Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
Work in Australia When Skilled Workers Are in Short Supply
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482 allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when they cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian to fill a job vacancy. This visa helps address labour shortages in critical sectors and allows foreign workers to live and work in Australia on a temporary basis.
What You Can Do with a Subclass 482 Visa (Temporary Skill Shortage - TSS)
The Subclass 482 Visa (Temporary Skill Shortage) allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia on a temporary basis. Sponsored by an approved employer, this visa supports Australia’s labour needs and offers pathways to bring family and even apply for permanent residency under certain conditions.
Work in Australia for your sponsoring employer
The Subclass 482 Visa allows you to work in a nominated position for the employer who sponsors you. This helps fill critical skill shortages in Australia’s workforce.
Live in Australia temporarily for up to 2 or 4 years
Depending on the stream (Short-Term or Medium-Term) and your nominated occupation, you can stay in Australia for up to 2 or 4 years. In some cases, regional positions may allow for extended stays.
Include family members in your application
You can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application. They will be granted the same duration of stay and can live, study, and work (with conditions) while in Australia.
Travel freely to and from Australia during the visa validity period
The 482 visa allows unrestricted travel in and out of Australia while it is valid, so you can visit family, attend work-related travel, or go on holidays without visa disruption.
Apply for permanent residency in some cases
If you’re working in an eligible occupation and meet certain requirements, you may be able to transition to permanent residency through employer-sponsored pathways such as the Subclass 186 visa.
Streams Under the TSS 482 Visa
The Subclass 482 visa has three main streams:
| Stream | Who it’s for | Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Term | Occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). | Up to 2 years (or 4 years if an international trade obligation applies). |
| Medium-Term | Occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Regional Occupation List. | Up to 4 years, with a pathway to PR. |
| Labour Agreement | For employers who have a negotiated labour agreement with the Australian government. | Varies depending on the agreement. |
Who Is Eligible for the 482 Visa?
To qualify, both the employer and employee must meet specific criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship | You must be nominated by an approved employer for a position listed on the relevant skilled occupation list. |
| Skills & Experience | You must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation. |
| English Language | Meet the minimum English requirement (IELTS 5 overall and at least 4.5 in each band for short-term stream; IELTS 5 in each band for medium-term). |
| Health & Character | You and your family must meet health and character requirements. |
| Licensing/Registration | If required for your occupation (e.g. nurses, trades), you must obtain the necessary Australian registration or licensing. |
You must also receive an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs and must not have a previously cancelled visa or refused application that bars you from applying.
Step-by-Step Application Process for the Subclass 482 Visa (TSS)
The Subclass 482 Visa (TSS) application involves a three-stage process: the employer becomes an approved sponsor, nominates you for a skilled position, and you then submit your visa application. Once the Department assesses and approves all stages, you can live and work in Australia for the sponsoring employer.
Employer Becomes a Standard Business Sponsor
Your employer must apply to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor, unless they already hold this status.
Employer Nominates You for a Role
The employer lodges a nomination application for a specific position within their business that aligns with the relevant skilled occupation list.
Submit Your Visa Application
Once nominated, you submit your Subclass 482 visa application, including required documents such as your skills assessment (if needed), English test results, and work experience records.
Department Reviews the Application
The Department of Home Affairs assesses the application, ensuring the position is genuine and labour market testing has been met (where required).
Visa Grant and Work Commencement
If approved, your visa is granted. You can then travel to or remain in Australia and begin working for your sponsoring employer under the terms of your visa.
Need help with the process? Reach out to our Registered Migration Agents at info@openpathways.com or fill in the online enquiry form for a free eligibility check.
482 Visa Fees (Excludes Employer Nomination Costs)
| Applicant | Short-Term (AUD) | Medium-Term (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant | $1,455 | $3,035 |
| Dependent (18+) | $1,455 | $3,035 |
| Dependent (under 18) | $365 | $760 |
Note: Employers may also incur nomination and sponsorship fees, as well as a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy ranging from $1,200 to $5,000, depending on business size and length of employment.
Including Family Members
You can include the following dependent family members in your TSS visa application:
Spouse or de facto partner
Children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren) who are:
- Under 18, or
- Aged 18–23 and dependent, or
- Over 23 with a disability and dependent
Your family members can work and study in Australia while holding the TSS visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change employers while on a 482 visa?
Yes, but the new employer must nominate you again, and you must be granted a new 482 visa linked to that employer before starting the new job.
Can I apply for permanent residency later?
If you are in the medium-term stream, you may be eligible for Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) after 2–3 years, depending on the employer’s support and other conditions.
Does the 482 visa require labour market testing?
Yes, employers must generally show that no suitable Australian workers were available for the role before sponsoring you.
How long does it take to process the 482 visa?
Processing times vary, but typically range from 1 to 4 months, depending on stream and completeness of documents.
Let’s Make the Sponsorship Process Simple
Applying for the 482 visa involves both employer and employee obligations, which can be overwhelming without expert help. At Open Pathways, we assist both businesses and skilled workers through every stage of the TSS process, from sponsorship approval to visa submission.
