Subclass 482 - Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
Employer Sponsor Visa
About this visa
The Subclass 482 Visa, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, is an employer-sponsored program in Australia designed to address skill shortages. It allows skilled workers to work for an approved employer for up to four years. The visa has three streams: Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labour Agreement, each with its own criteria. It requires a valid job offer, skills assessment (in some cases), and adherence to health, character, and English language proficiency requirements. This visa can serve as a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
On this page, we primarily discuss the Short-Term and Medium-Term streams, while information on the Labour Agreement stream can be found in the provided link.
Medium and Long Term Stream (482 Visa)
Short Term Stream (482 Visa)
Eligibility for Applicant
- Occupation
MLTSSL - Age
No limit - Approved Sponsor Nomination
The applicant needs employer nomination from an Australian business operating lawfully.
The applicant’s employment should be in the nominated occupation within the sponsoring business or its associated entity.
Before applying for the visa, the applicant’s employer must submit a nomination application on their behalf, either as an approved work sponsor or by initiating the process to become a standard business sponsor. - Skills Assessment
Applicants from certain countries and occupations may be required to undergo a skills assessment. This assessment is designed to confirm that the applicant possesses the necessary qualifications and skills for their nominated occupation. The specific requirement for a skills assessment depends on factors such as the applicant’s nationality, the nominated occupation, and the relevant assessing authority. - Working Experience
Applicants should have a minimum of 2 years (from November 2024, the work experience requirement will be reduced to 1 year) of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field, as defined by ANZSCO. This experience can be gained through full-time work within the last 5 years or equivalent part-time work. Casual work is not considered. Experience gained as part of a Masters or PhD program for relevant occupations and work completed through formal arrangements such as clinical placements or internships will be considered. - English Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests or holding a passport from certain English-speaking countries. The acceptable tests and scores are:
IELTS: A minimum score of 5 in each component (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
PTE Academic: A minimum score of 36 in each of the four skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
Applicants may also provide equivalent English language scores or may be eligible for exemptions. - Health and Character
Fulfill health and character requirements.
- Occupation
STSOL - Age
No limit - Approved Sponsor Nomination
The applicant needs employer nomination from an Australian business operating lawfully.
The applicant’s employment should be in the nominated occupation within the sponsoring business or its associated entity.
Before applying for the visa, the applicant’s employer must submit a nomination application on their behalf, either as an approved work sponsor or by initiating the process to become a standard business sponsor. - Skills Assessment
Applicants from certain countries and occupations may be required to undergo a skills assessment. This assessment is designed to confirm that the applicant possesses the necessary qualifications and skills for their nominated occupation. The specific requirement for a skills assessment depends on factors such as the applicant’s nationality, the nominated occupation, and the relevant assessing authority. - Working Experience
Applicants should have a minimum of 2 years (from November 2024, the work experience requirement will be reduced to 1 year) of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field, as defined by ANZSCO. This experience can be gained through full-time work within the last 5 years or equivalent part-time work. Casual work is not considered. Experience gained as part of a Masters or PhD program for relevant occupations and work completed through formal arrangements such as clinical placements or internships will be considered. - English Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests or holding a passport from certain English-speaking countries. The acceptable tests and scores are:
IELTS: Overall score of 5, with no component below 4.5 (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
PTE Academic: Overall score of 36, with no component below 30 (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
Applicants may also provide equivalent English language scores or may be eligible for exemptions. - Health and Character
Fulfill health and character requirements.
Eligibility for Sponsor
Lawful Operation
The sponsoring employer’s business must be lawfully operating in Australia.Approval as a Sponsor
The sponsoring employer must have obtained approval as a Standard Business Sponsor or have at least submitted an application to become one.Genuine Need
The sponsoring employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated skilled position within their business operations.Compliance with Australian Laws
The employer must comply with all relevant Australian laws, including employment and workplace regulations.Training Commitment
Some employers may be required to contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) to support training initiatives in Australia, depending on the nominated occupation and the turnover of the business.、Labour Market Testing
LMT ensures that Australian employers prioritize local job seekers before hiring overseas skilled workers.
Salary Requirement
Sponsors hiring overseas workers must pay at least the market salary rate, which must exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently set at $73,150 plus superannuation (from July 1, 2024).
Process
Step 1
Sponsorship
In this initial step, an eligible Australian employer agrees to sponsor the applicant for a skilled job.
Step 2
Nomination
The sponsoring employer formally nominates the applicant for the specific skilled position, outlining the job details.
Step 3
Visa Application
The applicant submits their Subclass 482 Visa application with required documents, demonstrating suitability for the nominated occupation.
