482 Visa Australia Processing Time: 10 Key Stats

Australia’s Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa helps employers fill roles they cannot recruit locally by sponsoring skilled workers, their partners and dependents. From nurses and engineers to hospitality staff, professionals and businesses rely on this visa to bring talent to Australia.

Timing is everything when you’re planning a new job, coordinating family moves or meeting compliance deadlines. A clear view of processing times helps you set realistic start dates, secure travel and budget for any unexpected delays.

The Department of Home Affairs publishes median processing figures for Subclass 482 applications. On top of that, KPMG, 482 Jobs Australia, Agape Henry Crux and KBA Global offer detailed breakdowns of 75th and 90th percentiles by visa stream and sponsor type. Drawing on these insights, we’ve identified ten key statistics that cover overall medians, stream-specific benchmarks and the advantage of sponsor accreditation.

Whether you’re a skilled professional charting your move or an employer planning workforce intake, these ten stats will give you the confidence to map out your visa timeline. Read on to explore the numbers you need to know.

1. Median processing time for Subclass 482 visas: 64 days

According to the Department of Home Affairs processing times, the current median for all Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa streams sits at 64 days. That means half of all applications wrap up in under two months, while the other half take longer. For skilled workers lining up job offers and families arranging relocations, understanding this midpoint figure is key to setting realistic expectations.

What “median” means in visa processing

In visa jargon, the median is the middle value in a list of processing durations. If you line up ten completed applications by how long they took to decide, the median is the time it takes for the fifth one. Unlike an average (mean), it isn’t skewed by a handful of very slow or very fast cases. For example:

• Application times (days): 30, 45, 60, 62, 64, 68, 70, 75, 120, 200
• Mean (average): 93 days
• Median: 64 days

By focusing on the median, you avoid letting extreme outliers distort your plan.

Trends behind the 64-day benchmark

Over the past year, Home Affairs has driven that median down from more than 80 days. Key measures include:

• Hiring additional case officers to clear backlog
• Rolling out digital lodgement and e-document checks
• Streamlining health and character assessments through partner agencies

These tweaks haven’t just trimmed wait times—they’ve made the process more predictable. For employers, a tighter median means less uncertainty when announcing start dates; for visa holders, it translates into smoother travel and relocation bookings.

Planning around the 64-day median

Even with a healthier median, individual cases can still vary. Here are three steps to help you hit—or even beat—this benchmark:

1. Lodge a complete application. Double-check that every form is filled, every signature is in place and every fee is paid.
2. Book health and character checks early. These can eat up precious days if scheduled at the last minute.
3. Build in a small buffer. Assume a 10% cushion on top of 64 days before finalising flights or rental agreements.

By front-loading your prep and accounting for minor delays, you’ll keep your transition on track even if you fall above the median.

2. Accredited sponsors process 75% of applications within 6–8 weeks

When an employer holds Accredited Sponsor status, their Subclass 482 nominations and visa applications move through the system noticeably faster. According to KPMG Global Mobility Services, accredited sponsors see 75% of their Temporary Skill Shortage visa applications finalised in just six to eight weeks—that’s roughly 42 to 56 days, compared to much longer waits for non-accredited employers. This streamlined timeline can make all the difference when you’re coordinating a job offer, securing flights or lining up school enrolments for your family.

Accreditation signals to the Department of Home Affairs that an employer has robust recruitment and compliance processes in place. That trust translates into priority handling, fewer compliance audits and a smoother path to grant. For skilled workers, it means less time in limbo and more time getting settled into a new role.

Criteria for becoming an Accredited Sponsor

To earn accreditation, a sponsoring business typically must:

• Demonstrate a strong record of lawful sponsorship and compliance with visa conditions
• Meet minimum training benchmarks for local employees (for example, investing in apprentice and trainee programs)
• Show financial viability and an ability to meet sponsorship obligations
• Pass an assessment of recruitment practices, including genuine labour market testing
• Commit to annual reporting on workforce composition and training outcomes

Once approved, accredited sponsors must maintain these standards—any breach can lead to suspension or cancellation of accreditation.

