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Australia’s Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, also known as the subclass 482 visa, allows employers to hire overseas skilled workers when they cannot find suitable talent within Australia.?The TSS visa supports Australian businesses facing labour shortages, while giving foreign workers a legal pathway to live and work in Australia.
Here is a simplified breakdown of how the 482 visa works, who can apply, and what employers need to know.
1. What Is the TSS Visa (Subclass 482)?
The TSS visa (subclass 482) is a temporary work visa that lets skilled workers work in Australia for an approved sponsor.?It replaced the former 457 visa and has more targeted labour-market protections.
The visa is available under three streams:
1 Short-Term Stream
2 Medium-Term Stream
3 Labour Agreement Stream
The stream you apply for depends on your occupation and employer’s sponsorship arrangement.
2. Visa Streams Explained
2.1 Short-Term Stream
• For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
• Visa validity: up to 2 years (or 4 years if international trade obligations apply)
• Renewal: One onshore renewal allowed
• Pathway to PR: Limited, usually available only via employer nomination or regional programs
2.2 Medium-Term Stream
• For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Visa validity: up to 4 years
• Renewal: Unlimited onshore renewals
• Pathway to PR: Available through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after 2–3 years
2.3 Labour Agreement Stream
For workers sponsored under a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian government.?Conditions vary depending on the agreement.
3. Eligibility Requirements for the TSS Visa
To qualify for a 482 visa, applicants must:
3.1 Have a Skilled Occupation
Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
3.2 Have a Job Offer From an Approved Sponsor
The employer must be:
• A Standard Business Sponsor (SBS), or
• A labour agreement sponsor
3.3 Meet Skills and Experience Requirements
Most occupations require at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
3.4 Meet English Language Requirements
Minimum English scores depend on the stream (e.g., IELTS 5.0 overall).
3.5 Meet Health and Character Requirements
Medical examinations and police certificates are usually required.
3.6 Hold Health Insurance
Applicants must maintain adequate health coverage in Australia.
4. Employer Requirements
Employers must:
• Conduct labour market testing (LMT) unless exempt
• Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
• Offer a salary at or above the market salary rate
• Meet all sponsorship obligations, including worker welfare and reporting
5. Documents Required
Common documents include:
• Valid passport
• Employment contract
• Skills assessment (if required)
• Proof of qualifications and experience
• English test results
• Health insurance coverage
• Police clearance certificates
Employers also submit sponsorship and nomination documents.
6. How Long Does the 482 Visa Take to Process?
Processing times vary by stream:
• Short-Term Stream: 1–3 months
• Medium-Term Stream: 2–4 months
• Labour Agreement Stream: varies
Times may increase if documents or assessments are incomplete.
7. Can Family Members Apply?
Yes.?Eligible family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) can be included in the application and will receive dependent visas with full work and study rights.
8. Pathway to Permanent Residency
Many 482 visa holders can transition to PR through:
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
• Labour agreement PR pathways
Eligibility depends on occupation, employer, and time spent working in Australia.
Key Takeaway
The TSS visa (subclass 482) helps Australian employers fill skill shortages by hiring overseas workers, while offering skilled professionals a route to temporary—and sometimes permanent—employment in Australia.?Eligibility depends on occupation lists, sponsorship, experience, and compliance with Australian immigration rules.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice.?TSS visa rules may change based on updates from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.?Always check the latest requirements before applying.
December 2, 2025
