Step-by-step Guide To Subclass 482 Visa Nomination
The Subclass 482 visa nomination is a key part of the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa pathway. It enables Australian employers to bring skilled overseas workers to fill genuine skill gaps.
If you’re an employer, HR manager, or migration advisor, this step-by-step guide breaks down the 482 visa employer sponsorship process for you into clear and actionable stages. Right from checking occupation lists to lodging the nomination via ImmiAccount, this post covers everything.
You can follow this guide to reduce delays, avoid common mistakes, and meet compliance obligations. So without further ado, let’s get started.
What is the Subclass 482 (TSS) visa and what is nomination?
The Subclass 482 (TSS) visa lets approved employers nominate overseas nationals for specified occupations for a limited period. Sponsorship and nomination under the 482 visa is a two-part process:-
- In the first part, the business becomes an approved sponsor (Standard Business Sponsor)
- Then in the second part, the employer lodges a nomination to nominate a specific position for a named worker.
The nomination demonstrates the genuine need for the role and that the employer meets eligibility and salary requirements.
Quick Overview of Recent, Essential Requirements (what changed recently)
- From 1 July 2025, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) increased. Due to this employers must ensure nominated roles meet or exceed the current TSMIT (or the higher Annual Market Salary Rate) when lodging nominations. This is a critical salary test for nominations.
- Employers must comply with Labour Market Testing (LMT) before lodging nominations (advertising evidence and retention of records).
- Government fees apply for sponsorship and nomination. You must check the Department’s fee pages as they are updated periodically.
The Difference Between Employer Sponsorship And Nomination
- Sponsorship: Apply once to be a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This proves the business can meet sponsor obligations.
- Nomination: For each role you want to fill, you lodge a nomination application naming the occupation, the specific position, and (usually) the worker.
Both steps must be satisfied before a worker’s visa is granted. Understanding the split between these two is crucial for the 482 visa employer sponsorship process to run smoothly.
Employer nomination requirements for Subclass 482 visa
Before lodging a nomination, you must confirm the following essentials:
- The occupation is eligible (on the relevant occupation list for the stream you’re using).
- You are an approved Standard Business Sponsor (or have applied and are eligible).
- You have complied with Labour Market Testing (LMT) and retained evidence of advertising.
- Salary offered meets TSMIT or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the occupation (whichever is higher).
- The role is genuine and aligned with your business needs.
- You can provide the required documents (position description, evidence of business operations, employment contract, payslips or salary evidence, proof of advertising, etc.).
These form the backbone of Subclass 482 nomination requirements in Australia and the Employer nomination checklist subclass 482 you’ll see below.
Step-by-step 482 visa nomination guide
You must take these steps to lodge a nomination successfully:-
Step 1- Confirming the Correct Occupation and Stream
Check the occupation lists relevant to the TSS streams (short-term, medium-term, or labour agreement). The required list differs by stream. You must ensure the occupation is eligible for the stream you plan to use. This is the first filter in the How to Nominate a Worker for 482 visa process.
Step 2- Ensure Your Business is an Approved Sponsor
If you are not already an approved Standard Business Sponsor, apply via ImmiAccount. Sponsorship approval is a prerequisite for lodging a nomination. Sponsorship applications require demonstrating legitimate business activity and the capacity to meet sponsorship obligations.
Step 3- Conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT)
Advertise the role in Australia (in English) for the required period and on approved platforms. Keep timestamped copies of adverts, screenshots, applications received, and reasons for rejecting candidates. LMT evidence is a major cause of nomination refusal when missing or inadequate.
Step 4- Confirm Salary meets TSMIT/AMSR
The role must meet the TSMIT or the occupation’s market salary (whichever is higher). Check the updated TSMIT number before lodging (and ensure your employment contract reflects the salary you declare). Failing to meet this is a common reason for nomination refusal.
Step 5- Prepare documents (position description, contract, business evidence)
Compile a clear position description, employment contract, organisational chart (if applicable), and LMT documents. Also include business registration, tax documents, and evidence of ability to pay the salary. These documents support the genuineness of the role and your capacity to sponsor.
Step 6- Lodge the nomination via ImmiAccount
Complete the online nomination form in ImmiAccount. Answer all questions accurately. Since the form is dynamic, it will prompt for documentation based on your answers. Pay the nomination fee when prompted.
