The 482 Visa — Australia's Primary Temporary Employer-Sponsored Work Visa

The Australian Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is Australia's primary temporary employer-sponsored work visa. It allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill genuine skill shortages in their businesses on a temporary basis. For many skilled workers, the 482 visa is the first step on a pathway to Australian permanent residency via the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa.

The 482 visa replaced the former 457 visa in March 2018 and has since become the most widely used temporary employer-sponsored visa in Australia. It offers skilled workers the opportunity to live and work in Australia, gain Australian work experience, and — for those in the Medium-term stream — build toward permanent residency.

Premiervisa, headquartered in Hong Kong Central, has a team that includes LLM-qualified Australian immigration lawyers and experienced advisors. With over 3,000 successful cases and a 95% approval rate, we have extensive experience guiding clients through the 482 visa process.

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What Is the Australia 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa?

The Subclass 482 TSS visa is a temporary employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled overseas workers to work in Australia for an approved employer in a nominated occupation. The visa has three streams.

The Short-term stream is for occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). It allows a stay of up to 2 years (or up to 4 years for agreement countries). Short-term stream holders cannot directly transition to a 186 permanent visa via the TRT stream.

The Medium-term stream is for occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It allows a stay of up to 4 years. After working for the sponsoring employer for 2 years, Medium-term stream holders can apply for a 186 permanent visa via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream — the key pathway to permanent residency.

The Labour Agreement stream is for workers covered by a Labour Agreement between the employer and the Australian Government.

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2026 Eligibility Requirements

Employer Requirements: The sponsoring employer must be an approved sponsor (Standard Business Sponsor). The employer must nominate the applicant for a genuine, full-time position in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list. The position must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) — currently AUD 73,150 per annum.

Applicant Requirements:

- The nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list (STSOL for Short-term stream, MLTSSL for Medium-term stream).

- The applicant must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.

- The applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency (at least competent English — typically IELTS 5.0 in each band or equivalent).

- The applicant must meet health and character requirements.

- A skills assessment may be required for certain occupations.

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2026 Government Fees

Nomination Fee (paid by employer): AUD 330 per nomination.

Visa Application Fee (primary applicant — Short-term stream, up to 2 years): AUD 1,455.

Visa Application Fee (primary applicant — Medium-term stream, up to 4 years): AUD 3,115.

Additional Applicant Fee (secondary applicant 18 years or over): AUD 1,455 (short-term) or AUD 3,115 (medium-term) per person.

Additional Applicant Fee (secondary applicant under 18): AUD 365 per person.

Medical Examination: Required for all applicants. Costs vary, typically AUD 300 to AUD 500 per person.

Total Government Fees (Indicative): For a single applicant on the Medium-term stream (4-year visa), total government fees (visa application fee + nomination fee) are approximately AUD 3,445 (approximately HKD 17,500). For a family of four (two adults + two children under 18), total fees are approximately AUD 7,255 (approximately HKD 37,000).

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2026 Processing Times

The Department of Home Affairs aims to process 75% of 482 applications within 29 days and 90% within 44 days for the Medium-term stream. Short-term stream processing is generally similar.

The 482 visa is one of the fastest-processing employer-sponsored visas in Australia, making it an attractive option for employers and workers who need a quick solution to skill shortages.

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Family Members

Your spouse or de facto partner, and dependent children, can be included in your 482 visa application as secondary applicants. They receive the same visa duration as the primary applicant and have full rights to live, work, and study in Australia. Dependent children are eligible to attend Australian public schools (school fees may apply in some states for temporary visa holders).

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Pathway to Permanent Residency

For Medium-term stream holders, the 482 visa is a stepping stone to permanent residency. After working for the sponsoring employer for at least 2 years in the nominated occupation, the visa holder can apply for a Subclass 186 ENS visa via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. This is one of the most common pathways to Australian permanent residency for skilled workers.

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8 Strategic Reasons to Choose the 482 Visa

Reason 1 — Fast Processing: The 482 visa is processed within approximately 29 to 44 days for most applications — one of the fastest employer-sponsored visa options in Australia.

Reason 2 — Pathway to Permanent Residency: For Medium-term stream holders, the 482 visa is a direct stepping stone to the 186 permanent visa after 2 years of work with the sponsoring employer.

Reason 3 — Work in Australia Immediately: The 482 visa allows skilled workers to begin working in Australia quickly while longer-term permanent residency options are being pursued.

Reason 4 — Family Inclusion: Your spouse/partner and dependent children can accompany you to Australia with full work and study rights.

Reason 5 — No Points Test: Unlike the General Skilled Migration pathway, the 482 visa does not require a points test. Employer sponsorship and occupation eligibility are the key requirements.

Reason 6 — Up to 4 Years Stay: The Medium-term stream allows a stay of up to 4 years, providing long-term stability while working toward permanent residency.

Reason 7 — Broad Occupation Coverage: The 482 visa covers a wide range of skilled occupations across many industries, including healthcare, engineering, IT, accounting, education, and more.

Reason 8 — Employer Flexibility: If the primary employer's sponsorship ends, visa holders may be able to find a new sponsoring employer and transfer their sponsorship, providing some flexibility.