Australia 482 Visa Explained: Eligibility, Process & Costs

Looking to bring your skills to Australian shores? The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482) unlocks opportunities for overseas professionals, letting you fill roles in demand, include family members, and potentially pave the way to permanent residency.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to choose among the short-term, medium-term and labour agreement streams—and what both employers and applicants must prepare. We’ll walk you through sponsorship requirements, eligibility criteria, document checklists, fee breakdowns, processing timelines and practical tips to avoid common pitfalls.

Here’s your step-by-step roadmap to navigating every stage of the Australia 482 visa application.

Step 1: Understand the Purpose and Scope of the 482 Visa

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) exists to help Australian businesses fill genuine skill gaps when they can’t find suitably qualified local talent. Rather than relying on permanent migration, it provides a flexible, time-limited solution for employers to sponsor overseas specialists. For applicants, it offers a clear pathway to work in Australia, bring eligible family members, and—depending on the stream—move towards permanent residency.

At its core, the 482 visa balances two goals: supporting local employers in sectors with chronic shortages, and maintaining protections for the Australian labour market. It replaced the older 457 visa in March 2018, introducing stricter sponsorship requirements and clearer pathways for transition to permanent residency, especially under the medium-term stream.

Typical visa durations range from two to four years, with short-term applicants generally granted up to two years (or four, if covered by an international trade obligation) and medium-term applicants up to four years. Holders can live, work and study in Australia, travel in and out freely, and include family members as dependants on their application.

What the 482 Visa Covers and Who It’s For

• Eligible Scenarios
  • Filling genuine skills shortages on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or under a formal Labour Agreement
  • Addressing temporary staffing needs without bypassing local recruitment
• Employer Sponsorship
  • A registered Australian business must nominate and sponsor the worker for a specific position
• Duration and Travel
  • Short-term stream: up to 2 years (or 4 years for certain trade-related roles)
  • Medium-term stream: up to 4 years
  • Multiple entries and exits allowed for the visa’s validity period
• Family Inclusion
  • Primary applicants can include spouse/de facto partner and dependent children
  • Dependants have similar work and study rights during the visa period

Key Advantages and Limitations of the 482 Visa

Advantages

• Faster processing compared to many permanent visas
• Immediate work rights for primary and dependent applicants
• Medium-term stream offers a pathway to permanent residency via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream
• Flexibility to travel in and out of Australia during the visa validity

Limitations

• Short-term stream does not lead directly to permanent residency
• Visa tied to a specific employer and nominated occupation—changing jobs requires a new nomination
• Obligations on both employer and visa holder to comply with Australian workplace and visa conditions
• Annual training benchmarks for sponsors can add cost and administrative burden

Step 2: Choose the Right Visa Stream

Not every australia 482 visa application follows the same path. The subclass 482 offers three distinct streams—short-term, medium-term and labour agreement—each tailored to different skills, durations and pathways to permanent residency. Picking the right stream up front saves time, money and frustration for both employers and applicants.

Short-Term Stream Overview

The short-term stream is built around the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). If your nominated occupation appears on the STSOL, you may be eligible for a visa valid for up to two years—or four years if an international trade obligation applies.

• Eligibility: occupation on the STSOL and a genuine sponsorship from an approved business
• Duration: up to 2 years (4 years for trade-obligated roles)
• Renewal: can be renewed once while in Australia
• Permanent Residency: no direct PR pathway—holders must reapply under another visa subclass

This stream suits businesses with immediate staffing gaps in occupations that aren’t on the long-term lists but still critical to operations. Remember: if you aim for permanent residency, you’ll need to explore a different visa down the track.

Medium-Term Stream Overview

For roles on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the medium-term stream is the go-to option. It grants visas for up to four years and offers a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after three years of employment.

• Eligibility: occupation on the MLTSSL or Regional Occupation List (ROL)
• Duration: up to 4 years, with multiple renewals possible
• Permanent Residency: eligible for TRT after 3 years (or 2 years under new rules in specific cases)
• Priority Processing: often faster than the short-term stream

The medium-term stream is ideal if you’re targeting a longer stay in Australia and a smoother move into permanent residency without switching visa categories.

Labour Agreement Stream Overview

When standard occupation lists don’t cover your specialised role, a labour agreement between an employer and the Department of Home Affairs can fill the gap. This stream is highly customised, with conditions set out in the agreement itself.

