A Comprehensive Guide to Temporary Skills Shortage Visa (subclass 482)

If you are a skilled worker who wants to migrate to Australia to live and work temporarily, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) might be a good option for you. This visa addresses labor shortages by allowing employers to hire overseas workers when they cannot find a suitable Australian candidate. 

 

The TSS visa not only fills the labor shortage gap in the country but also provides a pathway to PR to skilled workers. So, this is a wonderful opportunity for many professionals. Continue reading this blog post to learn all about different streams of the TSS visa, eligibility criteria, application process, and the necessary conditions to maintain the visa.

What is a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) in Australia?

A temporary skills shortage visa (subclass 482) allows skilled workers to stay in Australia for a temporary period. The purpose of this visa is to fulfill the labor shortage in the areas where employers cannot source a suitable Australian worker. This temporary visa also provides a route to permanent residency in Australia. 

 

Different Streams of Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

There are basically four streams of a TSS visa each with its own unique set of requirements and the application process. These streams are:

 

• Short-term stream

• Medium-term stream 

• Labour agreement stream

• Subsequent entrant stream

 

Here, I’ve discussed a brief overview of each stream. Have a look.

 

1. Short-term stream (Subclass 482)

This visa is designed for employers to address workforce shortages by inviting skilled workers to positions where they can’t hire a skilled Australian worker. If an International Trade Obligation (ITO) is applicable, you can stay for up to four years. Passport holders from Hong Kong are allowed to stay for five years.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Your occupation must be on the short-term skilled occupations list (SOL) to be eligible for this stream. The visa cost of this stream is AUD1,495.00.

 

2. Medium-term stream (Subclass 482)

This stream is also designed to fill the labor shortage in the areas where employers cannot find suitable skilled Australian workers. You can stay and work for up to four years, while Hong Kong passport holders are allowed to stay for five years. 

 

To be eligible for this stream, your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL). The visa cost for the medium-term stream is AUD3,115.00.

 

3. Labour agreement stream (Subclass 482)

Labour agreement stream is intended for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement. This stream allows you to live and work in Australia temporarily. A Labour agreement is established between the Australian Government and employers.

 

Like other streams, you can stay for up to four years. To be eligible for this stream, your employer must have a labor agreement with the Australian Government. The visa cost for a labor agreement stream is AUD3,115.00.

 

4. Subsequent entrant stream (Subclass 482)

The subsequent entrant stream is designed for the family members of subclass 457 and TSS visa holders. With this visa, candidates can join their loved ones, the primary subclass 457, or TSS visa holders in Australia. You are allowed to stay in the country as long as your visa is valid. The visa application cost for this stream is AUD1,495.00. 

 

Now, let’s discuss the eligibility criteria to apply for this visa.

 

482 Visa General Eligibility Criteria

If you fulfill the following criteria and have an Australian employer who is willing to sponsor you, you can apply for the TSS Visa: 

 

Age Requirements

There is no age limit to apply for a temporary skills shortage visa (Subclass 482).

Occupation Requirements

Applicants for TSS Visas must have experience in a profession that is included on the list of relevant skilled occupations. In relation to the 482 Visa, there are three lists.

• Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL)
• Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Regional Occupation List (ROL)

Sponsorship Requirements

A Standard Business Sponsor or a company that has applied for a Standard Business Sponsorship must nominate you.  In addition, your employer needs to submit a nomination application.

Work Experience Requirements

You must have worked in the nominated position or another relevant role for at least two years. You cannot apply if you haven’t obtained this experience within the last five years. Part-time work may be considered.

Before submitting an application for a TSS visa, a skill evaluation may be required, depending on the specified occupation and the applicant’s place of origin. Some evaluating bodies demand more than two years of expertise for the assessment to be completed.

Skill Assessment Requirements

To be qualified to apply for a main TSS visa, some applicants must pass an obligatory skills assessment. Check here to see if you need to complete a skill assessment.

Health Insurance Requirements

482 Temporary Visa holders must have sufficient health insurance during their stay in Australia. Certain countries and Australia have reciprocal healthcare agreements. Health insurance may not be required for applicants from these countries. Click this link to learn whether you belong to these countries or not.

 

482 Visa Document Checklist

Here is the list of documents that you must submit in order to apply for a temporary skills shortage visa:

 

• Identity documents, including passport and national ID card.
• Nomination approval evidence documents.
• Evidence of skills, including relevant qualifications, certificates, and work experience.
• Proof of English proficiency such as test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.).
• Letters from your previous employers or payslips.
• Proof of adequate health insurance.
• Police clearance certificates.
• Medical examination results.
• Recent passport-sized photos.
• Skill assessment results.

 

These are the necessary documents that you must prepare before beginning your application process for 482 visa in Australia.

 

How to Apply for a 482 Visa in Australia?

 

Follow these steps to lodge an application for a temporary skills shortage visa in Australia:

 

• Find a sponsor.
• Sponsorship approval.
• Your sponsor nominates you.
• Your sponsor pays the levy fund.
• You apply for the visa.

 

Step 1: Find a Sponsor

The first step is to find a sponsor in Australia. Ask your sponsor to apply for sponsorship before you can submit an application for a 482 visa. Your sponsor needs to fill out an online sponsorship application via ImmiAccount.  Additionally, your employer must pay an AUD420 sponsorship fee..

Your sponsor does not need to submit a sponsorship application if you are applying under the labor agreement stream. However, it is necessary that your employer participates in the labor agreements.

Step 2: Sponsorship Approval

Once your sponsor submitted an application, the Department will approve the application if it meets all the requirements. The approved sponsorship can last only for five years.

Step 3: Your Sponsor Nominates You

After getting successful sponsorship approval, your employer can file an application via ImmiAccount website to nominate you for this visa. Your sponsor will be asked to submit AUD330. 

Step 4: Your Sponsor Pays the Levy Fund

Your sponsor must pay the skills levy fund once they start the nomination process. The nomination form will calculate the total amount of the fund. However, keep in mind that the payment amount will differ based on the size of the firm and the duration of the work period.

For instance, enterprises with a turnover of more than AUD10 million are required to pay AUD1800 annually. On the other hand,  small enterprises with less than AUD10 million must pay AUD1200 annually.

Step 5: Apply for the Visa

Once the nomination from your sponsor has been accepted, you can begin the application procedure for a 482 visa. To do so, you must first prepare all the required documents. After preparing and organizing the documents, follow these steps to apply for a 482 visa:

• Create an online account on the ImmiAccount website.
• Download the application form for a visitor visa.
• Fill out the application form carefully.
• Scan and attach all the required documents.
• Pay the visa fee and submit the application form.

 

What is the Processing Time of a 482 Visa in Australia?

The processing time for this visa varies. If you follow all the instructions, provide all the required documents, and submit a complete application, 75% of applications are processed within 36 days. Moreover, 90% of applications are processed within 61 days.  

However, the processing time of a medium term stream is faster than other streams. It means that75% of applications of this stream are processed within 33 days, and 90% within 49 days.

What are 482 Visa Conditions?

Once you enter Australia, you have to fulfill certain 482 visa conditions and obligations. Otherwise, your visa will be canceled. These conditions include the following:

 

• Throughout your stay in Australia, you are required to maintain your health insurance coverage.
• You are only required to work in the designated field for which you were hired.
• You are not allowed to act violently and you must not threaten the Australian community or any particular group of people living there.
• You must work exclusively for your sponsor.

 

Final Thoughts

To conclude a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) plays a vital role in supporting Australia’s economy. It bridges the gap between labor demand and supply in Australia. So, this is an amazing opportunity for the skilled workers.

By understanding the various streams, eligibility requirements, and application steps, you can easily apply for this visa. Keep yourself updated with the most recent requirements and make sure all necessary documents are ready to ensure a seamless application process.

 

 

FAQs

Can a 482 visa lead to permanent residence in Australia?

Yes, you can gain permanent residence in Australia through the 186 visa subclass after living under a 482. But, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria, including age, language, and other requirements, to qualify for permanent residence.

Can I extend my 482 visa?

You can apply for another 482 visa in Australia to extend your stay. However, for this purpose, your employer will have to sponsor you again.

Can I switch companies on a 482 visa?

Yes, you can. But you will have to meet certain requirements like you must stay in the same skill set and role.

What are the requirements for a 482 visa?

Follow these requirements to apply for a 482 visa in Australia:

• You must have skills or qualification in a career listed on the skills shortage list.
• An approved employer sponsor must nominate you to apply for the visa.
• You must have adequate health insurance for your whole stay in Australia.
• You must be proficient in the English language.