WORK VISA (482)
The 482 Visa Categories and Process
The 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is divided into three streams:
- Short-term Stream
- Medium-term Stream
- Labour Agreement Stream
Sponsorship Requirements
To sponsor an applicant, the employer must qualify as either a:
- Standard Business Sponsor (SBS)
- Overseas Business Sponsor (OBS)
The applicant can apply for this visa while inside or outside Australia. If applying within Australia, the applicant must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging Visa A (BVA), Bridging Visa B (BVB), or Bridging Visa C (BVC).
Steps for the 482 TSS Visa Process
1. Sponsorship (By the Employer)
The sponsor must:
- Be a legally registered entity currently conducting business.
- Operate as a lawful and active business.
Immigration Fees: $420.00
2. Nomination
Nomination requires validation of the position, salary details, and labor market testing (LMT).
Labor Market Testing (LMT) Requirements: Employers must:
- Post one advertisement on Jobactive and two advertisements on recognized recruitment websites, newspapers, or other media platforms.
- Ensure all advertisements run for at least 28 days (4 weeks).
- Ensure advertisements are placed within four months prior to lodging the nomination application.
Minimum Salary: Employees must be paid at least $53,900 annually (TSMIT).
Immigration Fees: $330.00
Australia’s Skilled Fund Contributions:
- If the company’s annual revenue exceeds $10 million, the fee is $1800 per year per visa applicant.
- If the company’s annual revenue is less than $10 million, the fee is $1200 per year per visa applicant.
3. Visa Application
The applicant must:
- Have at least two years of work experience in the nominated occupation.
- Meet character and health requirements.
Medium-term Stream
The Medium-term Stream allows visa holders to apply for permanent residency (PR) through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS 186) after working in the same job for three years.
Short-term Stream
The Short-term Stream does not lead to PR through ENS 186. However, other pathways to PR may be available, and applicants are encouraged to explore alternatives.
Skills Assessment
Most occupations do not require a skills assessment for the 482 visa. However, it is mandatory for certain trade roles, especially if the applicant holds a passport from specific countries.
Immigration Fees
Short-term Stream:
- Primary applicant: $1265
- Secondary applicant (spouse/partner): $1265
- Dependent child: $320
Medium-term Stream:
- Primary applicant: $2645
- Secondary applicant (spouse/partner): $2645
- Dependent child: $660
Summary
The 482 visa is a valuable pathway for skilled workers to work and reside in Australia. While it offers a route to PR through the Medium-term Stream, the Short-term Stream provides other career opportunities. Employers and applicants must ensure all requirements are met, including sponsorship, nomination, labor market testing, and visa application steps. Consult a migration expert to understand your specific eligibility and pathways.