How accreditation drives faster decisions

Accredited sponsors benefit from:

• Priority processing lanes that jump the queue ahead of standard sponsors
• Reduced risk assessments, since Home Affairs has confidence in the employer’s compliance history
• Exemptions from certain labour market testing requirements, cutting out extra paperwork
• Access to tailored support from case officers when issues arise

Together, these perks shave weeks—sometimes months—off the typical processing cycle for Subclass 482 applications.

Checking sponsor accreditation before you apply

Before you accept an offer, ask your prospective employer if they hold Accredited Sponsor status. You can:

• Request their sponsor licence number and check it against the Department of Home Affairs’ approved sponsors register
• Consult your migration agent to verify accreditation in ImmiAccount
• Confirm in writing that the employer will manage sponsorship requirements under the accredited stream

Knowing your sponsor’s status in advance helps you gauge realistic timelines and avoid surprise delays once your application is lodged.

3. Standard business sponsors process applications in 3–5 months on average

For businesses that haven’t pursued Accredited Sponsor status, the timeline looks quite different. KPMG’s research reveals that Standard business sponsors typically see their Subclass 482 applications finalised in about three to five months. That extended window reflects the extra layers of checks and balances built into the standard sponsorship pathway.

Compared with the six-to-eight-week turnaround for accredited sponsors, this range may feel sluggish—but it’s a deliberate trade-off. Standard sponsors must meet all compliance, labour market testing and documentation requirements without the exemptions or priority lanes that accreditation brings. For employers and visa applicants alike, understanding why the 482 visa Australia processing time stretches to five months helps set realistic expectations and avoid last-minute surprises.

Understanding Standard business sponsorship

Standard sponsorship requires an employer to:

• Obtain a valid sponsor licence and pay the Skilling Australia Fund levy
• Demonstrate genuine labour market testing, proving no suitable Australian candidates are available
• Nominate a position at market salary, meeting relevant income thresholds
• Maintain records and report changes in workforce, ensuring ongoing compliance

Without the streamlined processes granted to accredited sponsors, each of these steps adds administrative time. From initial licence application to final nomination approval, the Department of Home Affairs assesses every detail to guard against misuse of the program.

Why timelines extend to 3–5 months

Several factors contribute to this longer processing cycle:

1. Labour market testing scrutiny: Standard sponsors must publish job ads, gather evidence of recruitment efforts and submit that proof for review.
2. Compliance audits: Officers may conduct site visits or request additional documents to verify business viability, financial health and previous sponsorship conduct.
3. Case prioritisation: Under Ministerial Direction No. 105, employer-sponsored visas without accreditation slip down the priority list, behind regional and healthcare nominations.
4. Peak-period backlogs: Lodgement volumes can spike around program intake dates or policy changes, creating temporary slowdowns.

These checks aren’t just red tape—they protect the integrity of Australia’s skilled migration program. But they also mean that visa holders and employers must plan for a 90- to 150-day wait after nomination lodgement.

Managing expectations with a Standard sponsor

To keep your visa journey on track:

• Communicate early and often: Ask your employer for regular status updates on licence, nomination and application stages.
• Prepare documentation in advance: Compile labour market testing records, financial statements and corporate registrations before you apply.
• Factor in contingencies: Build at least a month of buffer into your relocation timeline in case of unexpected Department queries.

By treating each step as a mini-project, rather than a single application, you’ll reduce stress and maintain momentum. While a three-to-five-month processing window requires patience, diligent preparation and clear communication will help you navigate the standard sponsorship route smoothly.

4. Short-Term Stream: 75% of applications processed within 35 days

Short-Term Stream visas under Subclass 482 let skilled workers fill temporary roles for up to two years (or up to four years under certain international trade obligations). According to data from 482 Jobs Australia, 75% of applications in this stream are finalised within just 35 days. That level of predictability is a boon for employers lining up project timelines and for visa holders eager to lock in travel and accommodation without extended uncertainty.

Key features of the Short-Term Stream

• Duration: Valid for a maximum of two years, with a possible one-time renewal if the occupation remains on the list.
• Eligibility: The job must appear on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List, and applicants need at least two years’ relevant work experience.
• English requirement: Minimum IELTS 5.0 in each band (or approved equivalent).
• Work and travel: You can only work in the nominated position but enjoy unrestricted entry and exit throughout the visa validity.