Stay Period
When applying for a 482 TSS nomination, employers can select:
1 year or 2 years (or up to 4 years with international trade obligation).
Hong Kong passport holders may be granted up to 5 years.
When applying for a 482 TSS nomination, employers can select:
1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or 4 years.
Hong Kong passport holders may be granted up to 5 years.
Permanent Resident Pathway
The Applicant has the option to pursue either of the two streams when transitioning from a 482 TSS visa (Medium Long Term Stream) to a 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Permanent Residence visa: the Direct Entry (DE) and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) pathways.
Direct Entry (DE) Stream:
The DE stream allows eligible individuals to apply for a 186 visa with their employer’s nomination and sponsorship. Applicants typically need at least 3 years of relevant work experience (which may including 1 year working experience on a 482 visa), a positive skills assessment, and other specified requirements. It offers a pathway for those who have not worked on a 482 visa and wish to secure employer-sponsored permanent residency.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:
The TRT stream is designed for 482 visa holders who have worked with the same employer for a minimum of 2 years and continue to meet specific eligibility criteria. It provides a streamlined pathway to a 186 visa while remaining with the same employer.
The Applicant has only one option when transitioning from a 482 TSS visa (Short Term Stream) to a 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Permanent Residence visa:
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:
The TRT stream is designed for 482 visa holders who have worked with the same employer for a minimum of 2 years and continue to meet specific eligibility criteria. It provides a streamlined pathway to a 186 visa while remaining with the same employer.
Cost
Subclass 482 Visa Employer Costs – Sponsorship Fee
The nomination fee is AUD $420.
Subclass 482 Visa Employer Costs – Nomination Fee
The nomination fee is typically AUD $330.
This fee is paid by the employer when nominating an applicant for a specific position.
Subclass 482 Visa Employer Costs – Skilling Australians Fund Levy
Employers are required to make a contribution known as the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy when nominating a skilled worker for the Subclass 482 Visa. The SAF levy aims to support the overall skills development of the Australian workforce.
- Small Businesses (with an annual turnover less than $10 million): AUD $1,200 for each employee.
- Other Businesses (with an annual turnover of $10 million or more): AUD $1,800 for each employee.
Subclass 482 Visa Applicant cost – Visa Application Fee
Primary Applicant: AUD $3,035
Secondary Applicants (18 and over) : AUD $3,035
Dependent Children (under 18) : AUD $760
The fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Subclass 482 Visa Employer Costs – Sponsorship Fee
The nomination fee is AUD $420.
Subclass 482 Visa Employer Costs – Nomination Fee
The nomination fee is typically AUD $330.
This fee is paid by the employer when nominating an applicant for a specific position.
Subclass 482 Visa Employer Costs – Skilling Australians Fund Levy
Employers are required to make a contribution known as the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy when nominating a skilled worker for the Subclass 482 Visa. The SAF levy aims to support the overall skills development of the Australian workforce.
- Small Businesses (with an annual turnover less than $10 million): AUD $1,200 for each employee.
- Other Businesses (with an annual turnover of $10 million or more): AUD $1,800 for each employee.
Subclass 482 Visa Applicant cost – Visa Application Fee
Primary Applicant: AUD $1,455
Secondary Applicants (18 and over) : AUD $1,455
Dependent Children (under 18) : AUD $365
The fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Processing time
50% processed in 15 days
90% processed in 80 days
The Australian Department of Home Affairs handles visa applications, and it’s essential to provide all required documents with your application. Please note that incomplete applications may result in longer processing times than the estimated duration. Additionally, processing times are subject to change and should be used as a general reference only.
Benefits
Work in Australia: Holders of the Subclass 482 Visa can work for their sponsoring employer, gaining valuable work experience.
Study: You can pursue further studies or enroll in courses in Australia, which can enhance your skills and qualifications.
Family Sponsorship: The applicant can include eligible family members, such as your spouse and dependent children, in your visa application.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Depending on your circumstances and the stream you apply under, the Subclass 482 Visa may provide a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
Access to Healthcare: Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme, which provides essential medical services.
Multiple Entries: Enjoy multiple entries to and exits from Australia for a period of up to five years, allowing for flexibility in travel.
Family
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482) allows you to include the following family members in your visa application:
- Spouse or Partner: This includes your legally married spouse or de facto partner (opposite-sex or same-sex).
- Dependent Children: You can include your dependent children in the application. Dependent children are generally unmarried and under the age of 18. In some cases, dependent children over 18 but financially dependent on you may also be eligible.
