AMC GLOBLE

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482), commonly referred to as the 482 visa, is a critical pathway for skilled professionals seeking employment in Australia. It enables Australian employers to address labor shortages by bringing in skilled workers from abroad when local talent cannot fill the role. The visa is designed to support Australia’s economic needs while offering skilled workers the opportunity to live and work in Australia.

In this blog, we will delve into the key features, benefits, and eligibility criteria of the 482 visa, along with the different streams available and what applicants can expect when applying.

What is the 482 Visa?

The 482 visa allows approved Australian employers to sponsor overseas skilled workers to work temporarily in Australia in specific occupations. The visa was introduced to address skill gaps in Australia’s labor market and help businesses find the right talent to fill essential roles.

The visa holder can live and work in Australia for the duration specified by their visa. The visa duration depends on the nominated occupation and the stream under which the applicant applies. The 482 visa also offers a pathway to permanent residency for eligible workers, making it an attractive option for those looking to establish long-term roots in Australia.

Types of Streams in the 482 Visa

The 482 visa is divided into three streams based on the occupation and the employer’s needs:

Short-Term Stream

  • For employers who want to fill short-term labor shortages by sponsoring overseas skilled workers for a temporary period.
  • The nominated occupation must be listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
  • Workers can stay in Australia for up to 2 years, or up to 4 years if an International Trade Obligation applies.

Medium-Term Stream

  • Designed for occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
  • Workers under this stream can live and work in Australia for up to 4 years and may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS).

Labour Agreement Stream

  • This stream allows employers to sponsor overseas workers in accordance with a labour agreement that is made between the employer and the Australian government.
  • Workers can live and work in Australia for the duration specified in the labour agreement, which is generally up to 4 years.

Subsequent Entrant

Family members of primary 457 or 482 visa holders can also apply for the Subsequent Entrant visa, allowing them to join the primary visa holder in Australia.

Key Benefits of the 482 Visa

The 482 visa offers a number of benefits for both the employers and the visa holders:

  1. Address Labor Shortages: Employers can sponsor overseas workers when they are unable to find suitable local talent for specific roles.
  2. Work and Live in Australia: Visa holders can live and work in Australia for the duration of their visa and enjoy the benefits of living in a thriving and diverse country.
  3. Pathway to Permanent Residency: The 482 visa, particularly through the Medium-Term Stream, can serve as a stepping stone toward applying for permanent residency if certain conditions are met.
  4. Study in Australia: Visa holders can study in Australia, but the cost of education will not be covered by the visa.
  5. Frequent Travel: The 482 visa allows visa holders to travel in and out of Australia as many times as they want during the validity of the visa.
  6. Bringing Family: Visa holders can bring their dependent family members to live with them in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for the 482 Visa

To qualify for the 482 visa, both the employer and the applicant must meet certain eligibility criteria. The specific requirements vary based on the stream, but general conditions include:

  1. Nomination: The applicant must be nominated by an approved employer to work in a specified occupation that is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  2. Skills and Experience: The applicant must have the necessary skills, qualifications, and work experience in the nominated occupation (at least 2 years).
  3. Skills Assessment: Some occupations may require a positive skills assessment by a relevant assessing authority.
  4. English Language Proficiency: The applicant must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency, unless exempt.
  5. Health and Character Requirements: The applicant must meet health and character criteria and provide police certificates from any country where they have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
  6. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): Applicants must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that they genuinely intend to remain temporarily in Australia.
  7. Compliance with Australian Laws: Applicants must sign the Australian Values Statement, agreeing to respect Australian laws and values.

Cost and Processing Times for the 482 Visa

The cost of the 482 visa varies depending on the stream and the applicant’s situation:

  • Short-Term Stream: Starts from AUD 1,290 for the primary applicant and dependents aged 18 years or above. For dependents under 18, the fee is AUD 325.
  • Medium-Term Stream: Costs AUD 2,690 for the primary applicant and dependents aged 18 years or above. Dependents under 18 are charged AUD 675.
  • Labour Agreement Stream: Also starts from AUD 2,690 for the primary applicant and adult dependents, and AUD 675 for dependents under 18.

Applicants may also need to pay additional fees for biometrics, health checks, English language tests, and police certificates.

Processing times for the 482 visa vary depending on the stream and the individual case:

  • Short-Term Stream: 25% of applications processed within 36 days, 90% within 14 months.
  • Medium-Term Stream: 25% processed within 33 days, 90% within 7 months.
  • Labour Agreement Stream: 25% of applications processed within 36 days, 90% within 6 months.

Transition to Permanent Residency

One of the most appealing features of the 482 visa is the potential to transition to permanent residency. Skilled workers on the Medium-Term Stream may be eligible for a permanent employer-sponsored visa such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) after working for their sponsoring employer for a specified period.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to take the next step towards your career in Australia or need expert guidance on the 482 visa process, AMC GLOBLE is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your visa application and ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Australia.