Interpreting the 75th percentile

The 75th percentile means that out of 100 lodgements, 75 are processed in 35 days or less. The remaining 25% take longer—often because of extra evidence requests, health or character check delays, or peak-period backlogs. Focusing on this metric helps you understand a realistic timeline: if you prepare thoroughly, you stand a strong chance of being in that faster-decision group.

Tips for Short-Term Stream applicants

• Create a document checklist: Include your passport biodata page, proof of two years’ work history, skills assessments (if applicable), and employment contracts.
• Book your English test early: Aim above the minimum score to avoid retakes or supplementary evidence requests.
• Fast-track health and character checks: Schedule medical exams and police certificates immediately after nomination approval.
• Double-check nomination details: Ensure your employer’s nomination aligns precisely with Short-Term occupation lists and salary thresholds to prevent rejection or delay.

By organising these elements up front, you boost your odds of joining the 75% processed in just over a month and eliminate common slow-down triggers.

5. Medium-Term Stream: 90% of applications processed within 77 days

The Medium-Term Stream of the Subclass 482 visa offers skilled workers a stay of up to four years, with a clear path to permanent residency. According to data from 482 Jobs Australia, 90% of Medium-Term applications are decided within 77 days. That’s just over two and a half months from lodgement to grant for most applicants—a significant jump in speed compared to the Short-Term Stream’s 35-day 75th percentile. If you’re eyeing a longer tenure or aiming for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) later on, this stream gives you both stability and predictability.

Benefits of the Medium-Term Stream

• Eligible Occupations: Roles listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), including many healthcare, engineering, IT and finance positions.
• Visa Duration: Valid for up to four years, giving you ample time to settle, work and qualify for permanent residency.
• English Requirements: Competent English (for example, IELTS 5.0 in each band or equivalent) keeps the bar accessible while ensuring clear communication on the job.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: After two years in Australia on the Medium-Term Stream, you can apply for the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), fast-tracking your PR application.

What the 90th percentile means

Hitting the 90th percentile means 9 out of every 10 Medium-Term applications wrap up in 77 days or less. Only 10% of cases take longer, often due to incomplete documentation, extra department queries or peak-period pressures. By focusing on this benchmark, you can structure your relocation plans—flights, accommodation and school enrolments—around a realistic timeline.

Strategies to hit the faster window

1. Lodge your nomination and visa applications together. Early submission of your nomination cuts down overall processing loops.
2. Double-check every field and attachment. Even small omissions—for instance, a missing skills assessment or an unsigned form—can trigger extra information requests.
3. Keep communication lines open. Respond promptly to any Department of Home Affairs emails or ImmiAccount notifications.
4. Explore priority processing options. While there’s no formal “premium” service for the 482 visa, accredited sponsors sometimes benefit from tailored case-officer support—a good reason to discuss accreditation with your employer.
5. Engage a migration professional. A seasoned agent can audit your paperwork before you hit submit, avoiding common pitfalls that push applications beyond that 77-day mark.

With careful preparation and a sense of the key deadlines, you’ll stand a strong chance of joining the 90% who enjoy a swift Medium-Term outcome.

6. Labour Agreement Stream: 90% of applications processed within 5 months

The Labour Agreement Stream caters to employers who’ve negotiated specific agreements with the Australian government to fill roles that aren’t covered by standard occupation lists. While it offers the flexibility to target unique or emerging skills, the complexity of drafting, negotiating and vetting these agreements means 90% of visa applications in this stream take up to five months to finalise—longer than most other 482 pathways.

How Labour Agreements work

A Labour Agreement is a formal, negotiated deal between an employer and the Department of Home Affairs. Employers propose:

• A tailored list of occupations and salary levels based on their workforce needs
• Evidence that local recruitment and training initiatives can’t meet skill shortages
• Terms covering training commitments, regional placement or other conditions

Once both sides agree, the employer becomes an approved sponsor under that specific agreement. This sponsorship then forms the basis for nominating skilled workers through subclass 482.

