Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa Guide
The Subclass 482 visa enables approved Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill critical labor shortages when qualified local workers cannot be sourced. Discover the complete step-by-step process from business sponsorship to visa grant and Permanent Residency (PR).
The 4-Stage Australia 482 Visa Process
Obtaining a Subclass 482 TSS visa requires a coordinated three-part application structure handled by the sponsoring employer and the candidate.
Stage 1: Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Approval
Before an employer can nominate an overseas candidate, the business must become an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) with the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Legally Operating Business
The sponsoring entity must be lawfully registered and operating in Australia (holding an ABN/ACN) or actively operating an overseas business seeking to establish an Australian branch or fulfill contract obligations.
Workplace Law Compliance
Employers must demonstrate clean compliance records with Fair Work Ombudsman standards, superannuation, tax obligations, and Australian workplace health & safety regulations.
Attestation of Non-Discrimination
Businesses must formally attest that they do not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices and will provide equal working conditions and market remuneration.
Multi-Nomination Coverage
Once approved, an SBS agreement lasts for 5 years and allows the employer to nominate multiple overseas candidates throughout the sponsorship period.
Stage 2: Position Nomination & Labour Market Testing (LMT)
The employer submits a formal nomination specifying the position, job responsibilities, ANZSCO code, location, and nominated candidate.
Eligible ANZSCO Occupation
The position must match an occupation listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (Short-term, Medium-term Strategic Skills List, or Regional Occupation List).
Genuine Position Requirement
The employer must provide evidence demonstrating that the nominated role is authentic, aligns with business activities, and cannot be filled by internal restructuring.
Market Salary & TSMIT Standards
The guaranteed annual earnings must satisfy the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for equivalent Australian workers and meet or exceed current statutory income thresholds.
Labour Market Testing (LMT)
The position must be advertised locally across approved recruitment platforms for at least 4 weeks within the 4 months preceding nomination submission (unless International Trade Obligations apply).
Stage 3: Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy & Nomination Approval
Australian migration law mandates that sponsoring employers contribute to national workforce training before nomination approval is granted.
SAF Levy Remittance
The employer completes the statutory Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) contribution payment at the time of lodging the nomination application.
DHA Nomination Evaluation
The Department of Home Affairs audits position authenticity, LMT evidence, salary structures, and company financials prior to issuing formal nomination approval.
Stage 4: Candidate Visa Application & Grant
Once the nomination is lodged or approved, the candidate submits their individual Subclass 482 visa application proving technical competency, character, health, and English proficiency.
Work Experience Requirement
Candidates must demonstrate at least 2 years of relevant full-time work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related field.
Skills Assessment (Where Applicable)
Trade applicants and specific designated ANZSCO occupations must complete a mandatory skill assessment (e.g., Trades Recognition Australia or VETASSESS).
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must achieve required test scores (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, or Cambridge) unless exempt based on passport nationality or educational history.
Health & Character Clearance
All applicants and accompanying family members must pass Bupa/panel physician medical examinations and provide penal clearance certificates for countries lived in for 12+ months.
Direct Subclass 186 ENS Permanent Residency Pathway
Under recent Australian immigration reforms, all Subclass 482 visa streams (Short-term, Medium-term, and Regional) now offer a direct pathway to Australian Permanent Residency via the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after completing 2 years of sponsored employment.