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Aiming to work in Australia in a skilled occupation but unsure which visa fits your job offer? Many skilled workers get stuck when the role needs employer sponsorship, an eligible occupation, and temporary work rights.

That is where the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa can help. It gives eligible skilled workers a sponsored pathway to work in Australia when an approved employer nominates them for a role.

In this guide, we explain how the Subclass 482 visa works, who can apply, what employers need to do, and how this visa can lead to permanent residency.

What is the Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482 Visa?

The TSS (Subclass 482) visa is an Australian employer-sponsored work visa that allows approved businesses to hire skilled overseas workers for nominated positions. It gives eligible workers temporary work rights in Australia and may support a permanent residency (PR) pathway if applicant meet the stream, occupation, and sponsorship requirements.

Most importantly, Australia replaced the TSS visa with the Skills in Demand visa on 7 December 2024. Still, many applicants know it as the 482 visa. Under the updated 482 visa rules, applicants usually need at least 12 months of relevant work experience. Also, Core Skills roles must meet the salary threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 482 Visa?

To qualify for the Subclass 482 visa, both the worker and sponsoring employer need to meet Home Affairs rules for the job, skills, English level, experience, health, and character.

1. Approved Employer Sponsorship: The employer must have approval to sponsor overseas workers because the 482 visa only works through employer sponsorship.

2. Eligible Occupation: TThe job offer must match an approved occupation because the visa only covers eligible skilled roles under each stream.

3. Relevant Work Experience: At least 12 months of related work experience is usually required because Home Affairs checks whether the worker can perform the nominated role.

4. English Language Requirement: Applicant must meet the required English score to communicate and work safely in Australia.

Note: These scores apply to tests taken on or after 13 September 2025.

5. Skills and Qualifications: Qualifications, licences, registrations, or technical evidence are required because some occupations need formal training or legal registration.

6. Health and Character Requirement: Medical checks and police clearances are required because Australia checks health and character before granting temporary work visas.

Also Read: Types of Skilled Migration Visa to Australia for International Engineers

What are the Skilled in Demand Subclass 482 Visa Streams?

The Skilled in Demand Subclass 482 visa includes four streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills, Labour Agreement, and Subsequent Entrant. Each stream applies based on the occupation, salary level, labour agreement, or family relationship.

1. Core Skills Stream

The core skills stream applies to sponsored jobs listed on the Core Skills Occupation List. It allows eligible workers to work for their approved sponsor in Australia, travel while the visa remains valid, and apply for PR later if they meet the pathway rules.

2. Specialist Skills Stream

The specialist skills stream is for higher-paid sponsored roles that fall under eligible ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6. This stream focuses on specialist occupations where the offered salary meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold

3. Labour Agreement Stream

The labour agreement stream applies when an employer has a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government. This stream lets skilled workers take up a specified role under the terms agreed between the employer and the Department.

4. Subsequent Entrant Stream

The subsequent entrant stream allows eligible family members of Subclass 457 or Subclass 482 visa holders to join the primary visa holder in Australia. This stream applies when the partner or dependent applies separately after the main visa holder already holds the visa.

How to Apply for the Subclass 482 Visa Step by Step?

The Subclass 482 visa process starts with checking eligibility and securing employer sponsorship. It then moves through nomination, document preparation, visa lodgement, health and character checks, and the final decision.

Step 1: Check Subclass 482 Visa Eligibility

Check whether the job appears under the right 482 stream and whether the worker meets the experience, English, skills, health, and character rules.

Step 2: Get Employer Sponsorship Approval

The employer applies to become an approved sponsor or uses existing sponsorship approval before nominating the role.

Step 3: Submit the 482 Visa Nomination

The employer submits the nominated occupation, salary, work location, visa stream, and business need to Home Affairs.

Step 4: Prepare Subclass 482 Visa Documents

Prepare identity documents, employment proof, qualifications, English test results, skills assessment, medical checks, and police clearances.

Step 5: Lodge the 482 Visa Application

Submit the 482 visa application through ImmiAccount and attach documents that support the nominated role.

Step 6: Complete Health and Character Checks

Complete medical examinations and provide police certificates when Home Affairs requests them.

Step 7: Wait for the 482 Visa Decision

Home Affairs reviews the sponsor, nomination, and visa evidence before granting or refusing the application.

Note: Visa processing times can change based on application volume, occupation checks, and requests from the Department of Home Affairs.

Common Reasons for Subclass 482 Visa Refusal

Subclass 482 visa refusal usually happens when the application does not clearly support the nominated role. The occupation, work history, sponsor details, salary, and documents must all match the same job.

1. Incorrect or Ineligible Occupation: The nominated job must match an approved occupation under the selected 482 visa stream. The job title, daily duties, ANZSCO code, and employer nomination should describe the same role.

2. Weak Work Experience Evidence: Work evidence should show employment dates, job title, duties, hours worked, and relevance to the nominated occupation. Reference letters, payslips, contracts, and tax records should support the same employment history.

3. Employer Sponsorship Problems: The employer must hold valid sponsorship approval and nominate a genuine skilled position. Business details, role duties, salary, and work location should match the nomination.

4. Incorrect Salary or Nomination Details: The nominated salary must meet the required income threshold and match the offered role. The employment contract, nomination form, and salary evidence should show the same pay details.

5. False or Misleading Information: All documents must show accurate employment, education, identity, and sponsorship details. Fake documents or inconsistent claims can affect both the 482 visa and future visa applications.