Step 7- Pay nomination fee and SAF levy (if applicable)
Pay the nomination fee and be aware of the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy obligations. SAF rates depend on business turnover and may be charged per year of employment. Confirm current rates when budgeting.
Step 8- Await decision and be ready to respond to requests for more info
Processing times tend to vary. Thus, you must be ready to supply any additional compliance documents the Department asks for. Track the application in ImmiAccount. If approved, the visa applicant can then lodge their visa application (if not already submitted).
Employer Nomination Checklist
You must use the following checklist to ensure you’re ready to lodge:
- Occupation eligibility check completed
- Standard Business Sponsor approval (or application in progress)
- LMT evidence (advert screenshots, dates, platforms, applications)
- Position description and employment contract prepared
- Salary documented and meets TSMIT / AMSR
- Business evidence (ABN/ACN, financials, org chart)
- Nomination fee and SAF levy budgeted
- ImmiAccount ready and login details available
This checklist aligns with the Employer guide to 482 visa nomination and Employer nomination checklist subclass 482 best practices.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Weak or Missing LMT Evidence– Always save timestamped adverts and applicant records.
- Underpaying the Role Relative to TSMIT/AMSR– Confirm the TSMIT before lodging.
- Incomplete Supporting Documents– Follow the nomination form prompts and supply clear evidence.
- Confusing Sponsorship with Nomination– Sponsorship must be approved before nomination is lodged.
Avoiding the aforementioned issues will streamline the 482 visa step-by-step process and minimize the chance of refusal.
Final tips for employers
- You must keep clear and auditable records for every stage (advertising, recruitment, salary decisions, and correspondence).
- If you’re unsure whether an occupation fits a stream (short-term, medium-term, labour agreement), consult the Department’s occupation lists or an experienced migration agent.
- You must stay updated with periodic changes (TSMIT increases, fee updates, SAF levy changes).
Wrapping Up
Nominating a position under the Subclass 482 visa involves careful preparation. It includes confirming occupation eligibility, ensuring sponsorship, completing thorough Labour Market Testing, meeting salary thresholds, and lodging a complete nomination through ImmiAccount.
Following this step-by-step 482 visa nomination guide will reduce processing risks and help you secure the skilled talent your business needs legally and compliantly.
Need help with your 482 nomination?
Navigating the 482 visa nomination and sponsorship obligations can indeed be complex. Even a small mistake can lead to delays or refusal.
If you want expert help with how to lodge a nomination for a 482 visa, Employer nomination requirements 482 visa, or the full 482 visa application process for employers, contact Visa Empire. We are the best migration agent in Perth.
Our team of expert visa agents specialize in employer sponsorships, up-to-date compliance, and fast, accurate nomination lodgements.
Reach out to Visa Empire today and get your nomination right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to nominate an employee for 482?
To nominate a position under a 482 visa, an employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor, confirm the occupation is on the eligible list, conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT), meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or market salary, prepare supporting documents, and then lodge the nomination via ImmiAccount. This process is a core part of the 482 visa employer sponsorship process.
2. What is the success rate for 482 nomination?
While the Department of Home Affairs does not publish a fixed success rate for 482 nominations, most refusals occur due to incomplete Labour Market Testing, incorrect salary levels, or missing documentation. Employers who follow the Employer nomination checklist subclass 482 and meet compliance obligations generally experience strong approval outcomes.
3. Can I get promoted on a 482 visa?
Yes, a 482 visa holder can be promoted within the sponsoring company, but the new role must still align with the occupation nominated in the visa. If the promotion changes the nominated occupation or job duties significantly, the employer may need to lodge a new Temporary Skill Shortage visa nomination.
4. How do I write a strong nomination?
A strong Subclass 482 visa nomination highlights the genuine need for the role, provides clear evidence of Labour Market Testing, ensures salary meets or exceeds TSMIT, and includes well-prepared documents (job description, contract, business evidence). The clearer and more compliant the nomination package, the higher the chance of smooth approval.
5. What is the 482 employer nomination scheme?
The 482 employer nomination scheme refers to the requirement that an Australian employer nominates a position before an overseas worker can apply for the TSS visa. It ensures only genuine skill shortages are filled, and that workers are employed under fair pay and conditions. It is a key step in the Subclass 482 nomination requirements in Australia.
6. How long does a 482 visa nomination take?
Processing times for 482 visas vary depending on the stream, complexity of the application, and whether all documents are correct. As of 2025, nominations can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Delays are common if salary, LMT, or documentation requirements are not properly met.
