Your Step-By-Step Guide To Visa 482 Australia Requirements

Securing a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) is a pivotal step for skilled professionals seeking new opportunities in Australia—and for employers striving to fill critical roles. This visa offers a clear path to live, work and study in Australia, bring eligible family members and travel in and out as needed, connecting local demand with overseas talent.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll find detailed explanations on selecting the Short-Term, Medium-Term or Labour Agreement stream, preparing your employer’s sponsorship application and nominating the appropriate position. We cover key personal requirements—from work experience and English language to health and character checks—and outline how to plan your path from a temporary visa towards permanent residency.

Each section features clear tasks, document checklists, expected timeframes and practical tips to avoid common pitfalls. With this roadmap in hand, you’ll navigate the 482 visa process confidently—ready to take the next step towards a successful application.

Step 1: Understand What the TSS Visa (Subclass 482) Entails

Before you dive into applications, it’s important to get a clear picture of what the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) is—and what it isn’t. This visa bridges gaps in Australia’s labour market by letting approved employers sponsor skilled workers from overseas. It comes with a set of entitlements, eligibility rules and pathways that differ from other work visas.

Purpose of the Visa

The Subclass 482 visa exists to help Australian businesses fill roles they can’t staff locally. When there’s a genuine shortage of certain skills—whether in engineering, healthcare, hospitality or other industries—employers can nominate overseas specialists to step in. This process ensures that critical positions aren’t left empty, while also offering overseas professionals a chance to grow their careers in Australia.

Key Features and Benefits

Holding a TSS 482 visa brings several advantages for both you and your family:

• Live, work and study anywhere in Australia for the visa’s duration
• Bring eligible dependants (spouse, de facto partner and children) under a single application
• Multiple entries: travel in and out of Australia as needed
• Stream-based validity:
  • Short-Term Stream: up to 2 years (or 4 years under an International Trade Obligation)
  • Medium-Term Stream: up to 4 years, with eligibility for permanent residency down the track
  • Labour Agreement Stream: duration set by the agreement terms
• Possibility of renewal or extension, depending on the stream and labour market conditions

Differences from Other Work Visas

While the TSS 482 visa is a common choice, it’s not the only work visa on the menu. Here’s a quick comparison with some other Australian work visas:

*The Subclass 457 visa has been repealed and replaced by the Subclass 482 visa, offering updated labour market safeguards and stream options.

By understanding the TSS Visa’s purpose, benefits and how it stacks up against alternatives, you’ll be better placed to decide whether Subclass 482 aligns with your career goals and your employer’s needs.

Step 2: Determine Which Visa Stream Suits Your Needs

Choosing the right stream for your TSS 482 application is critical. Each stream has its own occupation lists, visa durations and long-term prospects. By matching your skills and career goals with the appropriate pathway, you’ll streamline the process and set clear expectations for what comes next.

Overview of the Three Streams

Below is a quick comparison of the main TSS visa streams:

Short-Term Stream

The Short-Term stream is designed for roles on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) where skill shortages are expected to be temporary. It’s a good fit for sectors like hospitality, retail or tourism that need quick, short-term relief.

• Eligibility: occupation must appear on the STSOL
• Stay: up to 2 years (4 years if an International Trade Obligation applies)
• Renewal: one renewal permitted while in Australia
• Permanent Residency: no direct pathway
• Example scenario: a sous-chef brought in to cover peak-season demand at a major city hotel

Medium-Term Stream

If your occupation sits on the MLTSSL, the Medium-Term stream offers a longer visa and a clear route to permanent residency. This is ideal for professions where Australia wants to retain expertise long-term.

• Eligibility: occupation listed on the MLTSSL
• Stay: up to 4 years
• Renewal: unlimited renewals subject to sponsorship
• Permanent Residency: eligible for Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after three years in the role
• Example scenario: a civil engineer leading multi-year infrastructure projects

Labour Agreement Stream

The Labour Agreement stream caters to businesses that negotiate bespoke agreements with the Australian Government. It provides flexibility for niche or rapidly evolving industries.

• Eligibility: occupation and terms defined by a signed labour agreement
• Stay and Conditions: visa length and requirements specified in the agreement
• Special Provisions: may include tailored salary arrangements, exemptions from certain standard requirements and customised Labour Market Testing conditions

Step 3: Ensure Your Employer Qualifies as a Sponsor

Before an overseas professional can be nominated, the sponsoring business must first secure Approved Business Sponsor status. This ensures the employer meets Australia’s standards for legitimate operations, genuine labour needs and fair treatment of both local and foreign workers.