Factors behind the 5-month timeframe

Several factors contribute to the longer processing window:

1. Negotiation cycles: Agreeing on occupation lists, salary bands and training obligations can require multiple rounds of review between the employer, government departments and sometimes unions.
2. Compliance audits: Labour Agreements often trigger in-depth checks on business viability, financials and training programmes before the deal is signed.
3. Specialist vetting: Roles outside standard lists may need extra scrutiny—technical assessments or stakeholder consultations—to ensure genuine skill shortages.

Each of these steps adds weeks, if not months, to the timeline before a visa can be granted.

Preparing a strong Labour Agreement nomination

To streamline your application:

• Gather robust labour market evidence early, including job ads, candidate rejections and local skills forecasts
• Draft a clear, detailed agreement proposal that outlines occupations, salaries, training outcomes and compliance measures
• Compile supporting documents—financial reports, organisational charts, training budgets—to demonstrate capacity and commitment
• Engage stakeholders (legal advisors, HR specialists, training providers) before lodgement to catch gaps and speed up approvals

By front-loading the research and documentation, you’ll reduce back-and-forth and keep your application moving towards that five-month mark.

7. Specialist Skills Stream: 90% of applications processed within 39 days

The Specialist Skills Stream under the Subclass 482 visa fast-tracks occupations that are in high demand and carry higher salary thresholds. According to Agape Henry Crux, 90% of applications in this stream wrap up in just 39 days—an impressive turnaround compared to the Core Skills Stream’s 47-day 90th percentile. For employers and visa holders dealing with critical projects or niche roles, this speed can make a real difference in staffing plans and relocation schedules.

Eligibility for the Specialist Skills Stream

To qualify for this stream, applicants must:

• Nominate an ANZSCO occupation in Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6
• Meet a minimum annual salary (the Specialist Skills Income Threshold) that’s indexed each July
• Hold the relevant qualifications, registrations or licences for the role
• Demonstrate at least competent English (for example, IELTS 5.0 in each band or equivalent)

These tighter entry requirements reflect the government’s priority for skilled professionals who command higher market salaries and fill genuine skill shortages.

Reasons for rapid processing

Several factors contribute to the Specialist stream’s brisk 39-day 90th percentile:

• Priority handling: High-salary occupations often receive expedited attention from case officers.
• Streamlined checks: With fewer lower-skilled roles to vet, Home Affairs can focus resources on verifying qualifications and salary documentation.
• Lower volumes: The pool of Specialist nominations is smaller, reducing competition for processing capacity.

Together, these elements translate into a quicker decision for most applicants—ideal if your project can’t wait another two months for staffing.

Maximising your chances in the Specialist Stream

To stay in that fast-track group, consider these tips:

1. Double-check your ANZSCO code: A small mismatch in occupation classification can trigger additional queries.
2. Provide clear salary evidence: Include employment contracts, pay slips or an accountant’s declaration that aligns with the threshold.
3. Verify registrations and licences: Upload current certificates and registration numbers to avoid delays.
4. Respond promptly to Department requests: A day’s delay in answering a follow-up question can push you out of the 90% window.

By ensuring every detail matches the Specialist criteria, you’ll boost your odds of a fast decision and keep your relocation or project timeline firmly on track.

8. Core Skills Stream: 90% of applications processed within 47 days

The Core Skills Stream of the Subclass 482 visa caters to occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List, offering a reasonably quick turnaround for many skilled workers. According to Agape Henry Crux, 90% of Core Skills applications are finalised within 47 days. This makes it a reliable option if your role doesn’t meet the higher salary thresholds of the Specialist Stream but still sits in genuine shortage areas.

Compared to the Specialist Stream’s 39-day 90th percentile, the Core Skills route trades a slightly broader occupational scope for a modestly longer processing window. For employers and migrants alike, knowing this 47-day benchmark helps with planning start dates, accommodation bookings and other logistical details with minimal guesswork.

Defining the Core Skills Stream

To qualify for this stream, applicants must:

• Nominate an occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List.
• Meet the minimum annual salary threshold set for the stream (indexed on 1 July each year).
• Demonstrate at least competent English (for example, IELTS 5.0 in each band or equivalent).
• Hold any required licences, registrations or qualifications specific to the nominated role.

