482 Visa Australia: Your Complete Guide to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
The 482 Visa Australia, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, is a work visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia temporarily. It was introduced to help Australian employers address labor shortages by bringing in qualified overseas workers when suitable local talent is not available.
If you’re considering applying for the 482 visa, this guide covers everything you need to know – from eligibility requirements to the application process.
What is Australia’s 482 Visa?
Employers in Australia can sponsor skilled overseas workers using the Subclass 482 Visa. In accordance with the employer’s skill requirements, it provides flexibility for both short-term and medium-term stays.
The 482 visa comes in three primary streams:
You can work in Australia for a maximum of two years with the Short-Term Stream (renewable once).
Medium-Term Stream: Offers a four-year work permit with a permanent residency track.
Labor Agreement Stream: For employees who are sponsored by the Australian government under a particular labor agreement.
Eligibility for the 482 Visa
To qualify for a TSS 482 Visa Australia, you must:
-
Have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (short-term or medium-term).
-
Be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
-
Meet the required skills and work experience for your nominated role.
-
Demonstrate English language proficiency.
-
Have adequate health insurance and meet health/character requirements.
482 Visa Australia Application Process
Applying for the 482 Visa involves three key steps:
-
Sponsorship – An employer must become an approved sponsor.
-
Nomination – The employer nominates the applicant for an eligible occupation.
-
Visa Application – The worker applies for the visa, providing all necessary documents such as qualifications, work experience, and health checks.
482 Visa Cost and Processing Time
-
Visa Cost: The application fee varies depending on the stream. Typically, the Short-Term stream costs around AUD $1,455, while the Medium-Term stream costs around AUD $3,035.
-
Processing Time: Depending on the stream, processing can take anywhere between 1 to 7 months.
Benefits of the 482 Visa
-
Live and work in Australia legally.
-
Bring eligible family members with you.
-
Travel in and out of Australia during the visa validity.
-
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) through the Medium-Term Stream.
482 Visa vs. Other Australian Work Visas
The 482 Visa Australia is highly sought after because it offers a direct route for skilled workers to contribute to the economy while giving employers access to global talent. Compared to other visas, it provides faster processing and a clearer pathway to PR for long-term skilled workers.