Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa: Complete Guide (2026)
Published 2026-02-14
Key Facts — Subclass 482 at a Glance
Visa type: Temporary work visa (with pathway to permanent residency for some streams). Application cost (2025–26): $1,455 (Short-term stream), $3,035 (Medium-term stream). Processing time: 1–4 months (varies by stream and circumstances). No points test required — you need an employer to sponsor you. Occupation list: STSOL (Short-term stream), MLTSSL (Medium-term stream). Age limit: No age limit for the visa itself (but age matters for later permanent residency). English requirement: IELTS 5.0 overall with no band below 4.5 (Short-term), IELTS 5.0 overall with no band below 5.0 (Medium-term). Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience required.
What is the Subclass 482 Visa?
The Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill positions they cannot fill with Australian workers. It replaced the old Subclass 457 visa in March 2018. This is one of the most common pathways for skilled workers to come to Australia when they have a job offer but may not qualify for the points-tested visas (189, 190, 491). The visa is employer-driven — you cannot apply independently. Your employer must be an approved sponsor and nominate you for a specific position. The 482 visa has become increasingly important in Australia's migration program, with the government expanding occupation lists and improving pathways to permanent residency in recent years.
Understanding the Three Streams
The 482 visa has three streams, each with different rules. Short-term stream: For occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Grants a visa for up to 2 years (or 4 years if an international trade obligation applies). Can be renewed once onshore. Does now provide a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 visa — this change was introduced in late 2023. Medium-term stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Grants a visa for up to 4 years. Can be renewed indefinitely. Provides a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after working for the same employer for 2 years. Labour Agreement stream: For employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian government allowing them to sponsor workers in occupations or under conditions not available through the standard streams. This stream is used in specific industries such as meat processing, fishing, and dairy.
Employer Obligations and Sponsorship
Before sponsoring a worker, an employer must become an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This involves demonstrating that the business is lawfully operating in Australia, has no adverse information (such as a history of exploiting workers), and has a genuine need for the nominated position. The employer must also conduct labour market testing — demonstrating they have genuinely tried to recruit an Australian worker for the position before looking overseas. This typically involves advertising the role on recognised platforms for at least 4 weeks. Employers must pay sponsored workers at least the market salary rate for the position (based on what an equivalent Australian worker would be paid) and meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $73,150 per year. Employers also have ongoing obligations including ensuring working conditions meet Australian standards and notifying the Department of any changes to the worker's employment.
Requirements for the Visa Applicant
As the visa applicant, you need to meet several requirements. Skills and experience: You must have at least 2 years of relevant full-time work experience in your nominated occupation (or a closely related field). This experience must have been gained in the 5 years before you apply. Skills assessment: A skills assessment is required for some occupations (check with your migration agent or the Department). Qualifications: You must hold any mandatory licences, registrations, or qualifications required for the occupation in Australia. English language: You must meet the minimum English requirement for your stream. Health and character: Standard health and character requirements apply. Genuine position: The nominated position must be a genuine need in the employer's business — it cannot be created solely for migration purposes.
Processing Times and Application Steps
The application involves three stages. Stage 1 — Sponsorship application: The employer applies to become a Standard Business Sponsor (if not already). Processing: 1–3 months. Stage 2 — Nomination application: The employer nominates the specific position. Processing: 1–3 months. Stage 3 — Visa application: You (the worker) lodge your visa application. Processing: 1–4 months. Stages 2 and 3 can be lodged concurrently to save time. Total timeframe from start to visa grant is typically 2–6 months. Processing times have improved in recent years, with the Department prioritising employer-sponsored visas.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The 482 visa can be a stepping stone to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa. Medium-term stream holders can apply through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the 186 visa after working for their sponsoring employer for 2 years. Since late 2023, Short-term stream holders can also access the TRT pathway after 2 years with the same employer. To transition to permanent residency, you must be under 45 years of age (with some exemptions), still be employed by your sponsor, have competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band), and be nominated by your employer for permanent sponsorship. This pathway makes the 482 visa attractive for both employers and workers — it allows a 'try before you commit' approach to permanent migration. Read our Subclass 186 guide at /guides/subclass-186-employer-nomination-scheme-visa for more details on the permanent residency pathway.
Costs for Employer and Applicant
Costs are shared between the employer and visa applicant. Employer costs include: Sponsorship application fee ($420), Nomination application fee ($330), Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy ($1,200/year for small businesses or $1,800/year for larger businesses), and potentially migration agent fees ($2,500–$5,000). Applicant costs include: Visa application fee ($1,455 short-term or $3,035 medium-term), medical examination ($300–$500), police checks ($50–$200 per country), English language test ($395–$410 if needed), and health insurance (mandatory for 482 visa holders — approximately $1,200–$2,500/year). Note: Some employers cover all costs, including the visa application fee. This is negotiable. Use our cost estimator at /tools/cost-estimator for a detailed breakdown.
Rights and Conditions on a 482 Visa
On a 482 visa you can work full-time for your sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation, bring eligible family members (partner and dependent children) who can work and study in Australia, travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid, and study for up to 3 months. If your employment ends, you have 60 days to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or depart Australia. This 60-day cessation period is important — do not overstay without a valid visa. Your partner will receive a dependent visa with full work rights (no restrictions on employer or hours).
Find an Agent for Employer-Sponsored Visas
Employer-sponsored visas involve obligations for both the employer and the worker, and the three-stage application process has many potential pitfalls. A migration agent experienced in employer sponsorship can guide both parties through the process, ensure compliance with sponsorship obligations, and help plan the pathway to permanent residency. Search our directory at /migration-agents to find agents specialising in employer-sponsored visas, and verify their credentials with our MARA check tool at /tools/mara-check. You can also explore employer-sponsored visa types at /visa/employer-sponsored-visa.
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