• Eligibility: nominated by an employer under a specific labour agreement
• Exemptions: may bypass age limits, salary thresholds or occupation list restrictions
• Duration: up to 4 years (or as specified in the labour agreement)
• Renewal and PR: terms depend on the agreement’s clauses—some include clear PR pathways

Use the labour agreement stream if your skill set is unique, your employer has negotiated specific terms with government, or you need flexibility beyond the standard occupation lists.

Step 3: Verify Employer Sponsorship Requirements

Before an employer can nominate a skilled worker under the Australia 482 visa, they must qualify as an approved sponsor and meet several ongoing obligations. This step ensures that businesses genuinely need overseas talent and maintain their commitment to upskilling and protecting the local workforce. Below we break down the four key areas employers must address.

Becoming an Approved Business Sponsor

To become a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS), your company must demonstrate:

• Legitimacy and operational status:
  – Be a lawfully operating business in Australia (ABN/ACN registered).
  – Show financial viability through recent financial statements or tax returns.
• Good standing:
  – No outstanding adverse information from the Fair Work Ombudsman or other regulators.
• English language capacity:
  – Appoint a staff member with sufficient English to liaise with the Department and manage sponsorship obligations.

Once approved, the SBS licence remains valid for up to five years. As a sponsor, you agree to comply with Australian workplace laws—fair pay, safe working conditions, and non-discrimination policies. Breaches can lead to sponsor suspension or civil penalties.

Meeting Labour Market Testing Obligations

Labour Market Testing (LMT) proves you’ve searched locally before recruiting overseas. Key requirements include:

• Advertising the role for at least 28 days on two or more recognised channels:
  – Your company website, Seek, Indeed, or a relevant industry board.
• Providing evidence in your nomination application:
  – Screenshots of job ads, dates and platform names.
  – Invoices or receipts for paid advertisements.
  – A summary of all applications received and reasons for rejection.

Thorough LMT records show the Department that no suitably qualified Australian candidates were available, justifying the need for a subclass 482 visa hire.

Fulfilling Annual Training Benchmarks

Australian law requires sponsors to invest in local skills development each year:

• Option 1: Contribute at least 2% of your total payroll to an industry training fund.
• Option 2: Spend a minimum 1% of payroll on direct training—formal courses, apprenticeships, or on-the-job upskilling—for Australian employees.

These benchmarks encourage businesses to reduce future reliance on overseas labour and build a more skilled domestic workforce. According to the Senate’s report on temporary work visas, while many employers meet the minimum, some industry sectors face challenges hitting these targets due to tight margins and skill shortages (source).

Ongoing Sponsorship Compliance

Approval isn’t a set-and-forget affair. Approved sponsors must:

• Keep accurate records of every sponsored worker’s start date, role changes and salary.
• Notify the Department of any significant changes—business structure, work location or sponsorship details—within 28 days.
• Respond to compliance audits or information requests promptly.

Failure to adhere can result in sanctions, including sponsor licence cancellation or fines up to AUD 63,000 for serious breaches. Consistent compliance safeguards your ability to sponsor skilled migrants now and in the future.

Step 4: Check Worker Eligibility Criteria

Before you can lodge your subclass 482 visa application, you must satisfy a set of personal requirements. These ensure you have the right skills, language proficiency, health and character standards, and insurance cover to work and live in Australia. Skipping or underestimating any of these checkpoints can lead to delays or refusal, so it pays to prepare early. In the following subsections, we’ll cover:

• Skill level and relevant experience
• English language tests and minimum scores
• Mandatory health and character assessments
• Overseas Visitor Health Cover requirements

Demonstrating the Required Skill Level and Experience

Your nominated occupation must match an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code at skill level 1–4. To prove you meet this:

• Provide evidence of at least two years of full-time work in your occupation (or a closely related field).
• Include certificates, licences or registrations that align with industry standards.
• If a formal skills assessment is required for your occupation, attach the outcome from the relevant assessing authority (for example, trades often require assessments by Trades Recognition Australia).

Check the ANZSCO database for exact code descriptions and skill level criteria. A mismatch between your duties and the code can trigger further assessment or refusal.

