Subclass 482 Visa – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa

Work in Australia with Employer Sponsorship – Fast, Flexible, and Reliable

Are you a skilled professional with a job offer from an Australian employer?

The Subclass 482 Visa—commonly known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa—allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia when there is a shortage of local talent for specific roles. This visa provides a direct route for foreign talent to contribute to Australia’s workforce with the backing of an eligible employer.

Why Choose the Subclass 482 Visa?

This employer-sponsored visa is ideal for overseas professionals who have skills listed on Australia’s skilled occupation lists (Short-term, Medium-term, or Regional Occupation Lists). The TSS visa helps Australian businesses fill urgent skill shortages while giving migrants the opportunity to live, work, and explore permanent residency pathways.

The visa can be granted for up to 2 or 4 years, depending on the nominated occupation and stream.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 482 Visa

• Live and work in Australia for up to 2 or 4 years
• Option to renew the visa or transition to permanent residency (for Medium-term stream)
• Include eligible family members on your visa
• Full work rights with the sponsoring employer
• No age limit to apply
• Faster processing for high-demand occupations
• Access to Medicare (if eligible under PR transition pathway)

Streams Under the Subclass 482 Visa

1. Short-Term Stream
   For occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) – valid up to 2 years (renewable once onshore).
2. Medium-Term Stream
   For occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) – valid up to 4 years, and offers a path to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 visa.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
   For applicants sponsored through a labour agreement negotiated between the employer and the Australian Government.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 482 Visa

To apply for a TSS 482 visa, you must:

• Be nominated by an approved employer sponsor
• Have your occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
• Hold at least 2 years of relevant work experience
• Possess the skills and qualifications required for the nominated role
• Meet English language proficiency requirements
• Have adequate health insurance
• Meet health and character requirements

English Language Requirements

Depending on the stream and occupation, the following tests and minimum scores apply:

• IELTS: Overall 5.0 with at least 4.5 in each band
• PTE Academic: Overall 36 with no less than 30 in each band
• TOEFL iBT, OET, CAE: Equivalent acceptable scores

Applicants from exempt countries or those earning above the salary exemption threshold may be exempt from English testing.

Skill Assessment and Licensing

Some occupations require a mandatory skills assessment, especially for licensed trades or healthcare roles. Licensing or registration may also be required before commencing work in Australia.

BFES Global assists with skills assessments, licensing, and employer coordination for a compliant and fast-tracked application.

Visa Conditions and Work Limitations

• You must work exclusively for the nominating employer
• Changing employers requires a new nomination and application
• You must maintain adequate health insurance
• You must not cease employment for more than 60 consecutive days

Including Family Members in Your Application

You may include the following family members:

• Spouse or de facto partner
• Dependent children or stepchildren

Family members can live, work, and study in Australia while your visa is valid.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

Holders of the 482 visa (Medium-Term Stream) may become eligible for Employer Nomination Scheme – Subclass 186 (Direct Entry or TRT) after 2 to 3 years of full-time employment.

BFES Global helps you transition smoothly from temporary to permanent residency.

How BFES Global Supports Your Subclass 482 Visa Journey

Our employer-sponsored visa experts help with:

• Verifying your occupation and stream eligibility
• Connecting with approved employer sponsors
• Managing the nomination process for your employer
• Assisting with skills assessments and licensing (if required)
• Preparing and lodging your visa application
• Guiding you on PR pathways via the Subclass 186 visa

Frequently Asked Questions – Subclass 482 Visa

How long is the 482 visa valid?
2 years (Short-term stream) or up to 4 years (Medium-term stream). Labour agreement stream validity depends on agreement terms.

Can I apply for PR from the 482 visa?
Yes, Medium-term stream holders may be eligible to apply for Subclass 186 after 2–3 years.

Can I change my employer while on a 482 visa?
Only if a new employer nominates you and you apply for a new 482 visa.

What is the minimum salary requirement?
You must be paid at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) — currently AUD $70,000 (subject to updates).

Is there an age limit to apply for this visa?
There is no age limit for the 482 visa, but age limits apply for permanent visa transitions.

Does the visa require a skills assessment?
Some occupations do. Our team will check and assist if your role requires a skills assessment.

Subclass 482 Visa Summary

Visa Class: Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
Duration: 2–4 years depending on stream
Nomination Required: Yes, by an approved employer
Work Rights: Full-time (with sponsoring employer)
Includes Family: Yes
PR Pathway: Available via Subclass 186 (for Medium-Term stream)

Work in Australia with Employer Sponsorship

Let BFES Global handle your entire Subclass 482 process—from employer nomination to successful visa grant. Our team ensures compliance, speed, and strategy to support your long-term