Apply for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)

To become an Approved Business Sponsor, an employer must:

• Show evidence of a legally operating business in Australia (ABN, registration, or constitution).
• Demonstrate financial viability—through recent financial statements or tax returns.
• Confirm compliance with Australian workplace laws (Fair Work Act, health and safety regulations).
• Lodge the SBS application online via ImmiAccount and pay the AUD 420 sponsorship fee.
• Allow around 20–30 business days for processing, although peak times may extend this.

Approved sponsorship lasts five years, giving the business the green light to nominate skilled overseas workers under the 482 visa.

Demonstrate Genuine Need and Conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT)

The Department of Home Affairs requires proof that no suitable Australian candidate is available for the nominated role. Labour Market Testing typically involves:

• Advertising the vacancy in two approved national outlets (e.g., SEEK, LinkedIn) for at least 28 days.
• Retaining copies of job ads, publication dates and applicant response summaries.
• Documenting reasons for rejecting local applicants (insufficient qualifications, experience gaps, etc.).
• Providing an employer statement affirming the role is ongoing and integral to the business.

These materials form part of the nomination pack and must clearly show that hiring abroad was a last resort.

Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy

To support domestic training and apprenticeships, sponsors contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund:

• Small business (annual turnover < AUD 10 million): AUD 1,200 per visa holder, per year.
• Large business (annual turnover ≥ AUD 10 million): AUD 1,800 per visa holder, per year.
• Levies are paid via ImmiAccount at nomination and each subsequent year the visa is in effect.

For more on levy obligations and exemptions, see the Skilling Australians Fund levy page. Ensuring these payments are up to date is essential—without them, the nomination cannot proceed.

Step 4: Nominate the Skilled Position

Once the business has secured Approved Business Sponsor status and met labour market testing requirements, the next critical step is to formally nominate the position you want to fill with the overseas worker. This nomination ties together the occupation, salary and contractual details that the Department of Home Affairs will assess before an applicant can lodge their visa application.

Select an Eligible Occupation and ANZSCO Code

Begin by confirming that the role you’re hiring for appears on the relevant skilled occupation list—either the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Visit the Department’s Skill Occupation List to search by job title or ANZSCO code. It’s vital that the nominated occupation exactly matches an ANZSCO code; even a small mismatch can delay processing or lead to refusal.

Take time to double-check the ANZSCO code’s description of tasks and qualifications. If your role combines duties from multiple codes, choose the one that best reflects the core responsibilities and level of skill. This ensures clarity for Home Affairs officers and sets accurate expectations for the visa applicant.

Set the Market Salary Rate and Meet TSMIT

Under the TSS program, sponsors must guarantee that the foreign worker will be paid at or above both the market salary rate and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). As of now, the TSMIT stands at AUD 73,150 per year. The market salary rate includes:

• Base salary
• Any compulsory allowances (for travel, accommodation or meals)
• Bonuses, incentives or superannuation contributions

Calculate the total package carefully. If you offer a low base salary but hefty allowances, you still need to demonstrate the entire package meets or exceeds TSMIT. In practice, listing each component in the nomination application—alongside evidence such as internal pay scales or recent staff contracts—helps to satisfy the Department that the offer is genuine and competitive.

Prepare and Lodge the Nomination Application

With occupation and salary confirmed, assemble your nomination pack. At a minimum, you’ll need:

• A detailed position description outlining duties, skills and qualifications
• A copy of the employment contract or letter of offer that states salary components and work hours
• Labour Market Testing evidence, including copies of advertisements and applicant summaries
• Financial or market data that supports the proposed salary (e.g., industry pay surveys)

Once your documents are in order, log into ImmiAccount, choose “Lodge Nomination,” and upload each file. You’ll pay a nomination fee of AUD 330 at submission. Processing typically takes 20–30 business days, though peak periods can extend this timeframe slightly. As soon as you receive nomination approval, your overseas candidate can move on to the visa application stage—armed with the formal approval they need to lodge their Subclass 482 application.

Step 5: Verify Your Own Eligibility as an Applicant

Before you hit “Submit,” make sure you tick every box on the personal eligibility checklist. Your Subclass 482 application hinges on demonstrating you’re not just qualified, but also ready to meet Australia’s standards for skilled workers. This step covers three must-haves: solid work experience, a positive skills assessment and, if applicable, professional registration or licensing.

