Subclass 482 Visa Australia

Subclass 482 Visa Australia: Complete Guide to Process, Fees and Requirements

The Subclass 482 Visa, officially known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, allows Australian employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers from overseas. It offers a temporary work opportunity and, for many, a pathway to Permanent Residency later on.

In this guide, we’ll cover the 482 visa process, fees, eligibility, and all you need to know if you are planning to work in Australia under this visa.

What is the Subclass 482 Visa?

The 482 Visa allows overseas workers to live and work in Australia for an approved employer who cannot find a suitably skilled Australian worker.

It has three streams:

Short-Term Stream – for occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) (up to 2 years, renewable once).

Medium-Term Stream – for occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (up to 4 years, with a pathway to PR).

Labour Agreement Stream – for workers where employers have a labour agreement with the Australian government.

Subclass 482 Visa Eligibility:

You must meet the following general requirements:

You must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.

Your occupation must be on the relevant occupation list (STSOL or MLTSSL).

You must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience.

You must have competent English (Short-Term Stream: IELTS 5.0 overall,Medium-Term:IELTS 5.0 with 5.0 in each band).

You must meet health and character requirements.

You must have necessary skills, qualifications, and/or licensing (if required for the occupation).

Subclass 482 Visa Process:

1.Employer Becomes a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS):If not already approved, the employer must apply for Standard Business Sponsorship.

Validity: 5 years

2.Employer Lodges Nomination:The employer nominates a specific occupation and identifies the foreign worker they intend to sponsor.

They must prove:

Labour market testing (advertising the job locally).

The position is genuine and necessary.

3.Visa Application by Employee:The foreign worker (you) lodges the visa application online through ImmiAccount once the nomination is approved (or simultaneously,depending on timing).

Documents typically needed:

Passport

Proof of English proficiency

Qualifications and work experience documents

Employment references

Police clearance certificates

Health examination results

4.Processing and Decision:Home Affairs reviews the sponsorship, nomination, and visa application together before granting the visa.

Turnover < AUD 10 million: AUD 1,200 per year of the visa

Turnover > AUD 10 million: AUD 1,800 per year of the visa

Example: For a 4-year visa, an employer with >10M turnover would pay AUD 7,200 SAF levy.

Priority Processing: Some critical sector occupations(Health Care,IT &engineering) might receive faster processing under government priorities.

482 Visa Work Rights and Conditions:

You must work only for your sponsoring employer.

You must work only in the nominated occupation.

You can travel freely in and out of Australia.

Family members (partner and children) can live, work, and study in Australia.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) from 482 Visa

Medium-Term Stream workers can apply for Subclass 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme)after working 2-3 years with their employer.

Some Short-Term Stream visa holders can transition to PR via other pathways, depending on eligibility and occupation updates.

New PR Options 2024-2025:Australia has eased transition rules for 482 visa holders to PR, even for some short-term occupations under certain circumstances.

Key Tips for 482 Visa Applicants:

English Preparation: Make sure you meet the required English test scores before applying.

Skill Assessment: Some occupations (e.g., trades, nurses) require a mandatory skills assessment.

Employer Knowledge: Work with an employer who understands sponsorship obligations.

Renewals: Some 482 visa holders can extend their visa (especially Short-Term Stream,but with limits).

Conclusion:

The Subclass 482 Visa is one of the fastest and most flexible ways to work in Australia temporarily with a potential route to permanent residency. If you have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you and meet the requirements, you could be working in Australia sooner than you think.

Whether you're a chef, engineer,IT specialist,or nurse, the 482 visa opens doors to professional and personal opportunities in Australia.