- Other Dependent Relatives: In certain circumstances, other dependent relatives can be included in the application, such as elderly parents or financially dependent siblings. However, specific requirements and limitations may apply.
It’s important to note that all family members included in the application must meet the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation to support their inclusion. Additionally, each family member must be listed in the visa application form, and their details and relationship to the primary applicant must be accurately declared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Subclass 482 Visa?
A: The Subclass 482 Visa, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, is an Australian visa that allows skilled workers to work for an approved employer in Australia.
Q: What are the key streams of the 482 Visa?
A: The main streams of the 482 Visa are the Short-Term stream and the Medium-Term stream.
Q: Who is eligible for the Short-Term stream?
A: Skilled workers nominated for positions on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) are eligible for the Short-Term stream.
Q: Who is eligible for the Medium-Term stream?
A: Skilled workers nominated for positions on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) are eligible for the Medium-Term stream.
Q: What is the primary purpose of the 482 Visa?
A: The primary purpose of the 482 Visa is to address labor shortages in Australia by allowing employers to sponsor skilled workers.
Q: How long is the 482 Visa valid for?
A: The 482 Visa can be granted for a period of up to 4 years, depending on the nominated occupation and stream.
Q: Is English language proficiency required for the 482 Visa?
A: Yes, applicants may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through approved tests, unless exempted.
Q: What are some common English language proficiency tests for the 482 Visa?
A: Common tests include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English exams.
Q: Do 482 Visa applicants need a valid job offer from an Australian employer?
A: Yes, a valid job offer from an approved employer is a fundamental requirement for the 482 Visa.
Q: Is a skills assessment required for all 482 Visa applicants?
A: No, a skills assessment is generally required for Medium-Term stream applicants but not for Short-Term stream applicants.
Q: What is the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) pathway for the 482 Visa?
A: The TRT pathway allows 482 Visa holders to transition to permanent residency after working for the same employer for a specified period.
Q: Can 482 Visa holders change employers?
A: 482 Visa holders can change employers, but they must apply for a new nomination from their new employer.
Q: Can 482 Visa holders include family members in their application?
A: Yes, 482 Visa holders can include eligible family members, such as spouses and dependent children, in their visa application.
Q: Is there a minimum salary requirement for the 482 Visa?
A: Yes, employers must pay 482 Visa holders a market salary rate, which should meet or exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
Q: Can 482 Visa holders apply for permanent residency in Australia?
A: Yes, depending on their circumstances, 482 Visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through pathways like the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) .
Q: What is the age limit for 482 Visa applicants?
A: There is no specific age limit for 482 Visa applicants, but applicants must meet relevant criteria.
Q: Are health and character checks required for the 482 Visa?
A: Yes, health and character checks are mandatory for all 482 Visa applicants.
Q: Can 482 Visa holders work in any occupation in Australia?
A: No, 482 Visa holders can only work in the nominated occupation approved by their sponsoring employer.
Q: Can 482 Visa holders bring their own family members to Australia?
A: Yes, eligible family members of 482 Visa holders can join them in Australia.
Q: What happens if a 482 Visa holder loses their job?
A: If a 482 Visa holder loses their job, they must find a new employer who is willing to nominate them, or they may need to leave Australia.
Q: Can 482 Visa holders apply for other visas while in Australia?
A: Depending on their circumstances, 482 Visa holders may be able to apply for other visas while in Australia.
Q: Is there a pathway from the 482 Visa to permanent residency for Short-Term stream applicants?
A: Short-Term stream applicants do not have a direct pathway to permanent residency through the 482 Visa.
Q: Can 482 Visa holders access Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare?
A: 482 Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
Q: Are 482 Visa holders eligible for multiple entries to and exits from Australia?
A: Yes, 482 Visa holders are generally allowed multiple entries to and exits from Australia during the visa validity period.
Q: What is the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy for 482 Visa sponsors?
A: The SAF levy is a contribution that some employers are required to pay to support training initiatives in Australia.
Q: Can 482 Visa holders bring their parents to Australia?
A: 482 Visa holders cannot directly bring their parents to Australia on this visa.
Q: Can 482 Visa holders apply for a second 482 Visa?
A: Yes, 482 Visa holders can apply for a second 482 Visa if they continue to meet the requirements.
Q: Is the 482 Visa a pathway to Australian citizenship?
A: The 482 Visa itself is not a direct pathway to Australian citizenship, but it can be a step toward permanent residency, which is a prerequisite for citizenship.
Q: How long does it take to process a 482 Visa application?
A: The processing time for a 482 Visa application can vary depending on factors such as the stream, occupation, and individual circumstances. It is advisable to check with the Department of Home Affairs for current processing times.