Successful nominations focus on mid-level to upper-mid wages, striking a balance between accessible entry requirements and meaningful skill recognition.

Understanding the 47-day benchmark

Reaching the 47-day mark for 90% of applications reflects several factors:

• Labour market testing: Employers must show they’ve genuinely attempted to hire locally before looking overseas.
• Skills assessments: Where applicable, a recognised assessing authority verifies that your qualifications align with ANZSCO standards.
• Policy priorities: Under Ministerial Direction No. 105, Core Skills nominations receive solid attention, sitting just below high-priority health and regional roles.
• Lower application volumes than the standard stream help case officers clear Core Skills cases more swiftly.

Together, these elements keep processing efficient without compromising on verification and compliance checks.

Fast-track tips for Core Skills nominations

1. Audit your nomination package: Ensure job ads, salary evidence and recruitment records are clearly documented.
2. Double-check ANZSCO codes and salary figures: A mismatch here is a common cause of extra queries.
3. Upload complete skills assessments and registration certificates: Missing or outdated licence details can add weeks to the process.
4. Respond promptly to Department requests: Timely replies to follow-up questions will keep you within that 47-day window.

By staying on top of these details and keeping communication channels open, you’ll give your Core Skills application the best shot at fast-tracked approval.

9. Visa application stage: 90% of applications processed within 49–70 days

Once your nomination is approved, the countdown shifts to the visa application stage. According to KBA Global, 90% of Subclass 482 visa applications clear this final hurdle in 49–70 days. That window covers everything from your initial lodgement in ImmiAccount through to the grant decision, making it a crucial benchmark for anyone lining up flights, leases or school enrolments.

Steps in the visa application stage

The journey from nomination approval to visa grant involves several key steps:

• Lodgement in ImmiAccount: Upload your completed application form, pay the visa fee and attach all supporting documents.
• Biometrics: Book and attend fingerprint and photograph appointments at an approved collection centre.
• Health checks: Undergo the required medical examinations with panel physicians, then submit results directly to Home Affairs.
• Character assessments: Provide police certificates or complete any additional forms (for example, Form 80) if requested.
• Department review: A case officer verifies your documentation, checks for compliance and makes the grant decision.

Each of these stages can introduce variability, so it pays to stay on top of notifications and deadlines.

Why processing ranges from 49 to 70 days

Several factors influence whether your application lands at the shorter or longer end of the spectrum:

1. Additional information requests: If your case officer needs more evidence—say, a missing registration certificate or updated police clearances—this back-and-forth can add precious days.
2. Sector priorities: Applications for healthcare, teaching or regional roles may jump ahead in the queue under Ministerial Direction No. 105. Conversely, less urgent cases might sit behind.
3. Peak-period backlogs: Surge periods—often around program intake dates or after policy announcements—can stretch processing times, especially if lodgements flood in simultaneously.

Understanding these drivers helps you anticipate where your own application might fall and plan accordingly.

Best practices for rapid visa application

To maximise your chances of a swift decision, consider these tactics:

• Upload complete, clear documents: Scan at high resolution, name files logically and verify every attachment before hitting “submit.”
• Respond promptly to ImmiAccount notifications: Set email alerts so you don’t miss a request for extra information or clarification.
• Book health and biometrics early: Lock in appointments as soon as you receive the Department’s instructions to avoid scheduling bottlenecks.
• Keep communication lines open: If you notice a missing or expired document, advise your case officer proactively rather than waiting for them to ask.
• Explore coordinated support: While there’s no formal premium processing for 482 visas, accredited sponsors sometimes enjoy tailored case-officer assistance—another reason to discuss accreditation with your employer.

By treating the visa application stage as its own project, you’ll hit that 49–70-day window more consistently and move confidently toward your Australian start date.

10. Overall processing time range for Subclass 482 visas: 1.5 to 5 months

When you bundle together all the streams, sponsor types and case complexities, KPMG identifies a broad processing window of 1.5 to 5 months for Subclass 482 visa applications. At the fast-track end, well-prepared nominations lodged by accredited sponsors in high-demand occupations can wrap up in as little as six weeks. On the other hand, applications under standard sponsorship, labour agreements or those missing key documents may stretch out to five months—or even longer if a case officer requests further evidence.

