Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa.

The subclass 482 (TSS) visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when they cannot fill a position locally. It is a temporary visa, but the medium-term stream provides a clear pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 186. Unlike the points-tested visas, the 482 does not require a points score.

At a glance

Visa type
Temporary (2-4 years)
Sponsorship
Employer sponsorship required
Points test
Not required
PR pathway
Via 186 (medium-term stream)
Application cost
$1,455-$3,035
Processing time
1-6 months

Two streams.

Short-term stream

  • Occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • Visa granted for up to 2 years (4 years if international trade obligation applies)
  • One onshore renewal allowed
  • Limited pathway to permanent residency
  • Application charge: $1,455

Medium-term stream

  • Occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Visa granted for up to 4 years
  • No limit on renewals
  • Clear pathway to 186 permanent visa after 2 years with the same employer
  • Application charge: $3,035

Eligibility requirements.

  • Employer sponsor: Your employer must be an approved business sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Occupation: Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Skills and experience: At least two years of relevant work experience and any required qualifications or licences for the nominated occupation.
  • English: At least competent English (IELTS 5.0 overall with no band below 4.5, or equivalent). Some occupations require higher.
  • Market salary: Your employer must pay you at least the market salary rate or the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), whichever is higher.
  • Health and character: Standard requirements apply.

Application process.

The 482 involves three stages - your employer handles the first two:

  1. 1

    Employer becomes an approved sponsor

    Your employer applies for Standard Business Sponsorship if they do not already have it. This includes paying the Skilling Australians Fund levy.

  2. 2

    Employer nominates you

    Your employer lodges a nomination for the specific position, demonstrating that the role is genuine and that they could not fill it with an Australian worker.

  3. 3

    You lodge your visa application

    Once nominated, you apply through ImmiAccount with your qualifications, experience evidence, English test results, and health/police clearances.

How this compares.

Subclass 186

Direct permanent residency through employer nomination. Where the 482 leads after 2 years.

Skilled visas (189/190/491)

Points-tested, no employer needed. Different pathway if you do not have a sponsor.

Frequently asked questions.

Do I need a job offer for the 482 visa?
Yes. The 482 requires sponsorship from an approved Australian employer. Your employer must nominate you for a specific position that matches your skills and qualifications. You cannot apply for this visa without an employer sponsor.
Can a 482 visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes, through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the subclass 186 visa. After working for your sponsoring employer for at least two years on a 482 (medium-term stream), they can nominate you for permanent residency.
What is the difference between short-term and medium-term streams?
The short-term stream is for occupations on the STSOL, lasts up to two years (four if an international trade obligation applies), and has limited PR pathways. The medium-term stream is for MLTSSL occupations, lasts up to four years, and provides a clear pathway to the 186 permanent visa.
Does my employer pay for the 482 visa?
Your employer must pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy and their own application costs. The visa application charge itself can be paid by either you or your employer - this is usually negotiated as part of your employment agreement.
Can I change employers on a 482 visa?
You can change employers, but your new employer must be an approved sponsor and must nominate you for a new 482 visa. You generally have 60 days to find a new sponsor after leaving your previous employer before your visa conditions are affected.

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