Meeting English Language Requirements

English proficiency is non-negotiable. You must submit one of these approved test results:

• IELTS (Academic or General): minimum overall score of 5.0; no band under 4.5 (Short-Term) or 5.0 (Medium-Term)
• PTE Academic: minimum overall score of 36; no communicative skill score below 30
• TOEFL iBT: minimum total score of 36; individual section scores as per Department guidelines
• OET: minimum grade of B in each sub-test

Tests must be no more than three years old on the day you apply. If your occupation is on the Medium-Term stream, double-check the higher band requirements for each component.

Completing Health and Character Checks

Australia places strong emphasis on public health and safety. You’ll need to:

• Undergo a full medical examination by a panel physician approved by the Department of Home Affairs. Book your appointment early, as processing can take several weeks.
• Obtain police clearance certificates from every country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more over the past decade.
• Complete additional forms—such as Form 80 or Form 1221—if requested by visa officers.

Timely submission of these documents prevents unnecessary follow-up requests.

Securing Adequate Health Insurance

All subclass 482 visa holders must maintain Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) throughout their stay. When selecting a policy:

• Ensure cover dates align exactly with your visa validity period.
• Choose a policy that meets minimum benefits for hospital and emergency care.
• Retain proof of cover (e.g., membership number and expiry date) for Department checks.

Without OVHC, you risk being in breach of visa conditions and facing possible cancellation.

Step 5: Submit Standard Business Sponsorship Application

Once you’ve confirmed your business meets the sponsorship criteria, the next step is to apply for a Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) licence. This licence authorises you to sponsor overseas workers under the 482 visa program. Securing an SBS licence involves gathering key business documents, lodging your application through ImmiAccount and understanding the fees and timeframes involved.

Gathering Documentation for SBS

Before you start the online application, assemble all relevant evidence to demonstrate your business’s legitimacy and capacity:

• Proof of business registration
  • Australian Business Number (ABN) and Australian Company Number (ACN)
  • Recent ASIC or state registration extracts
• Financial viability
  • Audited financial statements or tax returns from the last two fiscal years
  • Bank statements showing regular business activity
• Compliance and good standing
  • Declaration of no outstanding Fair Work or workplace safety breaches
  • Evidence of staff contracts and payroll systems in place
• Labour market testing (where applicable)
  • Records of any advertising or recruitment efforts you’ve made to hire locally
  • Screenshots, job descriptions and invoices for online ads or recruitment agencies

Having these documents on hand will streamline the next stage and reduce the risk of your application being delayed for missing information.

Lodging the SBS Application via ImmiAccount

All sponsorship applications are submitted electronically through ImmiAccount:

1. Log in to your existing ImmiAccount or register for a new sponsor account.
2. Select “Apply for a sponsorship licence” and choose the subclass 482 sponsorship option.
3. Complete the online form, providing business details, directors’ information and evidence of compliance.
4. Upload scanned copies of your gathered documents, ensuring each file is clear, legible and labelled correctly.
5. Read and accept the sponsorship obligations, including annual reporting and training benchmarks.
6. Review your application in full, then submit and proceed to payment.

Carefully check each section before submission—errors or omissions are a common cause of delays.

Understanding SBS Processing Times and Fees

The current fee for an SBS application is AUD 420. Processing benchmarks published by the Department of Home Affairs show:

• 75% of applications are finalised within 28 days
• 90% of applications are finalised within 42 days

To avoid delays:

• Submit complete, well-organised documents
• Monitor your ImmiAccount for messages—respond promptly if the Department requests further information
• Keep your compliance officer’s contact details up to date in case the case officer needs clarification

Once your SBS licence is approved, you’ll be authorised to proceed with nominating positions and sponsoring your overseas workers under the subclass 482 visa. This licence is valid for five years, provided you continue to meet sponsorship obligations.

Step 6: Prepare and Lodge the Nomination Application

Before you can bring an overseas professional on board, your business must formally nominate the role they’ll fill. This nomination binds the position, the sponsor and the Department of Home Affairs together—getting each detail right upfront helps prevent delays or refusals.

Selecting and Describing the Position Accurately

Start by identifying the correct ANZSCO code for the job. Visit the ABS ANZSCO database to match your role’s duties and skill level. A misaligned code can trigger requests for clarification or even rejection.

When writing the position description:

• Clearly outline the core duties and day-to-day tasks
• State essential qualifications, licences or registrations
• Define reporting lines (e.g. “reports to Marketing Manager”) and work location
• Specify any specialised experience or tools the role requires

A well-crafted description demonstrates that your vacancy genuinely needs the skills you’re sponsoring and aligns with the STSOL, MLTSSL or your labour agreement.

