Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482) allows an Australian employer to sponsor an overseas skilled worker for a position they cannot find a suitably skilled Australian to fill.
Beyond meeting immediate workforce needs, this temporary visa opens pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers, creating opportunities for long-term settlement in Australia.
Qualifications & Experience for Subclass 482 Visa Applicants
Applicants for the Subclass 482 visa must demonstrate the skills and experience necessary for the nominated occupation.
This includes having a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience gained within the last 5 years on a full-time basis within their chosen occupation, with exceptions made under exceptional circumstances.
This stringent requirement ensures that visa holders possess the expertise needed to contribute effectively to the Australian workforce.
Permanent Residency Pathway
While the Subclass 482 is initially a temporary visa, it offers a pathway to permanent residency.
Skilled workers and their families can lay down roots in Australia, making it a more attractive option for those seeking long-term settlement opportunities.
The transition to permanent residency is subject to meeting specified criteria and is a significant advantage for skilled workers who wish to make Australia their permanent home.
New Pathway to Permanent Residency for Subclass 482 Visa Holders
In May 2023, the Department of Home Affairs announced that the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the permanent Subclass 186 will be amended by the end of 2023.
The amendments provide all Subclass 482 holders with a new pathway to permanent residency.
Application Process for the Subclass 482 Visa
To apply for the Subclass 482 Visa, applicants must fulfil a set of eligibility criteria:
- Be the holder of an appropriate visa (Labour Agreement stream excluded);
- Meet the health requirements;
- Meet the character requirements;
- Meet specific language requirements (Subsequent entrants excluded);
- Have health insurance;
- Have complied with previous visa conditions;
- Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused;
- Have not contravened ‘paying for visa sponsorship’ legislative provisions;
- Have no debt to the Australian government; and
- Sign the Australian values statement.
Successful visa applicants can include family members (secondary applicants) in their visa application.
Education Opportunities for Visa Holders
Subclass 482 visa holders and their family members are not only permitted to work but are also allowed to pursue education in Australia.
This opens up possibilities for professional development and educational advancement, enhancing the overall experience of visa holders and their families during their stay in Australia.
Subclass 482 Visa Streams
The Subclass 482 Visa consists of four streams:
- Short-term stream,
- Medium-term stream,
- Labour Agreement stream, and
- Subsequent entrant stream.
Short-term Stream
Skilled workers can stay nominated in Australia for up to 2 years with the TSS Visa Short-term stream.
The chosen nominated occupation must be listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
Visa holders may stay for up to 4 years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies, and Hong Kong passport holders may stay for up to 5 years.
To be eligible for the Subclass 482 Visa Short-term stream, applicants must:
- Be nominated by an approved sponsor;
- Work for their nominating employer;
- Have relevant skills, qualifications and employment background to perform occupation;
- Have worked in the nominated occupation or a related field for at least 2 years;
- Have a positive skills assessment; and
- Be a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a short-term visa holder.
Medium-term Stream
Skilled workers can stay for up to 4 years with the TSS Medium-term stream.
Hong Kong passport holders may also stay for up to 5 years.
To be eligible for the Subclass 482 Visa Medium-term stream, applicants must:
- Be nominated by an approved sponsor;
- Work for their nominating employer;
- Have relevant skills, qualifications and employment background to perform the occupation; and
- Have a positive skills assessment.
Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement stream is for skilled workers nominated by employers with a Labour Agreement that has been established between the employer and the Australian Government.
The Labour Agreement stream allows applicants to work in Australia for up to 4 years (as per the terms of the agreement).
Hong Kong passport holders may also stay for up to 5 years.
To be eligible for the Subclass 482 Visa Labour Agreement stream, applicants must:
- Be working under a labour agreement; and
- Be nominated.
Subsequent Entrant Stream
The Subsequent entrant visa is for family members of subclass 457 and TSS visa holders who are applying separately for their Subclass 482 Visa (once the primary visa has been granted).
Generally, family members can apply for their visa at the same time or combined with the main applicant.
Applicants may stay in Australia for as long as their visa is valid and they are permitted to work and study while holding the TSS visa.
To be eligible for the Subclass 482 Visa Subsequent entrant stream, applicants must:
- Have a partner or parent who holds a Subclass 482 or TSS;
- Be nominated by the primary visa holder’s sponsor; and
- Be the holder of an appropriate visa.
Contact Us
For more information about the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), contact Bambrick Legal today. We can confirm your eligibility and help you apply for your visa.
- Fill in our enquiry form here
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Read more about our Visa and Migration services here.
Related Blog – English Requirements for the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa