How to Apply for a Medium-term Stream (Subclass 482) in Australia?

The Australian Government offers temporary skills shortage visas (subclass 482) to skilled workers. This visa has four streams each with its own set of requirements and conditions. These streams include short-term, medium-term, labor agreement, and subsequent entrant stream.

This blog focuses on the medium term stream, covering its all aspects such as requirements, application process, visa cost and processing time.

 

What is a Medium-term stream (subclass 482)?

A medium-term stream is designed for skilled workers allowing them to live and work in Australia for up to 4 years. However, if you are a Hong Kong passport holder you can stay up to 5 years under this stream. With this visa, you can also study in Australia but without government assistance.

In addition to this, you can travel to and from Australia as often as you want. This visa also provides a route to permanent residence to you if you meet the certain criteria.

 

What is the visa cost of the Medium-term stream (Subclass 482)?

For primary or main applicants, the visa cost of the medium-term stream is AUD3,115.00. Each dependent who is 18 years and above will also be required to pay the same fee as the primary applicant. However, dependents who are below 18 years of age will have to pay an AUD 375.00 visa fee. In addition to this you will have to pay additional charges for the following:

• Biometrics.
• English language test. 
• Health examination.
• Police clearance certificate.

For more accurate information on the visa costs visit Visa Pricing Estimator. Remember that this estimator does not calculate associated additional costs.

 

Can I get PR in Australia with a medium-term stream (subclass 482)?

Yes, you can apply in Australia and convert your 486 visa to a PR visa. To do so, your employer must sponsor you for permanent residence through:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) 
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) 

You can also submit an application for other skilled migration visas. Moreover, the Government announced major changes for Hong Kong passport holders. These changes include the following:

• Hong Kong passport holders will be eligible for a five-year extension in addition to the time they have already spent in Australia.
• Current and future temporary skilled visa holders from Hong Kong will also have a road to permanent residency after five years.

 

What are the work conditions for a medium-term stream (subclass 482)?

The visa conditions associated with the medium-term stream (subclass 482) state that:

• You must start your job within 90 days of entering Australia if you are outside Australia.
• If you are in Australia, you must start working within 90 days after receiving your visa.
• You can only work in Australia in your nominated occupation.
• You can work only for your nominating employer or business.

 

So, these were some of the important questions relevant to the medium-term stream. By now, you would have got a rough idea about the medium stream, its cost, processing time and many other important factors. The next step is to check whether you are eligible for this visa or not. Let’s have a look!

 

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Medium-term Stream (Subclass 482)?

You must understand the requirements and conditions that apply to this stream before lodging your visa application. Here, I’ve outlined some of the most important requirements that every candidate needs to fulfill to get a 482 medium-term stream visa.

1. Age Requirements

There is no specified age requirement to apply for a medium-term stream (subclass 482) in Australia. 

2. Applying from Australia

If you are applying from within Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B, or C visa. Moreover, ensure that you have complied with all visa conditions to your last substantive visa or bridging visa held.

3. Nomination Requirements

You must be nominated by an approved employer to apply for a 482 visa. In addition to this, your employer must nominate you for an occupation listed on the  Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). You must not have paid for sponsorship or been involved in any such activity during the last three years. 

4. Skills and Work Experience

You must possess skills, qualifications, and work experience relevant to your nominated occupation. Some candidates are also required to provide a positive skills assessment to demonstrate their skills and academic qualifications. You must have a work experience of at least two years in your nominated occupation.

5. Health and Character Requirements

You must have adequate health insurance to cover your medical expenses during your stay in Australia. In addition to this, you and your family members who are applying for this stream visa must undergo a medical examination.

The Australian Government puts strict character measures to ensure the well being of the society. Therefore, you and your secondary applicants who are of age 16 and above must meet character requirements.

6. Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirements

You must be a genuine temporary entrant and will return to your own country after staying temporarily in Australia. To prove this, you will need to show a strong connection to your home country. It could be in the form of a business, property or family residing happily in your homeland. 

7. English Language Requirements

You must be proficient in the English language. To demonstrate your proficiency, you will have to submit evidence in the form of test certificates demonstrating the required score. The table below shows different points scores required for each test type. 