Work Experience Requirements

Australian authorities expect you to have at least two years of full-time, paid experience in the nominated occupation. Ideally this experience:

• Is recent – generally within the last five years
• Matches the ANZSCO code for your role
• Demonstrates depth of skill and responsibility

Gather the following evidence:

• Reference letters on company letterhead, signed by supervisors
• Payslips covering the two-year period
• Employment contracts or role descriptions showing dates and duties

Keep originals or certified copies ready. Gaps or mismatches between your ANZSCO code and your experience can lead to delays—or worse, a refusal.

Qualifications and Skills Assessment

Most occupations require a skills assessment from an approved authority. Start early: assessments can take four to eight weeks, depending on the body and time of year.

1. Identify your assessing authority:
   • VETASSESS for business, IT, trades and general professions
   • Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) for trade occupations
2. Compile supporting documents:
   • Full academic transcripts and degree certificates
   • A detailed CV outlining your roles and responsibilities
   • Evidence of on-the-job training or professional development
3. Lodge your application online or via post, following the authority’s instructions.

A positive skills assessment report is mandatory before you submit your visa application. Make sure the report shows your name exactly as it appears on your passport.

Registration or Licensing for Certain Occupations

Some roles demand formal registration or licensing in Australia, beyond a skills assessment. Common examples include:

• Nurses and midwives (AHPRA registration)
• Engineers (Engineers Australia membership)
• Medical practitioners, pharmacists and allied health professionals

Check the requirements for your ANZSCO code on the Department of Home Affairs website, then:

• Apply to the relevant board or professional body
• Provide proof of current, unconditional registration or licence
• Ensure your registration covers the full period you intend to work

Missing or expired licences can stall your visa grant even if every other document is perfect. Set aside extra time—licensing bodies often have their own processing timelines.

With these checks complete, you’ll have confidence that your personal credentials align perfectly with Australia’s strict standards. Next up, we’ll look at the language tests and health assessments that round out your application package.

Step 6: Meet the English Language Requirement

Working in Australia on a 482 visa means you need to demonstrate your English communication skills. Whether you’re aiming for the Short-Term or Medium-Term stream, meeting the minimum language requirement shows you can perform on the job, integrate with colleagues, and access essential services. Below we cover accepted tests, score thresholds and common exemptions.

Minimum English Scores for Each Stream

Different visa streams demand slightly different score thresholds. You must achieve your results in a single test sitting, and tests are generally valid for three years from the date you took them. Here’s what you need:

Exemptions from Testing Requirements

In certain situations, you won’t need to sit a language test. If any of the following apply, include the relevant evidence with your application instead of test results:

• Passport holder from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland
• Completed at least five years of full-time secondary education in a school where instruction was in English
• Hold an Australian registration, licence or professional membership that required proof of English proficiency (for example, AHPRA registration for nurses)
• Intra-company transferee earning an annual salary of at least AUD 96,400 under a transfer to an overseas branch of an Australian business

Confirm you meet exemption criteria and attach supporting documents—this speeds up processing and avoids unnecessary delays.

Step 7: Complete Health and Character Checks

Before your visa can be granted, you must satisfy health and character requirements. This protects Australia’s community health standards and ensures all visa holders are fit to live and work here. Tackling your medicals and police clearances early helps you avoid delays down the track.

Undergo Health Examinations with Approved Panel Physicians

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs mandates that you use approved panel physicians—medical practitioners and clinics authorised to conduct immigration health assessments. To complete your health check:

• Locate a panel physician in your country using the Department’s searchable list on their website.
• Once you’ve started your visa application, you’ll receive an eMedical link—book your exam through that portal.
• Undergo the standard battery of tests: chest X-ray, blood and urine analysis, plus a general clinical examination.
• Allow 1–2 weeks for results to be submitted electronically to Home Affairs.

Using only authorised providers is vital. Results from unauthorised clinics are invalid, forcing you to repeat tests and potentially adding months to your processing time.

Provide Police Certificates and Character Evidence

Your character assessment proves you pose no risk to the Australian community. Here’s what you need:

• Police certificates from every country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more since you turned 16.
• Certificates must be issued within 12 months of your visa application date—stale documents can delay processing.
• If requested, complete Home Affairs forms such as Form 80 (personal particulars) and Form 1221 (family member character declarations).

