With rising competition, Australian businesses are increasingly turning to overseas talent to address local labour shortages.
The Subclass 482 Visa, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, offers a practical solution by enabling employers to fill critical skill gaps with skilled workers from overseas.
For employees, it opens the door to valuable work opportunities in Australia, with potential pathways to permanent residency.
Whether you’re an employer seeking to hire overseas talent or a worker aiming to build a career in Australia, this blog provides all the essentials you need to understand the 482 visa application process.
What Is The Subclass 482 Visa?
The Subclass 482 Visa, also known as the TSS visa (Temporary Skill Shortage visa), enables Australian employers to address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled overseas workers when they cannot find qualified Australian candidates.
Introduced as a replacement for the previous 457 visas, this program supports businesses in filling critical skill gaps while ensuring protection for both Australian workers and overseas talent.
Employers gain access to a global talent pool, and employees get a chance to work in Australia, with some streams offering a pathway to permanent residency (PR). Understanding its structure and requirements is key to a successful application.
The Three Streams Of The Subclass 482 Visa
The Subclass 482 visa operates under three distinct streams, each designed for specific needs.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Stream | Occupation List | Duration | Visa Cost (AUD) |
| Short-Term Stream | Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) | Up to 2 years (or 4 with trade obligations) | Starts at 1,455 |
| Medium-Term Stream | Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL) | Up to 4 years | Starts at 3,035 |
| Labour Agreement Stream | Based on a specific labour agreement | Up to 4 years | Varies (starts at 3,035) |
The Short-Term Stream suits temporary needs, while the Medium-Term Stream supports longer-term roles with PR potential. The Labour Agreement Stream offers flexibility for unique cases negotiated with the government.
482 Visa Eligibility Criteria
Both employers and workers must meet strict conditions. For employers, sponsorship is the first step. For workers, skills and compliance matter most.
For Employers (Sponsors)
- Must hold an Approved Sponsorship status from the Australian government.
- Prove a genuine need for overseas workers by showing no suitable local candidates exist through Labour Market Testing (LMT).
- Submit documents like an ABN Registration Certificate, financial reports, and a market salary report.
- Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy, which supports local training. delay or derail your application. Accuracy in documentation is critical.
For Skilled Workers (Applicants)
- Possess qualifications, skills, and at least 2-3 years of relevant work experience.
- Meet English language proficiency standards (e.g., IELTS or PTE Academic).
- Provide a valid passport, health insurance, and character certificates (police clearances).
- Pass health examinations as required by the Department of Home Affairs.
Failing to meet these can delay or derail your application. Accuracy in documentation is critical.
482 Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step
Applying for the Subclass 482 Visa involves three main stages. Each requires careful preparation.
Sponsorship Application: Employers apply to become an approved sponsor. They must show their business is legitimate and committed to hiring overseas workers only when necessary.
Nomination of Position: The employer nominates a role from the skilled occupation list in Australia. This step includes proving the job aligns with market salary rates and conducting LMT to prioritise local hires.
Visa Application: Once sponsorship and nomination are approved, the worker submits their application. They provide proof of skills, English test results, health insurance, and character documents.
Processing times vary. Incomplete applications or delays in responding to requests for more information can slow things down. Check official updates for current 482 visa processing time estimates.
482 Visa Cost Breakdown
Costs depend on the stream and additional fees. Here’s what to expect:
- Short-Term Stream: Starts at AUD 1,455.
- Medium-Term Stream: Starts at AUD 3,035.
- Labour Agreement Stream: Varies, typically AUD 3,035 or more.
- Additional costs: SAF Levy, health checks, police clearances, and translations.
Budgeting for these ensures no surprises during the process.
482 Visa Health Requirement
Health insurance is mandatory under visa condition 8501. Workers must maintain adequate health coverage throughout their stay. Platforms like GetMyPolicy help compare plans that meet 482 visa health requirement standards.
482 Visa Sponsorship - What You Need to Know
Sponsorship is offered by a company not a blood relative. The company must show that the position is genuine and that they are going to pay the employee a market rate for the position. Employees are tied to their sponsors and cannot work for another employer and still be on the 482 visa unless they transfer sponsors or get a new visa. This is for the employee’s protection, but it does not provide flexibility.
482 Visa Family Inclusion
The good news is that family members can come to Australia with you! The 482 visa allows your spouse and dependent children to accompany you. They will also need to provide health insurance and will undergo character checks as well. Family members can work or study on the 482 visa, but it depends on the stream
Ready To Start Your Subclass 482 Visa Journey With Excel Migration?
Are you ready to start your Subclass 482 Visa with Excel Migration?If you need help applying for a Subclass 482 Visa, Excel Migration is a leading migration agency in Melbourne that will make your life easier as a sponsoring company or as a skilled worker from overseas.
Our MARA-accredited agents have been in practice for over 15 years and have achieved a high rate of success and could provide you with a clear pathway and timely turnaround to ensure that you are working towards your new life in Australia.