Meeting Salary Requirements and TSMIT

Your nominated worker must be paid at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently AUD 73,150 per year. To satisfy this:

• Offer a base salary that meets or exceeds TSMIT on its own
• Benchmark pay against industry standards using Fair Work pay guides or third-party salary surveys
• Factor in superannuation and any allowances as part of the total remuneration package

Adhering to TSMIT safeguards both the visa holder’s rights and the integrity of Australia’s labour market.

Compiling Nomination Documents and Paying Fees

Next, assemble and upload all required paperwork via ImmiAccount:

• The completed nomination application form
• Your detailed position description with the chosen ANZSCO code
• A signed employment contract outlining salary, work hours, conditions and location
• An organisational chart showing the new role in context
• Labour Market Testing evidence (job ads, dates, platforms, applicant summaries)

Once everything’s uploaded, submit the AUD 330 nomination fee through ImmiAccount. The Department aims to finalise 75% of nominations within 28 days and 90% within 42 days. Keep an eye on your ImmiAccount inbox—respond swiftly if they ask for more information. A “Nomination approved” status means your sponsored worker can move on to lodging their subclass 482 visa application.

Step 7: Gather Personal Documents for Your Visa Application

Before you or your dependants submit the subclass 482 visa application, you’ll need to assemble a comprehensive set of personal documents. Keeping everything organised—and ensuring every page is clear, certified and, if necessary, translated—will help avoid requests for missing paperwork and keep your application moving smoothly. Here’s what you need to prepare.

Proof of Identity and Relationship Status

Start with the basics: proof of who you are and who’s travelling with you.

• Passport biodata page: a clear, full-colour scan of every page showing your identity, validity dates and any amendments (name changes, endorsements).
• National identity documents: if you’ve changed names, include marriage certificates, change-of-name affidavits or court orders.
• Dependant evidence: for spouse or de facto partners, provide a marriage certificate or documents demonstrating a genuine relationship (joint bank statements, lease agreements, photos together).
• Birth certificates: for each dependent child, plus any adoption or custody papers where applicable.

All documents not in English must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator, with certified copies of both the original and translation.

Skill Assessment and Qualification Evidence

To satisfy the Department that you’re qualified for the nominated occupation, submit:

• Formal skills assessment: the outcome report from the relevant assessing authority (for example, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia or Trades Recognition Australia).
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates: copies of diplomas, transcripts or graduation statements.
• Professional licences or registrations: proof of current registration where your occupation requires it (e.g., nursing or engineering boards).
• Detailed CV and employer references: letters on company letterhead outlining your role, dates of employment and key responsibilities—ideally with contact details for referees.

If a formal assessment isn’t required for your occupation, you’ll need a combination of the above to demonstrate equivalent skills and experience.

English Proficiency Test Results

English language ability is a non-negotiable requirement. Provide official test reports for one of the approved exams:

• IELTS (Academic or General): test date, overall band and individual component scores.
• PTE Academic: overall score and communicative skill breakdown.
• TOEFL iBT: total score and section results.
• OET: grade for each of the four sub-tests.

Ensure your test is less than three years old on the date you lodge your application. Include original or certified copies of your score report—screenshots or emailed summaries won’t suffice.

Health and Character Documentation

Australia places high priority on public health and safety. You must submit:

• Panel physician medical certificate: a completed health examination by a Department-approved doctor, covering general health, chest X-ray and blood tests.
• Police clearance certificates: one for every country where you’ve spent 12 months or more in the last ten years—no older than 12 months at the time of lodgement.
• Additional Department forms: if requested, you may need to fill out Form 80 (Personal particulars for assessment) or Form 1221 (Additional character assessment).

Compile all original certificates along with certified translations where needed. Keep copies in your own records in case the Department follows up for more detail.

With these personal documents at the ready, you’ll be well positioned to lodge your subclass 482 visa application confidently—and avoid common delays caused by incomplete or uncertified paperwork. Next, you’ll see how to submit the visa application itself via ImmiAccount.

Step 8: Lodge the Subclass 482 Visa Application

Once your nomination is approved, it’s time for the primary applicant (and any dependants) to submit the actual visa application. Lodgement is done online through ImmiAccount, so having all your documents organised and ready before you begin will save you headaches later. In this step, we’ll cover how to set up or access your ImmiAccount, complete the online form, pay the visa application charge, and avoid common traps that can slow your application down.