Test Type	Required Score
IELTS	5.0 score
OET	B for each test element.
TOEFL iBT	35 points
PTE	36 points
Cambridge C1 Advanced Test	154 points

 

So, if you satisfy these requirements, the next step is to lodge your visa application. Nonetheless, if you are still confused and don’t know whether you are eligible or not it is better to consult a professional migration agent.

 

How to Apply for a Medium-term Stream in Australia?

The Australian visa application process consists of several stages. If you want to apply on your own, it is necessary for you to develop an understanding of these stages carefully. Here, I’ve discussed some major steps that you need to know before lodging your visa application:

• Check your eligibility.
• Ask your sponsor to nominate you.
• Gather your documents.
• Submit an application.
• Wait for the results.

Let’s get insights into each step in detail. 

Step 1: Things to do Before Applying

Before getting into the application process, you have to do certain things. It could include making arrangements for a skills assessment, an English proficiency exam, or a health evaluation. You might also want to seek assistance with your application.

 

Step 2: Ask Your Sponsor to Nominate You

Find a sponsor in Australia and confirm that he is willing to sponsor you. Then, instruct him to file an application for sponsorship online through the ImmiAccount website.  In addition, your employer must pay a AUD420 sponsorship charge to get approval.

 

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Once the nomination application is granted, you can submit your visa application. However, before filling out the application form, gather and organize your documents correctly. Here is the document checklist for medium-term stream:

• Identity documents, including a passport and national ID card.
• Nomination approval letter.
• Evidence of English language proficiency.
• Documents demonstrating your previous work experience.
• Partner documents (identity, character and relationship). 
• Proof of adequate health insurance.
• Police clearance certificates.
• Medical examination certificate.
• Positive Skill assessment.
• Documents showing relevant skills, including qualifications, certificates, and work experience.

 

Translate these documents into English and scan them to attach to your visa application. Furthermore, make sure that you provide accurate and truthful documents. Failure to do so will result in visa rejection.

Step 4: Submit a Visa Application

To submit a visa application, visit the official ImmiAccount website. Follow these steps to lodge your application:

 

• Create an online account on the ImmiAccount website.
• Download the application form for a short-term stream.
• Fill out the application form carefully and correctly.
• Scan and attach all the necessary documents.
• Pay the visa fee and submit the application form.

 

Don’t provide incorrect or misleading information. If you do so, the Department of Immigration will reject your application.

Step 5: Wait for the Visa Outcome

You can be in or out of Australia when the Department of Home Affairs decides on your visa application. Before receiving a TSS visa, ensure that the Department has approved your employer’s nomination. The Department will send you an official message regarding their decision on your visa application. 

If your visa is approved, you will be notified about:

• Your visa grant number.
• Issuance and expiration dates of your visa.
• Your visa conditions and obligations.

Keep a copy of the department’s decision with you while you are in Australia. If the Department refuses your visa, they will let you about:

• The reasons for refusal.
• Whether you have a right to review the decision of the department.

 

Important information: The Department of Home Affairs will not refund the application fee in case your visa application is rejected.

 

Final Thoughts

The Medium-term Stream (Subclass 482) is an amazing opportunity for skilled workers. It offers numerous benefits including the flexibility to work, study, and travel, along with the potential for permanent residency. By now, you should have a clear understanding of the visa’s costs, processing times, and eligibility requirements.

So, if you are eligible for this visa stream, consider submitting your application. However, if it’s your first time applying for a visa, it is best to seek professional guidance. 

 

FAQs

What is a medium term stream?

A medium term stream is a subcategory of subclass 482 that allows you to stay in Australia for up to four years or 5 years if you are a Hong Kong passport holder. This stream is designed for skilled workers. 

How much is the medium term visa for 482?

The visa cost for the medium-term stream is AUD 3,115.00 for the main applicants and the dependents who are 18 or above. 

Can I extend the medium-term stream (subclass 482) in Australia?

This is a temporary visa. You can stay in Australia only for up to 4 years. However, if your visa is expiring and you want to stay longer under your current employer, ask your employer to submit a new nomination application. Furthermore, apply for a new visa to extend your stay in Australia.

How long does it take to process a medium-term stream application in Australia?

The processing time for a 482 stream varies depending on the stream and many other factors. Usually, it takes two to three months to process applications for a 482 visa. These factors include completeness, correctness and volume of the applications being received by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).