Australia Subclass 482 Visa: Requirements, Streams, & Application Guide

Key Takeaways:

• The 482 visa requires a sponsor who proves a genuine need for an overseas worker to fill a position.
• Visa 482 offers three streams: short-term (up to 2-4 years), medium-term (up to 4 years), and labor agreements.
• Required documents include identification, skills assessment, English proficiency, health insurance, and evidence of good character and dependents.

Embarking on a journey to work in Australia can be an exciting but complex process. One key pathway for skilled workers seeking to join the Australian workforce is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, known as the Subclass 482 visa. This visa allows you to work in Australia if you have a sponsor that has nominated you for a specific position, addressing a genuine need for skilled labor in the country.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Subclass 482 visa, including its requirements, the application process, available streams, and important guidelines. Whether you are considering the short-term, medium-term, or labor agreement stream, we will provide you with a comprehensive checklist to ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet the specific English proficiency requirements. Let’s delve into the details to help you navigate your way towards securing a work opportunity in Australia.

What is the Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)?

The 482 visa is a work visa for those nominated by a sponsor. Your sponsor must demonstrate the need for an overseas worker to fill a specific position.

What Are the Different Streams for Visa 482?

When applying for a 482 visa, choose the stream that best fits your situation:

• Short-Term Stream:
• Work in Australia for up to 2 years, or 4 years under certain conditions.
• Medium-Term Stream:
• Stay and work in Australia for up to 4 years.
• You may apply for permanent residence if eligible.
• Labour Agreement Stream:
• Applicable if your sponsor is part of a labour agreement with the Australian government.
• These agreements allow businesses to bring workers to Australia under specific terms.

How to Prepare Your 482 Visa Checklist?

Ensure you gather the following documents for your application:

• Passport and ID:
• Provide a valid passport and other identification documents, such as an ID card or marriage certificate, as required by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Experience and Qualifications:
• Submit documents that demonstrate your skills and qualifications.
• This includes licensing or registration proof, relevant certificates, awards, employer references, and your resume.
• Skills Assessment Documents:
• Depending on your visa stream, you might need a skills assessment report.
• Confirm this requirement with the Immigration office and include it in your application if necessary.
• Proof of English Proficiency:
• Provide evidence that you meet the minimum English language requirements.
• Health Insurance:
• Maintain valid health insurance during your stay in Australia.
• Evidence of Your Good Character:
• Submit form 80 and form 1221 along with police certificates to prove your good character.
• Documents for Your Partner:
• If applying with your partner, provide their ID documents and proof of your relationship (marriage license or registered relationship).
• Your partner must also meet the character requirements.
• Documents for Your Minor Children:
• Submit their birth certificates, passport copies, and form 1229 for parental consent.
• Include any additional consent forms as needed.
• Documents for Your Adult Dependent Child:
• Provide identification, character documents, form 47, and proof of dependency for children over 18.
• Assistance Documents:
• If someone assists with your application, submit form 956 or form 956a.

For more detailed information on the application process and requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs official website.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure your 482 visa application is as complete and accurate as possible.

What Are The English Requirements for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa?

To qualify for the 482 visa, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Your required scores hinge on the specific visa stream you are applying for. You must achieve these scores within one attempt and ensure the test was taken no more than three years prior to your visa application.

What Are the English Requirements for a Short-Term Visa?

For the short-term stream of the 482 visa, you must complete one of the following tests with acceptable scores:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 5.0 overall score, with at least 4.5 in each test component.
• OET (Occupational English Test): Grade B in each test component.
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test): 35 total points, with at least 3 points in listening and reading, and 12 points in speaking and writing.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic): 36 total points, with at least 30 points in each test component.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced Test: 154 total points, with at least 147 points in each test component.

What Are the English Requirements for a Medium-Term Visa?

For the medium-term stream of the 482 visa, the following scores are required:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 5.0 overall score, with at least 5 in each test component.
• OET (Occupational English Test): Grade B in each test component.
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test): 35 total points, with at least 4 points in listening and reading, and 14 points in speaking and writing.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic): 36 total points, with at least 36 points in each test component.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced Test: 154 total points, with at least 154 points in each test component.

Are There Any Exemptions from the English Language Requirement?

Yes, you may be exempt if:

• You hold a passport from the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
• “You have completed at least 5 years of full-time study in a secondary school where English was the medium of instruction.”
• Your nominated occupation involves a diplomatic mission or work at an office of the Authorities of Taiwan.
• You possess registration, licensing, or membership for your nominated occupation.
• “You provided proof of a higher level of English proficiency than required to obtain your license, registration, or membership.”
• You are an employee of an overseas Australian business or its associated entity nominated to work in Australia, and your annual income is at least AUD96,400.

For more detailed information on the English requirements and other visa details, refer to the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.

