A Comprehensive Guide to Short-Term Stream (Subclass 482)

If you are among those who want to work in Australia, the Short-Term Stream (Subclass 482) visa might be the perfect visa option for you. 

 

This visa allows you to stay and work in Australia temporarily and also provides a pathway to permanent residency. Basically, a short-term stream (subclass 482) is a part of the temporary skills shortage visa (TSS). The TSS has four streams: short-term, medium-term, labor agreement, and subsequent entrant stream.

 

So, if your skills or occupation is mentioned in the short-term skilled occupation list (STSOL), you are eligible for a short-term stream. In this article, I’ll explain everything about the Short-term Stream (Subclass 482) visa, from eligibility criteria to the application process.

 

I’ll start with the basic introduction of the stream.

 

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

A short-term visa stream is designed to meet the workforce shortage in Australia by inviting overseas skilled workers. These workers are hired at places where employers can’t find a suitable Australian skilled worker. With a short-term stream, you can live and work in Australia for up to two years. However, if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies, you can stay in the country for up to four years. 

This visa stream allows the Hong Kong passport holders to stay up to for 5 years. Under this visa, you can travel to and from Australia as often as you want. In addition to this, you can apply for permanent residence if you meet certain conditions and requirements. 

Click here to learn about Temporary Skills Shortage visa (Subclass 482) in general.

 

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

The visa cost of the short-term stream (subclass 482) is AUD1,495.00 for the main applicant and for each dependent aged 18 years and above. However, candidates or 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 English language, health examination, police clearance certificates and biometrics. For more accurate information on the visa costs visit Visa Pricing Estimator. Keep in mind that this pricing estimator does not include other additional costs.

 

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

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

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

 

Before you make any decision, make sure that you read the eligibility requirements and conditions associated with subclass 482. 

 

What is the Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Short-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 short-term stream visa.

 

• There is no specified age requirement to apply for a short-term stream.
• If you are applying from within Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B, or C visa.
• If you are in Australia at the time the Department of Home Affairs makes a decision, ensure that you have complied with all visa conditions to your last substantive visa or bridging visa held.
• You must be nominated by an approved or standard business employer to apply for a 482 visa.
• Your employer must nominate you for an occupation mentioned on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
• You must have relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience in your nominated occupation.
• Some candidates are required to provide a positive skills assessment to demonstrate their skills and qualifications.
• You must have worked for at least two years in your nominated occupation.
• You must have adequate health insurance for your stay in Australia.
• You and your family members who are applying for a 482 visa must undergo a medical examination.
• You and secondary applicants who are of age 16 and above must meet character requirements set by the Immigration Department.
• You must be a genuine temporary entrant who will return to their home country after staying temporarily in Australia.
• You must not have paid for sponsorship or have been involved in any such conduct for the past three years.
• You must not have had a visa canceled or refused in the past.
• You must be proficient in the English language.

 

So, if you satisfy these requirements, the next step is to lodge your visa application.

 

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

Applying for an Australian visa is quite complex and challenging. However, with proper knowledge and guidance, you can easily navigate the process. Below, I’ve outlined the major steps to follow to lodge your visa application for a short term stream:

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

Here is a detailed overview of these steps. Take a look to develop a better understanding of the application process.

 

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

The first step in the application process is to check whether you are eligible to apply for subclass 482 or not. Ensure that you meet all the standard conditions and requirements for this stream. These requirements include sponsorship, work experience, health insurance, and genuine temporary entrant requirements.

 

Step 2: Ask Your Sponsor to Nominate You

Find a sponsor in Australia and ensure that he is willing to sponsor you. Then, ask him to submit an application for sponsorship online via the ImmiAccount website.  In addition to this, your employer must pay an AUD420 sponsorship fee to get approval.

 

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Once the nomination application is approved, you are ready to lodge your visa application. But before filling out the application form, gather and organize your documents properly. Documents required for a short-term stream (subclass 482) include:

 

• Identity documents, including a passport and national ID card.
• Nomination approval letter.
• Evidence of English language proficiency.
• Documents demonstrating your previous work experience.
• 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.

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 Results

You can be within or outside of Australia when the Department of Home Affairs decides about your visa application. Ensure that the Department has also approved your employer’s nomination before the TSS visa grant. The Department will provide you with a written notification of 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 during your stay 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 if your visa application is refused.

 

Final Thoughts

Undoubtedly, the Short-Term Stream (Subclass 482) visa is an amazing opportunity for skilled workers to live and work in Australia. By understanding the eligibility requirements and following the application steps carefully, you can easily avail of this opportunity. 

Whether you want to stay temporarily or wish to become a permanent resident, this visa is the beginning of your dreams. Therefore, make sure to gather all necessary documents, including your sponsor’s nomination, and submit a complete and accurate application.

 

Contact us to Avoid Visa Rejection

If you have any questions or concerns, it is better to seek professional help. The Migration is a registered organization that provides authentic visa and educational consulting services.  Therefore, schedule an online appointment now and allow us to help you throughout your visa application process.

 

FAQs

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

If you wish to continue working for your current employer in Australia after your visa expires, your employer will have to submit a new application for nomination. You must apply for a new visa in order to extend your stay in Australia. 

 

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

Yes, you can apply in Australia and convert your 482 visa to a PR visa. To do so, your employer must sponsor you for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187). You can also apply for other skilled migration visas.

Click here to learn how to convert a 482 visa to PR visa in Australia.

 

Can you get PR from short-term 482?

Yes, you can get permanent residency from a short-term 482 via a TRT or direct entry stream of the employer nomination scheme. On November 25, 2023, the Australian Government announced a broadened occupation list to apply for permanent residency. So, if your occupation is on a short-term occupation list, you can get PR in Australia.

 

How long does a 482-short stream take?

If you provide all the necessary documents and do everything as advised for the short-term visa, the estimated processing time will be:

• 75% of applications are processed within 36 days.
• 90% of applications are processed in 61 days.

 

What is the age limit for the 482 visa?

There is no specified age limit for the 482 visa. One of the major advantages of this visa is that it exempts candidates from age requirements.