Pack these certificates and forms with your initial visa application. Clear, up-to-date evidence of your good character reduces the chance of follow-up requests from the Department, keeping your application moving forward.

By ticking off your health checks and character requirements early, you’ll pave the way for a smoother path to your Subclass 482 visa grant.

Step 8: Prepare and Lodge Your Visa Application

With your nomination approved and personal checks completed, it’s time to assemble every piece of evidence and submit your Subclass 482 application. A well-organised application reduces the risk of delays and requests for more information. Follow the steps below to compile your documents, lodge through ImmiAccount and handle the payment.

Document Checklist for the Visa Application

Before you start your online application, gather certified copies or clear scans of:

• Passport bio-page
• Nomination approval letter (Subclass 482 nomination outcome)
• Employment contract or letter of offer showing salary and hours
• Skills assessment report from VETASSESS, TRA or other assessing authority
• English language test results or exemption evidence
• Health examination report (eMedical reference)
• Police certificates and any completed Forms 80 and 1221

If you’re including family members, add:

• Marriage certificate or evidence of de facto relationship
• Birth certificates for dependent children
• Proof of dependency (school enrolment letters, financial support statements)
• Identity documents (passports) for each family member

Use a simple folder structure on your computer (e.g., “01_Passport”, “02_Skills_Assessment”) and name files clearly (e.g., “Smith_Jane_Passport.pdf”). Stick to PDF format wherever possible to preserve quality.

Lodging Your Application through ImmiAccount

1. Log in or create an ImmiAccount at the Department of Home Affairs website.
2. Click “New Application” and select “Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482)”.
3. Complete each section of the online form—personal details, family members, visa stream, etc.
4. Upload documents in the corresponding fields. Use the file names you set earlier to avoid confusion.
5. Save your progress frequently and note the Application ID displayed at the top of the page.
6. Review every entry and attachment before hitting “Submit”.

ImmiAccount allows you to return to an unfinished application at any time. If you leave it idle for more than 60 minutes, you may be logged out—so save as you go.

Understanding Visa Application Charges and Payment Methods

You’ll need to pay the Visa Application Charge (VAC) before your application is processed:

• Primary applicant: VAC amount as set by the Department of Home Affairs
• Additional family members: separate VAC for each dependant

Within ImmiAccount, the payment portal accepts credit/debit cards and bank transfers. After submitting your application, you’ll be prompted to:

1. Choose a payment method.
2. Enter the exact VAC for your family unit.
3. Confirm and finalise the transaction.

You can’t make amendments or pay in instalments—ensure you have sufficient funds available. Once payment is successful, you’ll see a receipt reference in your ImmiAccount. Keep a copy for your records; it confirms that Home Affairs will commence processing your application.

By ticking off this final step—submitting a complete, correctly paid application—you position yourself for a smooth journey through the assessment phase. In Step 9, we’ll explore how to track your progress and respond to any follow-up requests from the Department.

Step 9: Monitor Your Application and Respond Promptly

Once you’ve lodged your Subclass 482 application, staying proactive can make all the difference between a smooth approval and avoidable delays. Monitor progress regularly, keep an eye out for any requests from the Department of Home Affairs, and respond swiftly to maintain momentum.

Tracking Processing Times and Status Updates

First up, bookmark the Department’s global visa processing times tool. This resource shows recent decision times for Subclass 482 applications and gives you a realistic window for waiting:

• Log in to your ImmiAccount to view your application status—common stages include “Received”, “Being assessed” and “Decision made”.
• Cross-check your status against the global processing times at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times
• Sign up for email notifications in ImmiAccount so you’ll know immediately when your file moves to the next stage.

Remember, published processing times are averages, not guarantees. Complex cases or incomplete documentation can stretch timelines. If your application sits at one status longer than expected, consider following up via the “Make an enquiry” function in ImmiAccount.

Responding to Requests for Further Information

Home Affairs occasionally issues Requests for Further Information (RFIs) to clarify details or obtain missing documents. Common RFIs include:

• More precise employment evidence (e.g., payslips, updated reference letters)
• Additional character documents, such as a new police certificate
• Clarification of salary components against the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

Best practices when you receive an RFI:

1. Read the request carefully and note the deadline.
2. Gather all required documents, group them logically (e.g., all police clearances in one PDF), and label each file with your name and document type.
3. Use ImmiAccount’s “Attach documents” feature—avoid email or separate portals unless explicitly instructed.
4. Reference your Application ID on every page or document so officers can link materials to your file instantly.
5. Submit your response well before the due date to buffer for any technical hiccups.

