Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia – Subclass 482

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482 is one of the most important work visas for skilled professionals looking to work in Australia. It allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers when there are no suitable local candidates available. This visa not only helps fill labour shortages but also opens the door for skilled workers to live, work, and potentially transition to permanent residency in Australia.

In this detailed guide, we will cover the streams, eligibility, costs, requirements, step-by-step application process, processing times, benefits, and pathways to PR for the Subclass 482 Visa.

Table of Contents

What is the Subclass 482 TSS Visa?

The Subclass 482 TSS Visa enables Australian businesses to sponsor overseas talent for roles they cannot fill locally. The visa is granted under three streams:

Short-Term Stream – For occupations listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Stay for up to 2 years (or 4 years if an International Trade Obligation applies).
Medium-Term Stream – For occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Stay for up to 4 years, with a pathway to permanent residency.
Labour Agreement Stream – For occupations approved under a labour agreement between the Australian Government and the sponsoring employer.

Who Can Apply for the Subclass 482 Visa?

The visa is for skilled professionals with a job offer from an approved Australian employer. It is ideal for:

IT specialists, engineers, healthcare professionals, tradespeople, and other skilled workers
Overseas professionals whose skills are in demand in Australia
Skilled workers seeking a pathway to PR through employer sponsorship

Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 482 Visa

To qualify for the Subclass 482 Visa, you must:

Have a valid job offer from an approved Australian sponsor
Be nominated for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience
Meet skills assessment requirements (if applicable)
Meet English language requirements:
- Short-Term Stream: IELTS 5.0 overall (minimum 4.5 each band)
- Medium-Term Stream: IELTS 5.0 overall (minimum 5.0 each band)
Meet health and character requirements
Maintain adequate health insurance

Employer Requirements for Sponsorship

Your sponsoring employer must:

Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor or hold a labour agreement
Demonstrate that the position is genuine and cannot be filled by an Australian
Meet labour market testing requirements (advertising the position locally before nominating)
Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy

Cost of the Subclass 482 TSS Visa

The application fee depends on the stream:

Short-Term Stream: AUD $1,455 (main applicant)
Medium-Term Stream: AUD $3,035 (main applicant)
Labour Agreement Stream: AUD $3,035 (main applicant)

Additional costs:

Dependent family members’ visa charges
Health examinations: AUD $150–$300
Police clearance certificates: Cost varies by country
English language test fees (if required)

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Subclass 482 Visa

Step 1: Employer Becomes an Approved Sponsor

The employer applies to become a Standard Business Sponsor if they are not already approved.

Step 2: Nomination of the Position

The employer nominates a specific position for the overseas worker. The position must:

Be genuine
Be full-time
Match an occupation on the relevant list

Step 3: Visa Application by the Worker

Once the nomination is approved, the worker can lodge the visa application via ImmiAccount.

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

Passport
Job offer letter & contract
Skills assessment (if required)
Proof of English proficiency
Health and character documents

Step 5: Pay Visa Fees

Pay the visa application charge along with any additional fees for family members.

Step 6: Await Processing

The Department of Home Affairs assesses the application and may request additional information.

Processing Times for the Subclass 482 Visa

Processing times depend on the stream:

Short-Term Stream:
- 75% of applications processed in 6 months
- 90% in 8 months
Medium-Term Stream:
- 75% in 4 months
- 90% in 6 months

Applications with complete and accurate documents are processed faster.

Tips for a Smooth 482 Visa Application

Ensure your occupation is on the correct skilled occupation list
Submit a complete application with all documents
Maintain clear communication with your employer
Meet all English and health requirements before applying

Benefits of the Subclass 482 TSS Visa

Work in Australia for up to 4 years
Bring eligible family members with you
Travel in and out of Australia freely
Access to pathways for Permanent Residency (Medium-Term Stream)

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Holders of the Medium-Term Stream 482 Visa may be eligible for Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) or Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) after:

2–3 years of full-time work with the sponsoring employer
Meeting English, skill, and other PR requirements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the wrong stream for your occupation
Failing to meet English test requirements
Submitting incomplete documents
Not maintaining proper communication with the sponsor

Final Thoughts

The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) is one of the most valuable work visas for skilled professionals wanting to work in Australia. It helps fill urgent skill shortages while providing overseas workers with opportunities for career growth and a potential pathway to PR.

By choosing the correct stream, preparing a strong application, and working with an approved employer, you can increase your chances of success and start your journey towards living and working in Australia.