Overview
The subclass 482 (previously known as Temporary Skill Shortage or TSS) is the main temporary work visa for employer-sponsored skilled migration to Australia. It requires a three-stage process: the employer must first become an approved sponsor, then nominate the position, and finally the worker applies for the visa.
The visa is granted for up to 4 years depending on the occupation stream, and holders can include accompanying family members. Many 482 holders go on to apply for permanent residence through the subclass 186 ENS visa after meeting the required work period with their sponsor.
Who it's for
- Skilled workers with a genuine employer-sponsored job offer in an eligible occupation
- Professionals filling a genuine skill shortage where Australian workers are not readily available
- Those planning to use the 482 as a stepping stone to permanent residence via the subclass 186
Three-stage process
| Stage | Who | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship | Employer | Applies to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) |
| Nomination | Employer | Nominates the specific position, occupation, and worker |
| Visa application | Worker | Lodges the actual 482 visa application |
Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Approved sponsor | Employer must hold Standard Business Sponsor approval |
| Eligible occupation | Position must be in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list |
| Work experience | Typically at least 2 years of relevant work experience |
| Salary | Must meet or exceed TSMIT (currently AUD 73,150) AND the Annual Market Salary Rate |
| English language | Varies by stream: Competent to Vocational English depending on occupation |
| Health and character | Standard Australian health and character checks |
Occupation streams
Core Skills stream: Occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Visa granted for up to 4 years. Most used stream for white-collar professionals.
Specialist Skills stream: High-earning specialists in occupations earning above a higher salary threshold. Less restrictive occupation list requirements.
Labour Agreement stream: For employers with a formal Labour Agreement with the Australian government.
Steps
- Employer obtains Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) approval if not already a sponsor
- Employer lodges the nomination, specifying occupation, position, and worker details
- Worker lodges the 482 visa application, including skills evidence, English, health, and character documents
- Biometrics and medical examinations where required
- Visa grant: typically 1–3 months after lodgement
- Arrive in Australia and commence work with the sponsoring employer
Key notes
- Salary must meet both the TSMIT and the Annual Market Salary Rate. The higher threshold governs.
- The 482 ties you to the sponsoring employer for your nominated role; changing employers requires a new nomination
- After 2 years of full-time work on a 482 with the same employer, many workers become eligible for the 186 ENS permanent visa
- Occupation eligibility is the first check. Confirm your ANZSCO occupation code and the relevant list before starting.
- Processing times are typically 1–3 months, but complex cases or health requirements can extend this
This content is for informational purposes only.