Australia is a leading destination for skilled workers seeking global opportunities. Among its popular immigration options is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, also known as the Subclass 482 visa. This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers when they cannot find a suitably qualified Australian worker. If you’re aiming to live and work in Australia, understanding the 482 visa sponsorship requirements is crucial.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about 482 Visa Sponsorship Requirements eligibility, employer obligations, job roles, and the step-by-step application process.
Key Takeaways
- The 482 visa is employer-sponsored and allows temporary work in Australia in an approved occupation.
- Applicants must meet skills, English proficiency, and health requirements.
- Employers must be approved sponsors and show a genuine need for the position.
- There are three streams: Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labour Agreement.
- This visa can lead to permanent residency under certain conditions.
What is the 482 Visa?
The Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia for an approved sponsor. It replaces the now-defunct 457 visa and is designed to address genuine skill shortages in the country. The visa is divided into three main streams based on occupation and business needs:
- Short-Term Stream – For occupations listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
- Medium-Term Stream – For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Labour Agreement Stream – For workers sponsored through a formal labour agreement.
Employer Sponsorship Requirements
482 Visa Sponsorship Requirements and before an individual can apply for a 482 visa, an Australian employer must be approved as a sponsor. Employers must:
- Demonstrate a genuine need for the skilled position.
- Provide evidence that they have attempted to hire locally.
- Meet the training benchmarks if required.
- Be lawfully operating in Australia.
- Not engage in discriminatory hiring practices.
Once approved, the employer can nominate a foreign worker for a role aligned with Australia’s skilled occupation list.
Steps for 482 Visa Sponsorship Requirements quick overview and apply as per your skills
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Identify the Occupation | Choose a role from the STSOL, MLTSSL, or ROL lists that matches the applicant’s qualifications and experience. |
| 2. Employer Becomes a Sponsor | The Australian employer applies to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor (valid for 5 years). |
| 3. Labour Market Testing (LMT) | The employer must prove they tried to hire an Australian by advertising the job in line with government requirements. |
| 4. Nominate the Position | The employer lodges a nomination application, specifying job title, salary, and employment terms. |
| 5. Skill Assessment (if required) | The applicant undergoes a formal skill assessment from an authorized body if the occupation requires it. |
| 6. English Language Test | The applicant must meet the English proficiency requirement (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.) based on the visa stream. |
| 7. Health and Character Checks | The applicant must pass a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates. |
| 8. Lodge the Visa Application | The applicant submits their 482 visa application online, attaching all necessary documents. |
| 9. Pay Fees | Visa fees, nomination fees, and any other associated costs must be paid at the time of application. |
| 10. Await Decision and Prepare to Relocate | Once approved, the applicant receives the visa and can move to Australia to begin work with the sponsoring employer. |
Occupation Eligibility
Not all jobs qualify for the 482 visa. The occupation must be listed on either:
- Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) – for up to 2 years (renewable once).
- Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) – for up to 4 years (pathway to PR).
- Regional Occupation List (ROL) – for jobs in regional areas.
Each nominated role must match the job description published by ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations).
Applicant Requirements
To be eligible for a 482 visa, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
1. Skills and Qualifications
- Possess skills relevant to the nominated occupation.
- In some cases, a skills assessment may be required, especially for trades and health professions.
2. Work Experience
- Usually at least 2 years of relevant full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.
3. English Language Proficiency
- For Short-Term Stream: Overall IELTS score of 5.0 with no less than 4.5 in each band.
- For Medium-Term Stream: Overall IELTS score of 5.0 with no less than 5.0 in each band.
Alternative English tests such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English are accepted.
4. Health and Character
- Must pass a medical examination.
- Provide police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for more than 12 months.
Streams Breakdown
1. Short-Term Stream
- Valid for up to 2 years (4 years if international trade obligations apply).
- Renewable once onshore.
- No direct path to permanent residency.
2. Medium-Term Stream
- Valid for up to 4 years.
- Eligible for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
3. Labour Agreement Stream
- For occupations not on the standard lists but included in formal agreements with industry sectors or regions.
- Requirements vary depending on the agreement.
Labour Market Testing (LMT)
For 482 Visa Sponsorship Requirements, Employers must demonstrate they attempted to recruit local Australian citizens or permanent residents. Labour Market Testing includes:
- Posting ads in at least two national media outlets.
- Ads must have been active within 4 months prior to nomination.
- Must run for a minimum of 28 days.
Exemptions may apply if trade obligations are in place.
Application Process
Step 1: Employer Becomes a Standard Business Sponsor
- Submit a sponsorship application to the Department of Home Affairs.
- Valid for 5 years once approved.
Step 2: Nomination of the Position
- The employer nominates a specific position and provides supporting documents.
Step 3: Visa Application by the Worker
- The worker applies for the 482 visa online.
- Must include proof of skills, qualifications, English test scores, health exams, and police checks.
Fees and Costs
- Sponsorship Application Fee: AUD 420
- Nomination Fee: AUD 330
- Visa Application Fee:
- Short-Term Stream: AUD 1,455
- Medium-Term and Labour Agreement Stream: AUD 3,035
Additional fees may apply for dependents, health checks, and police certificates.
Processing Time
Processing times of 482 Visa Sponsorship Requirements depend on the stream and complexity of the application:
- Short-Term Stream: 25% processed in 5 days; 90% in 3 months.
- Medium-Term Stream: 25% processed in 7 days; 90% in 5 months.
Streamlined applications with complete documentation get processed faster.
Family and Dependents
Holders of the 482 visa can bring eligible family members, such as:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Children under 18 or dependent children under 23
Family members have the right to work and study in Australia.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
482 visa holders under the Medium-Term or Labour Agreement streams may transition to permanent residency through:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Skilled Independent or Nominated visas (if eligible)
To apply for PR via the 186 visa, candidates must:
- Work for the same sponsor for at least 2 years.
- Meet the age, English, and health criteria.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Incomplete documentation
- Inaccurate or misleading information
- Skills not matching nominated occupation
- Employer fails to meet sponsorship obligations
- Failed English language requirements
It’s essential to double-check every part of the application and ensure your employer meets all legal obligations.
Compliance and Monitoring
The Department of Home Affairs actively monitors sponsors and visa holders to ensure compliance. Sponsors must:
- Notify any changes in employment conditions.
- Keep accurate records of the worker’s employment.
- Cooperate with immigration authorities during audits or investigations.
Visa holders must:
- Work only for the nominated employer.
- Not breach visa conditions such as changing roles without approval.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the 482 Visa Sponsorship Requirements process can be intricate but rewarding. With the right preparation, qualified individuals can unlock exciting work opportunities in Australia while also setting the stage for permanent residency. Employers play a key role and must follow strict guidelines to ensure compliance and transparency.
FAQs
Can I change employers while on a 482 visa?
Yes, but the new employer must nominate you and be an approved sponsor. A new visa application is required.
Is it possible to apply for permanent residency after holding a 482 visa?
Yes, particularly through the Medium-Term Stream via the Subclass 186 visa after meeting eligibility.
Can family members work on a 482 visa?
Yes, dependents can work and study without any restrictions.
Do all occupations require a skills assessment?
Not all, but certain trades and regulated professions do. Check with the relevant assessing authority.
Can I apply for a 482 visa offshore?
Yes, you can apply from inside or outside Australia, depending on your situation and visa status.