What Documents Does Your Sponsor Need to Submit?

When your sponsor submits their nomination for your visa, they need to prepare several essential documents:

• Identification Documents: Include your full name, date of birth, and other employment-related information.
• Employment Contract: Provide a copy of your employment contract unless exempt.
• Evidence of AMSR: “The sponsor must prove they will pay the annual market salary rate (AMSR) aligned with the temporary skilled migration income threshold.”
• Evidence of Labour Market Testing: Show that the job market has been tested and no Australian citizen or permanent resident can fill the nominated position.
• Proof of a Genuine Position: Submit evidence that the nominated position exists and you will be performing the listed responsibilities.
• Proof of Exemptions: If exemptions apply, your employer must provide evidence that they meet these requirements.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Visa 482?

To be eligible for a Visa 482, you need to meet specific criteria:

• Job Nomination: You must be nominated by an eligible employer.
• Employment in Nominated Profession: You must currently be employed in the nominated profession and have worked for your nominator.
• Experience: You must have worked in the nominated occupation for at least two years before applying.
• Visa Status: You must have a substantive visa or a bridging visa A, BVB, or BVC if applying from Australia.

What is Required for the Short-Term Stream?

• Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): Your employer must nominate you for a position on the STSOL.

Where Can I Find the STSOL?

The full list is available on the official Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.

What is Required for the Medium-Term Stream?

• Medium-Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL): You must be nominated for a profession on the MLTSSL list.

Where Can I Find the MLTSSL?

The complete list is accessible on the official Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.

What is Required for the Labour Agreement Stream?

• Occupation Inclusion: Your occupation must be within the labour agreements between the Australian Government and your sponsor.
• Sponsor’s Participation: Your sponsor must be part of these labour agreements.

By ensuring you and your sponsor meet these criteria, you can streamline the process of securing your Visa 482.

How Do You Apply for a 482 Visa?

To apply for a 482 visa, follow these steps:

1. Your sponsor applies for sponsorship.
2. Your sponsor gets approved.
3. Your sponsor nominates you for the visa.
4. Your sponsor pays the levy fund.
5. You apply for the visa.

Does Your Sponsor Apply for Sponsorship First?

Yes, before you can apply for a 482 visa, your sponsor must become a standard sponsor if they aren’t already one. Your sponsor must:

• Lodge an online application for sponsorship via ImmiAccount.
• Submit the required documents.
• Pay a sponsorship fee of AUD420.

For the labor agreement stream, there’s no need for your sponsor to apply to become an eligible sponsor. However, they must be part of the labour agreements. If not, they must request to join.

What Happens After Your Sponsor Is Approved?

After approval, the sponsorship lasts for five years. Then, your employer can submit a nomination application for you to get the visa.

How Does Your Sponsor Nominate You for the Visa?

Once your employer becomes an approved sponsor, they can:

• Lodge a nomination application for you via ImmiAccount.
• Pay a nomination fee of AUD330.

What Is the Levy Fund Payment?

During the nomination process, your sponsor must pay the skills levy fund. The amount depends on business size and work period length:

• Small businesses (turnover less than AUD10 million): AUD1200 yearly.
• Larger businesses (turnover more than AUD10 million): AUD1800 yearly.

Example: If your sponsor’s business turnover is AUD9 million and you will be employed for three years, the levy fund will be AUD5400.

How Do You Apply for the Visa After Nomination Approval?

Once the nomination is approved, you can start your 482 visa application. You need to:

• Prepare your documents for online submission.
• Apply through ImmiAccount.
• Pay the application fee to have your application finalized and reviewed.

What Are the 482 Visa Processing Times?

Processing times for a 482 visa depend on the stream you applied for:

• Short-term stream visa 482: 5 to 11 months.
• Medium-term stream visa 482: 4 to 8 months.
• Labour agreement stream visa 482: 4 to 9 months.

For detailed information on the 482 visa application process, visit the official Australian Government immigration website.

How Much Does a 482 Visa Cost?

• The cost of a 482 visa is AUD2,690.
• For the short-term stream, the fee is AUD1,290.
• Additional fees are required for each family member on the application.

For more detailed information on fees, visit the official fee schedule.

How Do I Get a Skill Assessment for a 482 Visa?

To obtain a skill assessment, follow these steps:

1. Obtain a skill assessment through the Skill Assessment Program for a temporary skills shortage visa.
2. Based on your nominated occupation, contact either:

• Trades Recognition Australia
• VETASSESS

Important:

• “You must contact the Immigration office before you apply to confirm if a skill assessment is needed.”
• If required, complete the skill assessment before submitting your visa application, or it will be invalid.

For more information about the skill assessment program, visit this page.

How Long Can I Stay With a 482 Visa?

• Generally, a 482 visa allows a stay of up to four years.

