Employer Sponsored
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) · 482
Work in Australia for an approved sponsor in a shortage occupation — the main employer-sponsored work visa.
Overview
The Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa lets approved Australian businesses sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill genuine skill gaps where no suitable Australian worker is available. There are two streams: the Short-term stream (up to 2 years, or 4 years for some agreements) for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and the Medium-term stream (up to 4 years) for higher-skilled occupations. The 482 replaced the former 457 visa in 2018 and is the gateway to employer-sponsored permanent residence via the Subclass 186.
| Subclass | 482 |
|---|---|
| Streams | Short-term (STSOL, up to 2 years) and Medium-term (MTSOL, up to 4 years) |
| Who it's for | Skilled workers sponsored by an approved Australian employer |
| Sponsor required? | Yes — a Department-approved Standard Business Sponsor |
| Occupation list | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) from December 2024 |
| English | Generally IELTS 5.0 in each component (some exemptions apply) |
| Skills assessment | Required for some occupations and streams |
| Leads to PR | Yes — via Subclass 186 EN stream after 3 years (medium-term/agreements) |
Who it's for
- You have a genuine job offer from an employer who is, or will become, an approved Standard Business Sponsor.
- Your occupation is on the applicable occupation list (CSOL from December 2024) for the relevant stream.
- You have at least 2 years of recent, relevant full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.
- You meet the English language requirement — generally IELTS 5.0 in each component or equivalent.
- A skills assessment is obtained where required for your occupation and stream.
- You meet health and character requirements.
Cost & timeline
Government charge
The Visa Application Charge is around AUD 3,115 for the primary applicant (Short-term, first 2 years); additional charges apply for longer grants and for secondary applicants. Employers typically pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy — AUD 1,200 per year for small businesses and AUD 1,800 per year for larger businesses.
Processing time
Processing times vary considerably — commonly 1 to 3 months for straightforward cases, longer for complex situations. Sponsorship and nomination must be approved before the visa application can succeed.
How to apply
- 1
Employer sponsorship approval
The employer applies to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) if not already approved.
- 2
Nomination approval
The employer lodges a nomination for the specific position, occupation and location, and pays the SAF levy.
- 3
Visa application
Once nomination is approved (or concurrently), the worker lodges the Subclass 482 application and pays the VAC.
- 4
Skills assessment (if required)
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority if required for the occupation.
- 5
Health and character checks
Complete health examinations and provide police clearances as requested by the Department.
- 6
Grant and commence work
On grant, commence work only in the nominated occupation and location (changes require a new nomination).
Recent changes (2024–2026)
Figures and lists are indicative and change frequently — always verified against homeaffairs.gov.au before we advise you.
Frequently asked
Can my employer sponsor me if they are a new business?+
Can I change employers on the 482?+
Does the 482 lead to permanent residence?+
What is the SAF levy and who pays it?+
Related pathways
Find Your Occupation & Skills Assessment Authority
Search the ANZSCO occupation list to find your occupation, the relevant skills assessment authority, and which visa streams you're eligible for.
Start typing your job title or ANZSCO code above to search.
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