Requirements

482 Visa Requirements

482 Visa Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

Australia’s Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is a critical pathway for employers seeking to address genuine skill shortages with global talent, while also offering skilled professionals an opportunity to live and work in Australia. Understanding the 482 visa requirements is essential for both businesses and skilled migrants to ensure a smooth application and compliance journey.

Essential Highlights

  • 482 Visa allows employers to sponsor overseas workers for up to 4 years, provided critical eligibility criteria are met.
  • Approved employer sponsorship, nomination for a specific occupation, and applicant qualifications are all mandatory.
  • The minimum work experience required is one year in the nominated role (updated in 2025).
  • Applicants must meet English language proficiency, health, character, and—sometimes—skills assessment requirements.
  • There are distinct obligations for both employers and employees, including salary thresholds and labour market testing.
  • Certain countries require a mandatory skills assessment for specific trades.

Table of Contents

What is the 482 Visa?
General Eligibility Criteria
Employer Requirements
Employee (Applicant) Requirements
Skills Assessment: Who Needs It?
Application Process: Step by Step
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources and Further Reading

What is the 482 Visa?

The Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa enables Australian businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers for roles that cannot be filled locally.
This visa offers flexibility, with streams for short-term, medium-term, and labour agreement roles. Visa holders can bring eligible family members and travel in and out of Australia freely during its validity.

  • The 482 visa typically lasts up to four years for most occupations.
  • It is designed to address genuine skill shortages by permitting sponsorship only for occupations on the relevant skilled occupation lists.

For a full overview of Australian visa categories and requirements, see the official Australian Government immigration site.

General Eligibility Criteria

Both employers and applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria for a successful 482 visa application.
At a high level, the process involves:

  • An employer who is either an approved sponsor or has a valid labour agreement.
  • The nomination of the overseas worker for a specific position, with evidence of need and remuneration.
  • The employee/applicant meeting skill, experience, health, character, and (if applicable) skills assessment requirements.

For comprehensive eligibility details, visit 482 visa requirements.

Employer Requirements

Australian employers must secure sponsorship approval and demonstrate a genuine need for an overseas hire.

  • Hold a Standard Business Sponsorship or have a relevant Labour Agreement in place.
  • Conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) to prove local recruitment efforts, unless exempt.
  • Offer a salary at or above the market rate and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently AUD 73,150.
  • Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.
  • Maintain non-discriminatory hiring practices and legitimate business operations.

For a clear overview, see the Australian Government’s employer obligations page.

Employee (Applicant) Requirements

Applicants must meet defined professional, health, and character standards.

Key requirements include:

  • Nomination for an eligible occupation by an approved sponsor.
  • At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation (reduced from two, as of 2025)[1].
  • Necessary licenses, registrations, or qualifications for the job.
  • English language proficiency, unless exempt—requirements vary by occupation stream[1][7].
  • Health and character checks, confirming the ability to contribute safely and positively to Australian society[7].
  • Skills assessment may be mandatory, depending on occupation and country of origin (see next section).

A detailed list of requirements is always maintained at Requirements.co.za.

Skills Assessment: Who Needs It?

A skills assessment is mandatory for certain trades and for applicants from specified countries.

  • Assessment must be by an approved authority and is crucial for occupations where local standards must be verified[4].
  • Examples of affected professions include chefs, electricians, mechanics, and welders, among others.
  • Countries whose passport holders often require a skills assessment include: India, South Africa, Vietnam, Philippines, China, Brazil, and others[4].

For an up-to-date list of affected occupations and countries, refer to the ICS International Group guide.

Application Process: Step by Step

The 482 visa application is a multi-stage process involving employer and applicant:

  1. Sponsorship Application:
    The employer applies to become a Standard Business Sponsor (if not already approved). They must demonstrate active, lawful business operations[1].

  2. Nomination Application:
    The employer nominates the position, evidencing market salary rates, labour market testing, and a genuine need[1].

  3. Visa Application:
    The employee submits their application, providing proof of skills, English proficiency, health, and character[1].

Supporting documents are critical at each step, and mistakes can cause costly delays or rejections.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for a 482 visa?
Any skilled professional nominated by an approved Australian employer for an eligible occupation can apply, provided they meet work experience, skills, and English language requirements.

2. What is Labour Market Testing (LMT)?
LMT requires employers to advertise positions locally before offering sponsorship to overseas candidates, demonstrating the unavailability of suitable Australian workers.

3. Do all applicants need a skills assessment?
No, but many trade professionals from certain countries are required to undergo a skills assessment. Always check the current occupation and country lists.

4. Can family members accompany 482 visa holders?
Yes, dependent family members (partners and children) can be included in the application.

5. How long is the 482 visa valid?
Up to four years, depending on the occupation’s classification and the terms of sponsorship.

6. Can 482 visa holders apply for permanent residency?
Yes, in many cases. Pathways may include the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after meeting specific employment and eligibility criteria.

7. Where can I find the latest updates on 482 visa rules?
Refer to the official Australian Government page and the local 482 visa requirements page.

Resources and Further Reading

For tailored assistance and up-to-date requirements, always consult immigrant legal experts, and refer to Requirements.co.za for ongoing updates and new regulatory changes.

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