Subclass 482
Subclass 482 Visa: Your Complete Guide to the TSS Visa
If you’re an Australian employer seeking to hire overseas talent—or a skilled worker looking to work in Australia—the subclass 482 visa, commonly known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, might be the perfect pathway.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the 482 visa, including eligibility, types of streams, sponsorship, and how to apply.
What Is the Subclass 482 Visa?
The subclass 482 visa is a temporary work visa that allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas when they can’t find a suitable local candidate. Introduced to replace the 457 visa, the TSS visa helps fill genuine skill shortages in Australia.
The 482 visa allows holders to live and work in Australia for up to 4 years, depending on the occupation and stream.
Streams of the Subclass 482 Visa
There are three streams under the 482 visa:
Short-Term Stream
For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
Visa duration: up to 2 years (or 4 years if an ITO applies)
Renewable once while in Australia
No direct PR pathway under this stream
Medium-Term Stream
For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Visa duration: up to 4 years
Eligible for permanent residency (PR) after 2 years
Labour Agreement Stream
For employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian government
Custom terms based on agreement
Allows access to occupations not on the standard lists
Subclass 482 Visa Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a 482 visa, the applicant must:
Be nominated by an approved sponsor
Work in an occupation listed on the relevant occupation list
Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience
Meet English language requirements
IELTS 5.0 average for Short-Term
IELTS 5.0 (no band below 5) for Medium-Term
Pass health and character checks
Hold any mandatory licensing or registration
Employers must:
Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor
Demonstrate efforts to recruit locally before hiring internationally
Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
English Language Requirements
Different streams have different English requirements:
How to Apply for a Subclass 482 Visa
Here’s a simplified step-by-step process:
Step 1: Employer Becomes a Sponsor
Apply to become a Standard Business Sponsor (if not already approved)
Step 2: Nominate a Position
Employer submits a nomination application for the job role
Step 3: Lodge the Visa Application
Once nomination is approved, the applicant lodges their 482 visa application online
Step 4: Health, Character & Other Checks
Complete medical exams and provide police certificates
Step 5: Await Decision
Processing times vary depending on the stream and application complexity
Subclass 482 Visa Processing Time
Short-Term Stream: 50% processed in 37 days, 90% in 80 days
Medium-Term Stream: 50% in 38 days, 90% in 79 days
Labour Agreement Stream: 50% in 63 days, 90% in 85 days
Note: Times may vary depending on your occupation, country of origin, and documentation completeness.
Subclass 482 Visa Cost
Short-Term Stream: From AUD $1,455
Medium-Term Stream: From AUD $3,035
Labour Agreement Stream: From AUD $3,035
Additional charges for family members and health checks apply
Employers pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, up to AUD $5,000
Pathway to Permanent Residency from 482 Visa
While the short-term stream doesn't typically lead to PR, the medium-term stream can lead to permanent residency through:
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
Must work for the same employer for at least 2 years before applying
Key Benefits of the Subclass 482 Visa
Live and work in Australia temporarily
Opportunity to bring dependents and family members
Pathway to PR for eligible streams
Access to Australia’s job market and career growth
Valuable for employers facing skill shortages
Final Thoughts
The subclass 482 visa is a crucial part of Australia’s skilled migration system, helping employers fill urgent workforce needs while offering skilled overseas workers a chance to live and work in a thriving economy.
Whether you're an employer or an applicant, understanding the rules, streams, and process of the 482 visa is the first step to success.
