TSS 482 Visa Australia

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Australia’s growing economy often demands skills that cannot always be met by the local workforce. In order to address this, the Australian Government introduced the Temporary Skills Shortage visa. It is also known as the TSS 482 visa or the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).
This employer-sponsored visa permits Australian businesses to hire skilled workers from overseas when a suitable Australian candidate is not available.

Replacing the old 457 visa in March 2018, the Australia Subclass 482 Visa has since become a key pathway for skilled migration. In certain cases, it acts as a stepping stone toward permanent residency. In this guide, we’ll explore its streams, requirements, costs, 482 visa occupation list, application process, and much more.

Let’s get started.

Understanding the TSS Subclass 482 Visa

The TSS visa is designed to fill skill shortages in the Australian labor market. Even though it is temporary, it can last up to four years, depending on the visa stream. It also allows you to bring eligible family members to Australia.

The visa is officially known as the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482). It reflects Australia’s emphasis on filling in-demand occupations to maintain economic growth.

Streams of the TSS Subclass 482 Visa

There are three main streams under the TSS 482 visa. They are as follows:-

Short-Term Stream

Valid for up to two years (or four years if an international trade obligation applies).
Occupations must be on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
Renewal is possible while in Australia.
No direct pathway to permanent residency under this stream.

Medium-Term Stream

Valid for up to four years.
Occupations must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
Eligible for PR after a qualifying period through certain employer-sponsored visas.
Often discussed in comparisons like Medium TSS 482 Visa vs Short TSS 482 Visa.

Labour Agreement Stream

- For employers who have negotiated a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government.
- Occupations and conditions may differ from the standard lists.

TSS Visa Eligibility and Requirements

For Applicants

In order to meet TSS visa eligibility, you must:

Have an occupation listed on the TSS visa occupations list or the Skills in Demand visa occupations list.
Possess the required skills and qualifications.
Have at least two years of relevant work experience.
Meet the English language requirements (unless exempt).
Pass health and character checks.

For Employers

Be an approved sponsor.
Demonstrate genuine need for the position.
Conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) to show that no suitable Australian worker is available.

The aforementioned requirements also apply when applying under the Skills in Demand visa eligibility rules.

The 482 Visa Occupation Lists

The 482 visa Occupation List determines which roles are eligible for sponsorship. There are three main lists:

Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)– This is for the Short-Term stream.
Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)- This relates to the Medium-Term stream with PR pathways.
Regional Occupation List (ROL)- This list caters to regional positions.

The TSS visa occupations list and the Skills in Demand visa occupations list are updated regularly. Thus, checking the latest version before applying becomes essential.

Step-by-Step 482 Visa Application Process

Employer Becomes a Sponsor
Your Australian employer must first gain approval as a Standard Business Sponsor (TSS visa sponsorship / Skills in Demand visa sponsorship).
Nomination of the Role
The employer nominates the specific occupation from the approved list.
Visa Application
You submit your application with supporting documents.
Health & Character Checks
Medical examinations and police clearance certificates are required.
Decision
Immigration authorities assess and grant the visa if all criteria are met.

482 Visa Document Checklist

A well-prepared 482 visa document checklist helps avoid delays. It includes the following documents:-

Valid passport.
Evidence of skills and qualifications.
Proof of English language competency.
Employment references.
Health and character documents.

Costs and Fees for the TSS Subclass 482 Visa

The TSS visa cost and fees is dependent on the stream:

Short-Term Stream: Lower application fee.
Medium-Term Stream: Slightly higher fee due to longer validity.

The Skills in Demand visa cost is quite similar, as it refers to the same visa subclass.

Additional Costs:

Health checks.
Police certificates.
Skills assessment (if required).
Migration agent fees (optional).

When planning costs, include the 482 visa fees for the main applicant as well as for any dependent family members.

Processing Times for the 482 Visa

The subclass 482 processing time varies depending on stream, occupation, and application completeness.

482 visa processing time after nomination approval: This often tends to be faster, as one stage is complete.
482 visa processing time after medical: This is typically quicker if all documents are already provided.

Delays can occur if additional information is requested or if demand for a certain occupation is high.

Pathways from 482 Visa to Permanent Residency

Many applicants aim to use the 482 visa to the PR route. Under the new rules for 482 visa to permanent residency, some Short-Term stream holders may also access PR pathways if working in regional areas or meeting other criteria.

The most common 482 visa pathway to PR is via the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after three years in the Medium-Term stream. Regional visas can also be a stepping stone.

Rights and Obligations for Visa Holders

A 482 visa work permit allows you to work only for your sponsoring employer (unless exemptions apply). Changing employers requires a new nomination.
You can live in Australia for the duration of the visa and, in most cases, bring eligible family members as well.

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

Now let’s throw some light on the reasons that can lead to visa refusal:-

Applying for an occupation that is not on the current list.
Insufficient work experience or qualifications.
Not meeting English or health requirements.
Employer not meeting sponsorship obligations.

Tips for a Successful Application

Verify your occupation is on the TSS visa occupations list before applying.
Prepare all documents early to match the 482 visa document checklist.
Choose the correct stream. You must know the difference between the Medium TSS 482 Visa vs Short TSS 482 Visa.
Consider professional advice from a registered and expert migration agent.

Wrapping Up

The Temporary Skills Shortage visa (which is also known as the TSS 482 visa or the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) remains one of the most vital tools for filling Australia’s skill gaps. It benefits both Australian businesses in need of specialized workers and skilled professionals who are seeking career opportunities in Australia.

By understanding the TSS visa eligibility, occupation lists, application steps, TSS visa cost, and subclass 482 processing time, you can navigate the process with greater confidence. For many, this visa is more than just a work permit. It’s more like a gateway to building a new life in Australia along with potentially securing permanent residency.

Are you ready to start your journey to Australia? Partner with Visa Empire for expert guidance on the TSS 482 Visa. We are here to make your migration process seamless and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Temporary Skills Shortage visa?

The Temporary Skills Shortage visa (TSS 482 visa), aka the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), is an employer-sponsored work visa that allows Australian businesses to hire skilled workers from overseas when no suitable local worker is available. It was introduced to replace the 457 visa and is one of the most widely used pathways for skilled professionals to live and work in Australia.

Is a 482 visa eligible for PR?

Yes, the 482 visa to PR pathway is possible, especially through the Medium-Term Stream. Under the new rules for the 482 visa to permanent residency, certain visa holders may apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after working with their sponsoring employer for a specified period. This makes the 482 visa pathway to PR a popular choice for skilled workers looking to settle permanently in Australia.

Who is eligible for a TSS visa?

In order to meet TSS visa eligibility, applicants must:

Have an occupation listed on the TSS visa occupations list or Skills in Demand visa occupations list.
Possess the required skills, qualifications, and at least two years of relevant work experience.
Meet English language, health, and character requirements.
Employers must also be approved sponsors under the TSS visa sponsorship program.

Who can sponsor a 482 visa?

Only Australian employers who have gained approval as a Standard Business Sponsor can provide TSS visa sponsorship or Skills in Demand visa sponsorship. Sponsors must demonstrate a genuine need for the role, nominate the occupation from the 482 visa Occupation List, and comply with all sponsorship obligations to support their employee’s application.

How long is a 482 visa valid?

The length of stay under the TSS 482 visa depends on the stream:

Short-Term Stream: Up to 2 years (or 4 years if an international trade obligation applies).
Medium-Term Stream: Up to 4 years with the option to apply for permanent residency later.
Labour Agreement Stream: Up to 4 years, depending on the terms of the agreement.

This means the subclass 482 processing time and validity can differ based on the chosen pathway.