Having a clear picture of this spectrum helps you gauge where your application might land. You can then set realistic relocation timelines, negotiate start dates confidently with your employer and budget for any unexpected hold-ups.

Understanding the 1.5–5 month spectrum

Several factors determine whether your Subclass 482 application sits at the shorter or longer end of this range:

• Sponsor status
  Accredited sponsors benefit from priority lanes and reduced compliance checks, often shaving weeks off processing. Standard sponsors follow the full suite of labour market testing and audits, extending wait times.

• Visa stream
  Specialist Skills and Short-Term Stream applications tend toward the faster end, while Labour Agreement and standard Medium-Term nominations take longer due to negotiation cycles and pathway-to-PR requirements.

• Document completeness
  A perfectly packaged nomination and visa application sails through more quickly. Missing skills assessments, unsigned forms or outdated police certificates immediately bump you down the priority list.

• Case complexity
  Unusual roles, regional placements or non-standard agreements trigger deeper scrutiny. Each follow-up query adds days—or weeks—to your overall timeline.

By mapping your own sponsor type, stream and documentation status against these drivers, you’ll have a firmer sense of whether you’re targeting six-week or five-month processing.

Achieving faster outcomes (closer to 1.5 months)

If you want to edge toward that six-week milestone, focus on three key areas:

1. Sponsor accreditation
   Encourage your employer to secure—and maintain—Accredited Sponsor status. That priority handling alone can cut your timeline by up to half.

2. High-demand occupations
   Roles on the Specialist Skills or Short-Term occupation lists receive expedited attention. If your ANZSCO code and salary align with these lists, you’re more likely to slip into the fast-track group.

3. Thorough application pack
   Audit every document before lodgement:

   • Verified ANZSCO codes
   • Clear salary evidence (contracts, payslips)
   • Up-to-date health and character checks
   • Fully signed and correctly completed forms

A migration specialist can pre-review your package to catch any gaps. For tailored advice on positioning your application for the quickest outcome, visit Simon Mander Consulting.

Avoiding delays toward 5 months

To prevent your visa from edging toward a five-month wait:

• Don’t rush the lodgement
  Submit only once every field is complete and every attachment is in English (or accompanied by certified translations).

• Schedule checks early
  Book biometrics, medical exams and police certificates at the first opportunity—leaving these to the last minute is a common bottleneck.

• Anticipate evidence requests
  If your stream requires labour market testing or a bespoke labour agreement, compile robust recruitment records and negotiation drafts upfront.

• Monitor case progress
  Keep an eye on ImmiAccount notifications and respond within 24 hours to any follow-up questions.

Should your application exceed these benchmarks, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Commonwealth Ombudsman via their Immigration Complaints page. Armed with these insights, you’ll be well placed to manage expectations and steer your Subclass 482 journey toward the fastest possible outcome.

What this means for your 482 visa journey

Pulling these ten statistics together gives you a clear roadmap for each stage of your Subclass 482 application. From the 64-day median overall processing time to the 90th-percentile benchmarks—35 days for Short-Term, 77 days for Medium-Term, 39 days for Specialist Skills and 47 days for Core Skills—you now know which numbers to track. Factor in sponsor accreditation status, labour agreement complexity and the completeness of your nomination pack to see where your own application is likely to fall within the 1.5- to 5-month spectrum.

Start by mapping your timeline against the streams and sponsor types that apply to you. If you’re joining a company with Accredited Sponsor status, watch the six- to eight-week window for 75% of outcomes. Working under a standard sponsorship? Brace for a three- to five-month process and build in buffer time for labour market testing or document requests. Whichever route you’re on, break your plan into milestones—lodgement, biometrics, health checks and final grant—and compare your progress against the relevant percentile targets.

If you’d like someone to run through those benchmarks with you, Simon Mander Consulting specialises in aligning your case with the fastest possible pathway. And if your application slips well beyond these industry-standard timeframes, you can raise the issue with the Commonwealth Ombudsman via their Immigration Complaints page. Armed with these insights and the right support, you’ll keep your 482 visa journey on track and step confidently toward your new role in Australia.

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