What Is the Subclass 482?

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa replaced the old 457 visa in March 2018. It allows approved Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill genuine positions they cannot fill from the local labour market.

The 482 is not a permanent residency visa — it is temporary. However, for many occupations it can lead to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after meeting certain requirements.

The Three Streams

Short-Term Stream

  • Occupation must be on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • Maximum stay: 2 years (or 4 years for agreement countries)
  • Limited to two renewals of the short-term stream
  • Does not lead directly to the Subclass 186 via the Temporary Residence Transition stream

Medium-Term Stream

  • Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Maximum stay: 4 years
  • Can lead to permanent residency through the 186 TRT stream after 3 years

Labour Agreement Stream

  • Used when a standard 482 approval is not possible
  • Requires a formal labour agreement between the employer and the Department of Home Affairs
  • More flexibility for specific industries (meat processing, fishing, on-hire labour)

For Employers — How Sponsorship Works

Before sponsoring a worker, an employer must:

1. Become an Approved Sponsor Apply through the online ImmiAccount system. The department assesses whether your business is lawfully operating and has a genuine need. 2. Submit a Nomination Nominate the specific position you want to fill. The nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, and you must demonstrate the salary meets or exceeds the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). Current TSMIT: AUD $73,150 per year (updated annually in July). 3. Support the Visa Application The worker then applies for the visa. You pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy — $1,200 per year for small businesses (under $10M turnover) or $1,800 per year for larger businesses.

For Workers — What You Need

To qualify for the 482:

  • Skills assessment (for many occupations)
  • At least 2 years of relevant work experience
  • English language proficiency (typically IELTS 5.0 overall)
  • Be below 45 years of age (for most occupations)
  • Health and character requirements

The Path to Permanent Residency

If you hold a Medium-Term stream 482 and work for your sponsor for 3 years, you may be eligible for the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream — which grants permanent residency.

Key requirements for TRT:

  • Held a 482 or 457 visa continuously for 3 years with your current sponsor
  • Working in the same occupation as nominated
  • Employer nominates you
  • Under 45 years of age (with some exemptions for certain occupations)

Common Mistakes

For employers:
  • Failing to pay the market salary rate (must equal or exceed TSMIT and market rate)
  • Changing the worker's duties significantly after approval
  • Not meeting training benchmark obligations
For workers:
  • Changing employers without a new nomination (you must be sponsored — the visa is tied to the sponsor)
  • Not tracking your 3-year eligibility period for the 186 TRT
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