Creating and Using an ImmiAccount

Before you start, confirm each traveller has a valid ImmiAccount:

1. Go to the Department of Home Affairs website and select “ImmiAccount” from the menu.
2. Choose “Create an ImmiAccount” if you don’t already have one, or log in with your existing credentials.
3. Follow the prompts to verify your email address and secure your account with a strong password.
4. From your dashboard, click “New Application” and select “Temporary Work (subclass 482).”
5. Complete Form 482 step by step:
   • Enter your personal, passport and contact details.
   • Link your approved nomination by entering the nomination ID.
   • Declare your family members if they are applying with you.
6. When you reach the “Attach Documents” section, upload your prepared files under the relevant headings (identity, skills assessment, English test, health and character, employment contract, etc.). Ensure each file is named clearly (e.g., Passport_Biodata.pdf) and does not exceed the size limit.

Remember to save your progress regularly. You can pause and return to your application anytime before payment.

Paying the Visa Application Charge

After you review and finalise your application, you’ll be prompted to pay the visa application charge (VAC). Key points to note:

• The VAC varies by stream (short-term, medium-term or Labour Agreement) and by applicant type (primary, partner, child).
• Payment options include credit/debit card, BPAY or PayPal—choose the method most convenient for you.
• You must complete the payment in full for your application to be lodged. Partial or failed payments will leave your application “incomplete” and not under active processing.
• Keep a copy of the payment receipt; you may need it if the Department requests proof of payment.

For current VAC amounts by stream and applicant, always check the Department’s online fee schedule before lodgement.

Common Pitfalls and Best Practice Tips

Lodging a subclass 482 application can be straightforward if you keep the following in mind:

• Honesty is critical. Inconsistent or misleading information (for example, mismatched employment dates or different names on documents) often triggers requests for explanation or outright refusal.
• Watch your deadlines. Medical examinations and police certificates must be dated no more than 12 months before you lodge; outdated certificates will generate follow-up requests.
• Double-check document translations. Any non-English document must have a certified translation accompanied by the original.
• Use a checklist. Before payment, tick off each required document against your own list. It’s easier to fix omissions before you hit “Submit” than after.
• Monitor your ImmiAccount. The Department may send requests for additional evidence (e.g., updated payslips or clarification on job duties). Respond promptly—ideally within 28 days—to keep your application on track.

By carefully navigating these steps, you’ll maximise your chances of a smooth lodgement and move one step closer to working in Australia under your Australia 482 visa.

Step 9: Understand the Costs and Fees

Every stage of the 482 visa involves fees—some paid by your business, others by the visa applicants. Mapping out these costs up front helps you avoid surprises and budget effectively. Below, we break down the major application fees, outline related expenses you should factor in, and explain how to confirm you’re using the most current figures.

Detailed Fee Schedule

• Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) application
  – Fee: AUD 420
  – Paid by the sponsoring employer when lodging the SBS licence application.

• Nomination application
  – Fee: AUD 330
  – Paid by the employer to nominate a position under subclass 482.

• Visa Application Charge (VAC)
  These fees are payable by each visa applicant at lodgement. As of mid-2025 they are approximately:
  • Short-Term stream (STSOL)
  – Primary applicant: from AUD 3,115
  – Secondary adult: from AUD 1,555
  – Secondary child: from AUD 780
  • Medium-Term stream (MLTSSL)
  – Primary applicant: from AUD 4,345
  – Secondary adult: from AUD 2,175
  – Secondary child: from AUD 1,085
  (Exact VACs vary by stream and applicant type—see the Department’s online fee schedule.)

Budgeting for Associated Expenses

Beyond government charges, you’ll need to allow for:

• Skills assessments
  Depending on the assessing authority and occupation, fees range from roughly AUD 300 to AUD 1,200.

• English language tests
  IELTS, PTE and TOEFL tests typically cost between AUD 350 and AUD 450 per candidate.

• Health examinations
  Panel physician fees for medical and X-ray exams run around AUD 300–500 per person.

• Police clearance certificates
  Allow AUD 50–100 for each certificate, per country of residence.

• Translations and certifications
  Specialist translators charge about AUD 50–80 per page for certified English translations.

