apply for the short term stream, visa applicants must have a nominated occupation listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

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Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors

1. Business Operations - Sponsors must be operating lawfully within Australia.

2. Sponsor Approval Status - Employers need to have existing approval as a Standard Business Sponsor or must have applied for approval.

3. Genuine Need for Position - Employers must demonstrate a genuine need to fill the nominated role.

4. Compliance Obligations - The sponsor must comply with Australian workplace laws and regulations.

5. Training Contributions - Some employers may need to contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) to support local training initiatives, depending on their size and turnover.

6. Labour Market Testing (LMT) - Sponsors must show that they have attempted to recruit locally before hiring an overseas skilled worker.

7. Salary Conditions - Employers must pay the sponsored worker at least the market salary rate, which must be above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently AUD $73,150 plus superannuation (as of July 2024).

Application Process

Sponsorship Approval

An eligible Australian employer agrees to sponsor the applicant for a specified skilled position.

Nomination Submission

The employer formally nominates the applicant, detailing job specifics and eligibility.

Visa Application

The applicant submits their visa application, providing all required documentation and demonstrating eligibility for the nominated role.

Stay Duration

Medium and Long-Term Stream:

Applicants can be sponsored for one, two, or up to four years (five years for Hong Kong passport holders).

Short-Term Stream:

Applicants may be sponsored for one, two, three, or four years (five years for Hong Kong passport holders).

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Medium and Long-Term Stream:

Eligible applicants may transition to permanent residency via the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) through either: (1) Direct Entry (DE) Stream: Requires at least three years of work experience, a positive skills assessment, and other criteria; or (2) Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: For those who have worked for the same employer on a 482 visa for at least two years.

Short-Term Stream:

Only the TRT Stream is available for transitioning to the 186 visa after working with the same employer for a minimum of two years.

Visa Costs and Fees

Medium and Long-Term Stream:

Sponsorship Fee: AUD $420
Nomination Fee: Nil
SAF Levy: Varies based on turnover (AUD $1,200 per annum for small businesses, AUD $1,800 per annum for larger businesses).
Visa Application Fee: Primary applicant AUD $3,115, secondary applicants over 18 AUD $3,115, and dependent children AUD $780.

Short-Term Stream:

Sponsorship Fee: AUD $420
Nomination Fee: AUD $330
SAF Levy: Varies based on turnover (AUD $1,200 for small businesses, AUD $1,800 for larger businesses).
Visa Application Fee: Primary applicant AUD $1,495, secondary applicants over 18 AUD $1,495, and dependent children AUD $375.

Note: The fees are subject to the changes set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Please verify with us before decision making.

Processing Times

For sponsorship application:
50% of applications processed within 19 days. 90% of applications processed within 57 days.

For nomination application:
50% of applications processed within 13 days. 90% of applications processed within 120 days.

For visa application under short-term stream:
50% of applications processed within 64 days. 90% of applications processed within 120 days.

For visa application under medium to long-term stream:
50% of applications processed within 61 days. 90% of applications processed within 150 days.

Note: Processing times vary based on the completeness of documentation and other factors. They are obtained from The Australian Department of Home Affairs website and only serve as guidance.

Key Benefits of Subclass 482 Visa

1. Work Opportunities: Employment with an approved sponsor.
2. Study Options: Access to education and training.
3. Family Inclusion: Add eligible dependents to your application.
4. Permanent Residency Pathways: Available for specific streams.
5. Healthcare Access: Enroll in Medicare (if applicable).
6. Travel Flexibility: Multiple entries for the visa duration.

Family Members Eligible for Inclusion

Eligible family members may include:
1. Spouse or Partner: Legally married or de facto (including same-sex partners).
2. Dependent Children: Generally unmarried and under 18 years. Financially dependent children over 18 may also be eligible.
3. Other Dependents: Certain dependent relatives may be eligible under specific conditions.

Note: All family members must meet relevant eligibility and documentation criteria.

Your Questions Answered

What are the main streams of the 482 Visa and how do they differ?

The visa has three streams:

Short-Term Stream: For occupations listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Valid for up to two years (or four years if an International Trade Obligation applies).
Medium-Term Stream: For occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It allows stays of up to four years and provides a pathway to permanent residency.
Labour Agreement Stream: For workers nominated under a labour agreement between their employer and the Australian government.

What are the basic eligibility requirements for 482 Visa applicants?

Applicants must:

1. Have a valid job offer from an approved Australian sponsor.
2. Work in an occupation that is eligible under one of the streams.
3. Demonstrate English language proficiency unless exempted.
4. Meet relevant health, character, and skills assessment criteria (where applicable).

Is a skills assessment mandatory for all applicants?

Not all applicants require a skills assessment. Whether it is necessary depends on the occupation and the applicant’s nationality. For some occupations and countries, an assessment is mandatory to verify the applicant’s qualifications and work experience.

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes, the 482 Visa allows applicants to include eligible family members such as spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children. Family members can live, work, and study in Australia for the duration of the primary applicant's visa.

Does the 482 Visa lead to permanent residency?

The Medium-Term Stream offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) after a specified period with the same employer. The Short-Term Stream does not have a direct pathway, though there may be other options available for eligible applicants.

What are the English language requirements?

For the Short-Term Stream, applicants need an IELTS score of 5.0 overall, with no band lower than 4.5. For the Medium-Term Stream, applicants must score a minimum of 5.0 in each component. Equivalent scores from tests like PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge English are also accepted.

Can I change employers on the 482 Visa?

Yes, you can change employers, but the new employer must lodge a new nomination application for you. You cannot commence employment with the new employer until the new nomination is approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

Are there salary requirements for 482 Visa holders?

Yes, employers must pay 482 Visa holders a market salary rate that meets or exceeds the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). This ensures fair wages and compliance with Australian laws.

What happens if I lose my job on a 482 Visa?

If you lose your job, you typically have 60 days to find a new sponsor who can nominate you, apply for another visa, or make arrangements to leave Australia. It’s crucial to take prompt action during this period.

Are health and character checks required?

Yes, all applicants must undergo health and character checks to ensure they meet the standards set by Australian immigration authorities. This applies to primary applicants and their dependents.

Can I apply for other visas while on the 482 Visa?

Yes, depending on your eligibility and circumstances, you may be able to apply for other visas, including those that offer a pathway to permanent residency. It is important to review specific visa requirements and conditions.

How long does it take to process a 482 Visa?

Processing times can vary based on the stream, occupation, and complexity of the application. On average, 50% of applications are processed within 15 days, while 90% are processed within 80 days. Complete and accurate applications are typically processed faster.

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