Study In Australia is a land of opportunities that welcomes skilled professionals from all over the world. One of the most popular visas allowing foreign workers to work in Australia temporarily is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, also known as the Subclass 482 visa. Introduced in 2018, this visa replaced the previous 457 visa and was designed to address skill shortages in the Australian labor market.

In this blog, we will explore what the Subclass 482 visa is, its key features, eligibility criteria, streams, and the process of applying for it.

Overview of the Subclass 482 Visa

The Subclass 482 Visa Australia allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when they are unable to find a suitably skilled Australian citizen or permanent resident for a specific job. It is a temporary visa that enables the visa holder to live and work in Australia for a period ranging from two to four years, depending on the stream and occupation.

The visa supports Australia’s economic growth by ensuring that businesses have access to the right talent when needed. It also acts as a pathway to permanent residency under certain conditions.

Streams of the Subclass 482 Visa

The Subclass 482 visa is divided into three main streams:

  1. Short-Term Stream
  • Designed for occupations listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
  • Allows a stay of up to two years (or up to four years if an International Trade Obligation applies).
  • Can be renewed once onshore.
  • Offers limited pathway to permanent residency.
  1. Medium-Term Stream
  • For occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
  • Allows a stay of up to four years.
  • Provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS).
  • Renewable while in Australia.
  1. Labour Agreement Stream
  • For employers who have entered into a labour agreement with the Australian government.
  • Suitable for niche or specialized occupations not listed on the STSOL or MLTSSL.
  • Duration depends on the terms of the agreement.
  • May also lead to permanent residency.

Key Features of the Subclass 482 Visa

  • Work rights: You can work full-time in Australia for your sponsoring employer.
  • Family: You can include immediate family members (spouse and dependent children) in your application.
  • Travel: You can travel in and out of Australia freely during the visa validity.
  • Transition to PR: Depending on the stream, you may apply for permanent residency after working for a certain period.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Subclass 482 visa, applicants must meet several requirements:

For Applicants:

  • Must be nominated for a job position by an approved Australian sponsor.
  • Must have skills and qualifications relevant to the nominated occupation.
  • Must have at least two years of relevant work experience.
  • Must meet English language requirements:
    • Short-Term Stream: IELTS 5.0 overall with no band less than 4.5.
    • Medium-Term Stream: IELTS 5.0 in each band (or equivalent test scores).
  • Must have health insurance.
  • Must meet health and character requirements.

For Employers:

  • Must be an approved sponsor.
  • Must demonstrate a genuine need to fill the position with an overseas worker.
  • Must offer terms and conditions of employment equivalent to those provided to Australian workers.
  • Must pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

The Application Process

The Subclass 482 visa process involves three main steps:

  1. Sponsorship Application

The employer must apply to become a Standard Business Sponsor if they are not already approved. This approval is generally valid for five years.

  1. Nomination Application

The employer nominates the specific occupation and position. They must demonstrate that the position is genuine and meets the market salary requirements.

  1. Visa Application

Once the nomination is approved, the worker submits a visa application. They must provide evidence of qualifications, experience, English proficiency, health checks, and police clearance.

Costs and Processing Time

Costs:

  • Short-Term Stream: AUD $1,455
  • Medium-Term Stream: AUD $3,035
  • SAF Levy (paid by employer): Depends on business turnover (AUD $1,200–$1,800 per year)

Processing Times:

  • Varies depending on the stream and application details:
    • Short-Term: 4–7 months
    • Medium-Term: 4–6 months
    • Labour Agreement: 6–9 months

Pathway to Permanent Residency

For visa holders under the Medium-Term and Labour Agreement streams, a Subclass 482 visa can lead to permanent residency through:

  • Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
  • Must usually complete at least three years of work with the same employer.
  • Must meet age, health, and English requirements.

In 2023, the Australian government introduced changes to simplify the transition to permanent residency for many Subclass 482 visa holders, making it an attractive option for skilled migrants.

Final Thoughts

The Subclass 482 visa is an essential tool for Australian businesses facing skill shortages and offers great opportunities for skilled professionals to work and live in Australia. While the process can be complex, the benefits of working in a dynamic and diverse country like Australia make it worthwhile.

Study in Australia for Indian Students If you are an employer looking to hire overseas talent, or a skilled worker aiming to start a career in Australia, understanding the 482 visa is your first step. Consulting with a registered migration agent can also help ensure a smooth application process.

 

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