• Migration agent or legal fees
  Professional advice can range from AUD 1,500 to AUD 3,500 (or more) depending on complexity and scope.

Verifying Updated Fees and Charges

Visa and sponsorship fees are subject to change without notice. To ensure you’re using the latest figures:

1. Visit the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing page or search “482 visa fees” on their site.
2. Check the date stamp on any fee schedule or bulletin—if it’s more than a month old, assume updates may have occurred.
3. For employer charges (SBS and nomination), confirm via your ImmiAccount before payment.

By staying on top of fee schedules and budgeting for all related costs, both employers and applicants can proceed with confidence—and avoid delays caused by unexpected shortfalls.

Step 10: Monitor Your Application and Respond to Requests

Once you hit “Submit,” your subclass 482 application enters the queue—but it doesn’t end there. Keeping a close eye on your ImmiAccount and responding promptly to any Department of Home Affairs requests can mean the difference between a smooth approval and avoidable delays. In this step, we’ll show you how to track progress, tackle information requests, and take action if your application stalls or faces refusal.

Tracking Status in ImmiAccount

Your ImmiAccount dashboard is your single source of truth. After logging in, look for your “Temporary Work (subclass 482)” application under the “My Applications” tab. Common status updates include:

• Received: The Department has your application and visa fee payment.
• Under Consideration: Officers are reviewing your nomination, documents and eligibility.
• Additional Information Requested: They need more evidence before a decision.
• Granted or Refused: A final outcome has been issued.

Keep your email and phone number up to date in ImmiAccount—most notifications arrive by email, but you’ll need to log in regularly to see exactly what’s happening. If your sponsor or migration agent also has access, they should be checking in so no message slips through the cracks.

Responding to Department Requests

It’s normal for the Department to ask for extra details—perhaps updated payslips, biometric data, medical test results or clarifications on your job duties. When you receive a “Request for More Information”:

1. Read the request carefully and note the deadline (usually within 28 days).
2. Gather exactly what they ask for—don’t over-submit documents, as extra paperwork can confuse the case officer.
3. Upload your response under the same application in ImmiAccount, clearly labelling each file (for example, Updated_Medical_Certificate.pdf).
4. Include a brief cover note explaining how you’ve addressed each point.

Responding swiftly and precisely keeps your application active and shows the Department you’re organised and serious about compliance.

Managing Delays, Refusals, and Review Rights

Even well-prepared applications can slip beyond published benchmarks. If your application has sat at “Under Consideration” for longer than the 75% or 90% processing times you saw earlier, consider these steps:

• Contact your case officer: Use the ImmiAccount messaging function or the departmental enquiry form—always quoting your application ID—to request a status update.
• Escalate only when necessary: Pressuring too early can backfire; wait until the standard processing window has passed.
• Explore expedite options: In genuine hardship situations (health emergencies, critical business needs), you may ask for fast-tracking, but you’ll need supporting evidence.

If you receive a refusal, the decision letter will outline reasons and—as long as you lodged onshore and meet eligibility—advise your rights to apply for a merits review at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). You typically have 21 days from the date of refusal to:

• Lodge an internal review request with the Department, or
• File an application for review with the AAT.

Review decisions hinge on demonstrating the Department applied policy correctly, so it’s wise to seek guidance from a registered migration agent. By understanding and exercising your review rights, you keep pathways open—even if the first outcome isn’t what you hoped for.

Step 11: Comply with Visa Conditions and Understand Your Workplace Rights

Obtaining your Australia 482 visa is just the beginning—sticking to its conditions and knowing your rights at work will keep your visa in good standing and ensure you’re treated fairly. Below, we outline the must-dos to remain compliant, your entitlements under Australian law, and what to do if your circumstances change.

Key Visa Conditions to Observe

Your subclass 482 visa comes with several non-negotiable requirements. First, you must only work in the occupation and for the employer your nomination specifies. Should you wish to switch jobs, your new sponsor must lodge a fresh nomination before you start any work elsewhere.

Health insurance is another essential condition. Maintain valid Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) throughout your stay. If your policy lapses, you’ll be in breach of your visa, which can trigger cancellation proceedings.

Finally, keep the Department of Home Affairs up to date on key changes—this includes your residential address, contact details and any shifts in employment. You have 28 days to notify them of these changes via your ImmiAccount. Prompt updates help avoid misunderstandings that could jeopardise your visa.