For short-term stream visas:

• The stay duration is two years.
• It extends to four years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies.

What Is an International Trade Obligation (ITO)?

An ITO applies if you are:

• An intra-corporate transferee
• An intra-corporate transferee from Singapore or Thailand
• A citizen of China
• An independent executive
• A contractual supplier
• A contractual supplier from Thailand

Can I Stay Longer with a 482 Visa?

Yes, you can extend your stay by applying for another 482 visa if you continue working for your employer. Here’s how:

1. Your employer must submit a new nomination form.
2. You must apply for the visa again.

By following these steps, you can continue your employment and stay in Australia. For official guidelines, visit the Australian Government’s immigration page.

Through proper planning and understanding of the requirements, securing and possibly extending your stay with a 482 visa can be a straightforward process. For any additional questions or updates, always refer to the official sources.

How Can You Get Permanent Residency Through a 482 Visa?

To get a permanent visa, your employer must nominate you through certain visas:

• Employer Nomination Scheme Visa 186.
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa 187.

For those on a labour agreement stream, you can only apply for a permanent residence visa via subclass 186.

Can You Include Family Members on Your 482 Visa?

Yes, you can include close family members:

• Your spouse or de facto partner.
• Your minor child or your partner’s minor child.
• Your adult dependent child or your partner’s adult dependent child.
• You or your partner’s grandchild (minor or dependent).

For those who previously held a 457 visa or a TTS visa, family members holding a TTS visa granted as your family can be included. Children include adopted and step-children.

“Provide proof that your dependent children rely on you or your partner socially, mentally, physically, or financially.”

What Is a Subsequent Entrant for a 482 Visa?

• You can’t add family members after submitting your visa application.
• If your application is still in process, family members can apply as subsequent entrants by submitting an online application and paying the visa fees.

What Are the Conditions for a 482 Visa?

After your 482 visa is granted, follow these conditions:

• Start working within 90 days of arriving in Australia or after your visa is granted if applied from within the country.
• Work only in your nominated occupation.
• Do not stop working for more than 60 consecutive days.
• Work only for the nominating business unless exempt.

Can You Change Employers with a 482 Visa?

No, changing employers requires a new visa application. Your new employer must submit and get approval for another nomination form before you start working for them.

Can You Change Your Occupation with a 482 Visa?

No, you must work in the occupation for which the 482 visa was granted. To change profession, apply for another temporary skilled shortage visa.

What Is the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)?

Your employer must pay the annual market salary rate equal to the TSMIT, which is currently AUD 53,900. This does not include benefits such as accommodation or a car.

For more detailed information, refer to the official Australian immigration website.

Official and Authoritative External Resources for Subclass 482 Visa

Government Resources

• Visa Information and Application:

• Department of Home Affairs: Official guide and application process for the Subclass 482 visa.
  Visit Here

• Occupation Lists:

• Skilled Occupation Lists: Current lists of occupations eligible for the 482 visa (STSOL, MLTSSL).
  Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

• Skills Assessment:

• Skills Assessment Authorities: Detailed information and required steps for a skills assessment.
  Visit Here

• English Language Requirements:

• English Language Tests and Requirements: Information on English language proficiency and exemptions.
  Visit Here

• Character and Police Certificates:

• Character Requirements: Forms and guidelines for proving good character.
  Form 80
  Form 1221
  Police Certificate Requirements

• Health Insurance:

• Health Requirements: Guidelines on maintaining health insurance while in Australia.
  Visit Here

• Fees and Processing Times:

• Visa Fees: Detailed information on visa application costs.
  Fee Schedule

• Labour Market Testing and Nomination:

• Labour Market Testing Requirements: Official guidelines for employers.
  Visit Here
• Nomination Process: How employers nominate workers for the 482 visa.
  Visit Here

Forms and Applications

• Visa Application Forms:

• Form 482 Visa Application: Online application form for the Subclass 482 visa via ImmiAccount.
  ImmiAccount

• Sponsorship Forms:

• Form 956: Advice by a migration agent/exempt person of providing immigration assistance.
  Form 956
• Form 956A: Appointment or withdrawal of an authorized recipient.
  Form 956a

• Dependent and Consent Forms:

• Form 1229: Consent form for children under 18 to migrate.
  Form 1229
• Form 47: Application for a Visa by a family member of an ETA and/or visitor visa holder.
  Form 47

Additional Resources

• Employer Information:

• Employer Nomination Scheme: Guidelines for employers.
  Visit Here

• Permanent Residency Pathway:

• Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186):
  Visit Here

• Salary Requirements:

• Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT):
  Visit Here

Recommendations

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, regularly check the Department of Home Affairs website, as immigration policies and requirements can frequently change. Always ensure that you have the latest forms and guidelines pertinent to your visa application process.