Australia continues to be one of the top destinations for skilled professionals from around the world. Its strong economy, diverse job market, and high standard of living make it an attractive choice for overseas workers. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482 allows Australian employers to fill skill gaps by hiring qualified workers from overseas.
If you have the right skills and qualifications, this visa can be your pathway to work in Australia, gain international experience, and potentially transition to permanent residency.
In this guide, we’ll cover the streams, eligibility requirements, benefits, application process, and tips for securing a Subclass 482 visa.
What is the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)?
The TSS Visa (Subclass 482) was introduced to replace the old 457 visa. It enables Australian employers to bring in overseas workers to fill specific roles when there is a shortage of local skilled labour.
This visa has three main streams:
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Short-Term Stream – For occupations listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Valid for up to 2 years, renewable once.
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Medium-Term Stream – For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Valid for up to 4 years, with a direct pathway to permanent residency.
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Labour Agreement Stream – For employers who have a special agreement with the Australian Government to sponsor overseas workers.
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Key Benefits of the Subclass 482 Visa
The Subclass 482 visa offers several advantages:
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Work legally in Australia for 2–4 years (depending on stream).
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Live with your family in Australia (family members can be included in the application).
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Travel freely to and from Australia while the visa is valid.
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Gain valuable Australian work experience.
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Pathway to permanent residency for eligible applicants under the medium-term stream.
Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 482 Visa
The TSS Visa (Subclass 482) has both applicant and employer requirements.
General Applicant Requirements
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Occupation must be on the STSOL or MLTSSL.
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Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
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Have the necessary skills, qualifications, and at least 2 years of work experience.
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Meet English language proficiency standards (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent).
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Meet health and character requirements.
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Have health insurance for the duration of your stay.
Employer Requirements
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Must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).
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Must demonstrate a genuine need for the skilled position.
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Must pay at least the market salary rate for the nominated role.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Subclass 482 Visa
Applying for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa involves three main steps:
Step 1: Employer Sponsorship
The employer applies to become an approved sponsor if they are not already registered.
Step 2: Nomination of Position
The employer nominates the specific position that needs to be filled. The nominated role must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Step 3: Visa Application
Once sponsorship and nomination are approved, the applicant can submit their visa application online via ImmiAccount.
Documents Required for the Subclass 482 Visa
Having the correct documents is essential for a smooth application. Common documents include:
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Valid passport
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Employment contract or job offer letter
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Proof of skills and qualifications
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Skills assessment (if required)
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English test results
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Health insurance details
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Police clearance certificates
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Health examination results
Processing Time and Visa Costs
Processing times can vary depending on the stream:
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Short-Term Stream: Around 3–6 months
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Medium-Term Stream: Around 3–6 months
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Labour Agreement Stream: Varies based on agreement terms
Visa Costs (Approximate):
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Short-Term Stream: From AUD 1,455
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Medium-Term Stream: From AUD 3,035
(Fees are subject to change. Additional charges apply for secondary applicants.)
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Medium-Term Stream is a popular choice for those aiming for permanent residency. After working with the sponsoring employer for at least three years, applicants may be eligible to apply for:
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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
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Permanent Residence through Labour Agreement Stream
Common Occupations Sponsored Under the 482 Visa
Popular jobs under the Subclass 482 visa include:
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IT professionals (software engineers, analysts)
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Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical)
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Healthcare workers (nurses, medical specialists)
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Tradespeople (electricians, welders, carpenters)
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Hospitality professionals (chefs, restaurant managers)
Tips for a Successful 482 Visa Application
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Confirm your occupation is on the correct skilled occupation list (STSOL or MLTSSL).
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Ensure your employer is an approved sponsor.
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Gather and check all documents before submission.
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Meet English test score requirements early.
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Consider migration agent assistance to avoid delays.
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Stay updated on changes to occupation lists and immigration policies.
Conclusion
The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) offers a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers to live and work in Australia. It is a gateway for international professionals to gain Australian work experience, support economic growth, and potentially transition to permanent residency.
Whether you are applying under the short-term, medium-term, or labour agreement stream, understanding the requirements, process, and eligibility criteria will help ensure a smooth application journey.
With the right preparation and employer support, the Subclass 482 visa can open the door to a rewarding career in Australia.