Workplace Rights under Australian Law

While the visa ties you to a specific role, it doesn’t limit your workplace protections. All employees in Australia, including migrant workers, enjoy the National Employment Standards (NES). These cover maximum weekly hours, paid leave (annual, personal/carer’s, parental), notice of termination, and redundancy entitlements.

You’re also entitled to superannuation contributions and must receive pay and conditions no less favourable than an Australian doing the same work. If you suspect unfair treatment—such as underpayment or unsafe practices—you can seek advice or lodge a complaint. Resources like the Fair Work Ombudsman’s guide on workplace rights and entitlements for visa holders can point you in the right direction.

Options to Change Employers or Add Family Members

Life circumstances may evolve during your visa period. Want to bring a spouse or child after your initial visa grant? You can apply for a subsequent entrant visa (subclass 482) for each family member, provided they meet health and character checks.

Thinking of moving to a new employer? Your prospective employer must hold an active Standard Business Sponsorship licence, nominate you for the role, and you must accept the new nomination before commencing work. Treat this like a mini visa process: check eligibility, lodge the nomination, then update your ImmiAccount with the new details once approved.

By observing these conditions and understanding where to turn if issues arise, you’ll safeguard your status and fully benefit from the opportunities your Australia 482 visa offers.

Step 12: Explore Permanent Residency Pathways

Holding a 482 visa, especially on the medium-term or under a labour agreement, puts you on a clear track towards permanent residency. Australia offers several employer-sponsored and skilled migration routes that value your time in the country, your experience, and your contribution to the local workforce. Below are the most common pathways once you’ve gained the required employment history under subclass 482.

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

The Temporary Residence Transition stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is designed for 482 visa holders who have worked continuously for their nominating employer. Key points:

• Eligibility period:
  • Standard: 3 years of full-time work in the nominated occupation
  • Reduced pathway: as little as 2 years for certain occupations under the November 2023 reforms
• Occupation requirements: the role must still be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the relevant regional list at time of nomination
• Employer support: your sponsor lodges a subclass 186 nomination on TRT grounds, confirming your performance and ongoing business need

Once approved, you move directly from temporary to permanent residence without leaving Australia—or changing visa streams.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

If you don’t meet the TRT work-length criteria or your occupation isn’t on the MLTSSL, you might qualify for the subclass 186 direct entry stream. Requirements include:

• Skill assessment: a positive outcome from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation
• Work experience: usually at least 3 years post-qualification, though some agreements vary
• Age limit: under 45 at time of application (some exemptions apply under labour agreements)
• English proficiency: at least Competent English (for example, IELTS 6.0 or PTE Academic 50 overall)

This route doesn’t rely on prior subclass 482 status—you can apply as long as you meet the direct entry criteria and have an employer willing to nominate you.

Other Regional and Skilled Migration Options

Beyond the ENS pathway, there are alternatives to consider:

• Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa:
  • A regional counterpart to the 482, with similar sponsorship and nomination rules
  • Offers a pathway to permanent residency via subclass 191 after three years in regional Australia
• General Skilled Migration (points-based) visas:
  • Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
  • Point test covers age, English ability, work experience and qualifications—no employer sponsorship needed
  • Best suited to highly skilled professionals whose occupations appear on the relevant points-tested lists

Choosing the right PR pathway depends on your career plans, family situation and where you’d like to settle. A detailed assessment by a registered migration adviser can help you weigh the options and prepare a tailored strategy for achieving permanent residency in Australia.

Your Journey to Australia Begins Now

You’ve got the roadmap: from choosing the right 482 visa stream and making sure your business meets sponsorship and labour market testing requirements, to preparing a detailed nomination, gathering personal documents, lodging your application and exploring pathways to permanent residency. Each step—from securing your Standard Business Sponsorship licence to responding promptly to Department requests—brings you closer to life and work in Australia.

Navigating visa conditions, upholding workplace rights and understanding how to transition into permanent residency can feel overwhelming on your own. That’s where expert guidance makes all the difference. Whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor top talent or a skilled professional eager to settle in Australia, the right support will streamline your journey, minimise delays and safeguard your migration goals.

Ready to set your plans in motion? Partner with the team at Simon Mander Consulting for personalised advice and hands-on assistance with every stage of your subclass 482 visa application. Your future in Australia starts today.

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