For international professionals with a job offer from an Australian employer, the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS 482) is a powerful entry point into Australia’s workforce. This employer-sponsored visa allows qualified workers to live and work in Australia for up to four years — with the potential to transition to permanent residency.
In this article, we’ll explain how the TSS 482 visa works, who it’s for, what the requirements are, and how Sydney Visa can assist you through every stage of the process.
What Is the TSS 482 Visa and Who Can Apply?
The Subclass 482 visa is designed to fill temporary skill shortages in Australia by enabling employers to sponsor overseas workers when suitable local talent is unavailable. It replaced the former 457 visa and remains one of the most common employer-sponsored migration options.
To apply, you must:
- Have a confirmed job offer from an approved Australian business
- Work in an occupation listed on a relevant skilled occupation list
- Meet health, character, and English language requirements
- Possess the necessary qualifications and experience
This visa is ideal for:
- Skilled professionals with formal job offers
- Employers seeking long-term international talent
- Temporary assignments with strategic hiring goals
Types of 482 Visas: Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labour Agreement Stream
The Subclass 482 visa has three distinct streams:
- Short-Term Stream
- For occupations listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Valid for up to 2 years (renewable once onshore)
- Not a direct pathway to permanent residency
- IELTS score: Minimum 0 overall, no less than 4.5 in each band
- Medium-Term Stream
- For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Valid for up to 4 years
- Eligible for permanent residency after 3 years via Subclass 186
- IELTS score: Minimum 0, no band less than 5.0
- Labour Agreement Stream
- For employers with negotiated labour agreements with the Australian Government
- Tailored occupation and visa arrangements based on industry needs
Requirements for the Employee
To be eligible as a visa applicant, you must:
- Be nominated in a skilled occupation approved for Subclass 482
- Demonstrate at least 2 years of relevant work experience
- Have a valid skills assessment (if required for your occupation)
- Meet the English language criteria
- Pass health and character checks
You also must agree to only work for the sponsoring employer unless you change sponsors.
Requirements for the Sponsoring Employer
Employers who wish to sponsor workers under the 482 visa must:
- Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS)
- Show genuine efforts to hire locally before sponsoring
- Offer a market salary rate (no less than AUD $70,000 for most skilled roles)
- Cover travel costs and training contributions
- Fulfill compliance obligations under migration law
Employers must also nominate a position that:
- Is full-time and genuine
- Is included on the approved occupation list
- Meets the Labour Market Testing (LMT) criteria
Occupation Lists and Skills Assessment
Approved occupations are divided into lists:
- STSOL – short-term roles (e.g. Marketing Specialist, Cook)
- MLTSSL – long-term critical skills (e.g. Software Engineer, Registered Nurse)
- ROL – regional occupation list
A skills assessment is mandatory for certain occupations and nationalities. It confirms that your skills meet Australian standards.
How to Apply for the Subclass 482 Visa
- Step 1: Employer applies for SBS approval
If not already approved, the employer must register as a sponsor. - Step 2: Employer nominates the role
They submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs. - Step 3: Applicant submits visa application
You provide personal, professional, and supporting documents. - Step 4: Wait for assessment and decision
Processing times vary — usually 1 to 4 months depending on stream and completeness.
Benefits and Limitations of the TSS Visa
Benefits:
- Fast-track entry to Australia for skilled professionals
- Option to bring family members (with full work and study rights)
- Pathway to permanent residency for medium-term stream applicants
- Real-world experience in the Australian labor market
Limitations:
- Tied to a single employer
- No PR pathway under short-term stream
- Visa cancellation risk if employment ends early
How to Transition from 482 to Permanent Residency (186/ENS Pathway)
Many Subclass 482 visa holders eventually apply for permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS Subclass 186).
To be eligible:
- You must work for the same employer for 3 years on a 482 visa (medium-term stream)
- Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL
- Your employer must be willing to sponsor you again
This transition offers a secure pathway to PR, opening the door to full rights and eventual citizenship.
Real Cases: Clients Who Migrated on 482 With Sydney Visa
- Rina from Indonesia, a Pastry Chef, secured a job offer from a resort in Queensland. Sydney Visa helped her employer through the sponsorship process and managed all documentation.
- Ahmed from Egypt, a Network Administrator, entered on a Medium-Term Stream 482 and later obtained PR through Subclass 186 with Sydney Visa’s guidance.
- Sofia from Brazil, a Marketing Specialist, received sponsorship under the Short-Term Stream and later shifted roles with another approved employer through Sydney Visa’s support.
How Sydney Visa Can Support Your Employer-Sponsored Visa
At Sydney Visa, we assist both professionals and employers through:
- Eligibility assessments and occupation matching
- Skills assessment guidance
- Preparing SBS, nomination, and visa applications
- Liaising with immigration authorities on your behalf
- Transition planning from TSS 482 to PR
Our expertise ensures accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind.
Visit Sydney Visa — Professional Australian Migration Services
FAQ About the 482 Visa
- Q: Can I change employers while on a 482 visa?
Yes, but your new employer must also be an approved sponsor and submit a new nomination. - Q: Can I include my family members in the visa?
Yes, dependents can accompany you with work and study rights. - Q: How long does it take to process the 482 visa?
1–4 months on average, depending on stream and complexity. - Q: What if my employer withdraws the offer?
You have 60 days to find a new sponsor or apply for another visa. - Q: Is IELTS mandatory?
Yes, unless you are exempt based on nationality or other criteria.
Ready to Start Your Australian Career?
If you’ve secured a job offer in Australia, the Subclass 482 visa can unlock a world of professional and personal opportunity. With proper sponsorship and expert support, your path to Australia can be faster and smoother than you think.
Contact Sydney Visa today:
261 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Phone: (+61) 283 112 398
WhatsApp: +61 481 048 493
Email: mail@sydneyvisa.com.au
Let your talent cross borders — with Sydney Visa by your side.