482 Visa Nomination Refusals: Top Reasons and How to Overcome Them
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482) is one of the most common pathways Australian employers use to hire overseas skilled workers. However, many businesses are caught off guard when they face a 482 nomination refusal, despite believing they have met all requirements.
Understanding the 482 visa nomination refusal reasons is critical not only to avoid costly delays but also to ensure future applications are successful. In this guide, we break down the most common causes of refusal and explain how employers and applicants can overcome 482 visa refusal risks with the right strategy.
What Is a 482 Visa Nomination Refusal?
A TSS visa nomination refusal occurs when the Department of Home Affairs rejects the employer’s nomination application, even before the visa stage is assessed. This means the sponsored employee cannot proceed with their employer sponsored visa Australia application.
Unlike visa refusals, nomination refusals often stem from employer-side issues, compliance gaps, or documentation errors, many of which are avoidable with expert guidance.
Top 482 Visa Nomination Refusal Reasons
1. Failure to Meet the Genuine Position Requirement (482)
One of the most common 482 visa rejection reasons is failing to prove that the role is genuine and necessary for the business.
The Department assesses:
- Whether the role aligns with business activities
- If the position is full-time and ongoing
- Whether the role exists solely to secure a visa
If the job description appears exaggerated or inconsistent, it may trigger an employer nomination refusal.
How to overcome it:
Ensure the job role genuinely reflects business needs, supported by contracts, organisational charts, and financial records.
2. Incorrect Occupation Code (ANZSCO)
Choosing the wrong occupation code is a frequent and common 482 nomination mistake. It tends to be costly as well.
An incorrect occupation code for 482 may:
- Not align with job duties
- Not match the applicant’s skills
- Be ineligible for the nominated stream
How to overcome it:
Select the most accurate ANZSCO occupation and ensure duties match at least 70-80% of the official description.
3. Labour Market Testing Failure (482)
Labour Market Testing (LMT) is mandatory for most TSS nominations. A labour market testing failure for 482 occurs when:
- Advertising periods are insufficient
- Ads lack required details
- Evidence is missing or outdated
How to overcome it:
Conduct compliant advertising on approved platforms and retain clear proof showing efforts to hire Australian workers.
4. Salary Requirement Issues (482 Visa)
Another leading reason for a 482 visa refusal is failure to meet salary requirements.
Employers must demonstrate:
- The market salary rate for 482 is met
- The salary equals or exceeds the TSMIT threshold
- Overseas workers are not underpaid
How to overcome it:
Provide payslips, market salary benchmarking, employment contracts, and internal wage comparisons.
5. Skills Assessment Issues (482 Visa)
Some occupations require a formal skills assessment. Skills assessment issues for a 482 visa arise when:
- The assessment is missing
- The assessing authority is incorrect
- The result is outdated
How to overcome it:
Confirm assessment requirements early and ensure assessments are valid at the time of nomination.
6. Business Eligibility Issues (482)
A nomination may be refused if the employer fails to meet business eligibility issues for 482, such as:
- Poor financial standing
- Insufficient business activity
- Inability to pay the nominated salary
How to overcome it:
Submit strong financial evidence, BAS statements, business plans, and payroll records.
7. Sponsor Obligations Not Met (482 Visa)
Previous breaches of sponsor obligations for a 482 visas (even minor ones) can negatively impact new nominations.
This includes:
- Failure to notify changes
- Non-compliance with salary obligations
- Inadequate record-keeping
How to overcome it:
Conduct a compliance review before lodging a new nomination and rectify any gaps proactively.
Can You Appeal a 482 Nomination Refusal?
In limited circumstances, a nomination refusal appeal for a 482 may be possible through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) (formerly known as the AAT). However, not all refusals are reviewable.
Often, re-lodging with a stronger and corrected application tends to be faster and more effective.
How to Avoid 482 Nomination Refusal Altogether
To reduce refusal risks, employers should:-
- Understand 482 nomination criteria thoroughly
- Prepare documentation meticulously
- Avoid rushed submissions
- Seek professional advice before lodging
A well-prepared application significantly improves approval rates and protects long-term sponsorship eligibility.
Why Choose Visa Empire for 482 Visa Nominations?
At Visa Empire, we specialise in employer sponsored migration in Australia and have extensive experience handling complex 482 visa nomination compliance matters.
Our Perth-based migration experts help employers:
- Identify and fix risk factors before submission
- Prepare decision-ready applications
- Respond to Department requests effectively
- Strategically overcome past refusals
Whether you need help to sponsor overseas employee in Australia or recover from a refusal, our tailored approach delivers results.
Final Thoughts
A 482 nomination refused does not mean the end of your sponsorship journey but it does signal the need for expert intervention. By understanding the key 482 visa nomination refusal reasons and addressing them strategically, employers can confidently move forward.
If you want to avoid 482 nomination refusal or need assistance to overcome 482 visa refusal, professional guidance makes all the difference.
That’s exactly where the experienced migration experts of Visa Empire step in.
Contact Visa Empire today to secure reliable, compliant, and successful employer sponsorship solutions in Australia.