Quick, complete replies reduce the likelihood of further follow-ups and help keep your application on track.

Handling Refusals or Review Rights

While most Subclass 482 applications proceed smoothly, you should be prepared in case of an unexpected refusal. If your visa is declined, you generally have access to merits review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Steps to consider:

• Review the refusal grounds and timeframe—typically 21 days—to lodge an AAT application.
• Collect any additional evidence that addresses the refusal reasons (for example, updated health checks or corrected ANZSCO matching).
• Seek advice from a migration professional experienced in tribunal submissions.

In rare circumstances where tribunal review isn’t available or you face exceptional hardship, ministerial intervention may be an option. Acting promptly and securing expert guidance will maximise your chances of a successful outcome.

By actively tracking your Subclass 482 application, responding promptly to RFIs and understanding your review rights, you’ll maintain control of the process and stand the best chance of a timely visa grant.

Step 10: Comply with Visa Conditions and Plan for the Future

After your Subclass 482 visa is granted, your focus shifts to meeting ongoing obligations and mapping out next steps. By keeping on top of your visa conditions, supporting any family entrants and exploring permanent residency options early, you’ll secure a smooth transition from temporary status to life as an Australian resident.

Key Visa Conditions to Follow

Once your visa is active, you must work only in the occupation and for the employer named on your nomination (unless you hold an exemption or change roles with a new nomination). If you switch jobs or employers, check whether a fresh nomination is required—continuing to work outside these terms could lead to visa cancellation. You’re also obliged to notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in your address, passport details or employer within 14 days.

Maintaining adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay is another essential condition. Your policy—whether private or sector-specific—must meet or exceed the government’s minimum cover requirements. Falling short on insurance can breach your visa and complicate future visa or residency applications.

Including or Bringing Family Members (Subsequent Entrants)

If you didn’t include dependants in your initial application or your family circumstances change, your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can still join you under the subsequent entrant arrangement. They’ll need to lodge their own Subclass 482 application, quoting your visa grant number and nomination approval. Alongside identity documents, include evidence of relationship or dependency, and ensure each family member also completes health examinations and police checks.

Timing is critical: submit these secondary applications while your visa remains valid to avoid gaps in lawful status. Once granted, family members enjoy the same work and study rights as you, helping everyone settle in together without unnecessary delays.

Pathways to Permanent Residency from a 482 Visa

Your 482 visa can serve as a launchpad to permanent residency. If you’re on the Medium-Term stream, your employer can nominate you for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after three years in the role. To qualify, you’ll need a current positive skills assessment, any required professional registration or licence, and proof that your salary continues to meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold.

Under a Labour Agreement, your specific agreement may outline a direct route to permanent residency—review its terms so you know when you become eligible. Outside employer-sponsored routes, consider general skilled migration options (Subclass 189 or Subclass 190) if you meet the points test, have state nomination or satisfy other criteria. Preparing early, understanding each pathway’s requirements and seeking tailored advice will set you on track to make Australia your home for the long haul.

Your Path to a Successful Visa 482 Application

You’ve now navigated the essentials of the Subclass 482 journey—from choosing the right stream and securing sponsorship, to satisfying personal requirements and lodging a polished application. Each step you take today lays the groundwork for a smoother process tomorrow. By ticking off your checklists, meeting deadlines and preparing for follow-up requests, you’ll minimise surprises and stay in control of your visa timeline.

Remember that proactive communication—both with your sponsor and the Department of Home Affairs—can be the difference between a drawn-out wait and a swift outcome. Keep all your documents organised, monitor your ImmiAccount for status updates, and respond promptly if additional information is requested. Early planning for post-grant obligations and permanent residency pathways will help you transition from temporary status to life as an Australian resident without last-minute scrambles.

While the framework is clear, every case has its nuances. That’s where specialised support makes a real impact. Whether you need help interpreting labour market testing requirements, ironing out ANZSCO code details or preparing a compelling nomination pack, expert guidance ensures you present the strongest possible application and avoid common pitfalls.

When you’re ready to take the next step, turn to Simon Mander Consulting. With over 22 years of experience in migration law and thousands of successful grants, our team offers personalised strategies tailored to your circumstances. Reach out today for a consultation and secure the confidence that comes with seasoned expertise.

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