Australia Subclass 482 Visa (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)

The Australia Subclass 482 Visa, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, is a powerful pathway for skilled foreign workers to live and work in Australia legally.

Designed to bridge the skill gaps in the Australian labor market, this visa allows Australian employers to sponsor qualified overseas professionals for specific roles they’re struggling to fill locally. Whether you’re a software engineer, healthcare worker or tradesperson, this visa connects your skills directly to real job opportunities in Australia’s diverse economy.

It’s one of the fastest and most reliable ways to kickstart a professional life in the Land Down Under.

This visa isn’t just for jobseekers – it’s for dream-chasers. With growing demand across tech, construction, hospitality and healthcare sectors, thousands of employers are actively looking to fill positions through this visa stream. What sets the Subclass 482 Visa apart is its streamlined processing and the ability to bring your family along.

While many visas limit you to solo entry or education purposes, the 482 lets you build a life, not just a livelihood. Your spouse can work, your kids can study and you can begin laying foundations for a future in Australia, even leading to permanent residency.

Unlike other visa programs that come with rigid quotas or seasonal restrictions, the Subclass 482 Visa is employer-driven and occupation-based. If your expertise aligns with Australia’s skilled occupation lists and you secure sponsorship from an approved business, your chances of approval significantly increase.

The flexibility of this visa makes it attractive for both short-term placements and longer-term career progression. It’s built for people ready to contribute immediately and integrate into the workforce with minimal bureaucracy.

Australia’s immigration policy is deeply rooted in attracting global talent and the Subclass 482 Visa is a testament to that commitment. It’s an acknowledgment that expertise isn’t always homegrown and that the best minds and hands can come from anywhere in the world. From its generous work conditions to its family-friendly allowances and potential transition to permanent residency, this visa opens a door not just to employment – but to a new chapter entirely.

If you’re ready to escape stagnant career options or economic uncertainty and step into a country known for its vibrant job market, quality of life and multicultural society, the Australia Subclass 482 Visa might be your ideal ticket. In this in-depth article, we’ll break down everything you need to know – from eligibility requirements to application steps, benefits, pitfalls and frequently asked questions – to help you make the smartest move possible.

Let’s get started.

Why This Visa Rocks

You Can Work and Live (Legally!)

Once approved, you’re not just allowed in – you’re permitted to work full-time for your sponsoring employer in a nominated role. Optional seconders, future employers and career opportunities? All in play.

Family In Tow

Bring your partner and dependents. They can study and work, creating a full-fledged Australian lifestyle for your family.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Although temporary, this visa sets you up beautifully for permanent pathways like the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS: subclass 186). It’s a launchpad for permanent residency, not just a stopover.

Access to Health and Education

From Medicare coverage to discounted student fees for your dependents – this visa includes perks that make life easier and more affordable.

Fast Processing Times

While timelines depend on occupation and country, some applications are processed in as little as one to three months.

Who’s Eligible: A Close Look

You’ll Need a Job Offer from an Approved Sponsor

Your Australian employer must be a business that’s either approved or applying to become a sponsor. It’s all about addressing a local skill shortage by hiring skilled overseas talent.

The Role Must Match an Occupation on the Lists

Your nominated job must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list – either the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Medium-Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Skills and Experience Count

Depending on the role, a matching qualification such as a bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience (usually three years or more) is required.

English Language Proficiency

You’ll need to show an adequate level of English – typically IELTS 5.0 or higher, depending on the occupation and visa stream.

Meet Health and Character Requirements

A standard health check and police certificates demonstrate you’re fit to live and work in Australia.

Labor Market Testing (LMT)

Your sponsor usually needs to show they tried hiring locally first and couldn’t find suitable candidates – though there are exemptions for certain employer types.

Benefits You’ll Love

Travel Freedom

This visa lets you enter and exit Australia as much as you like while it’s valid.

Work Flexibility

Need to switch employers or roles? Country-specific rules may allow it through a transfer process – without leaving Australia.

Extendable Timeframe

Working on your career plan? You may get up to four years in the MLTSSL stream or two years in the STSOL.

Education Support

Your kids can attend public school and your partner can work full time too.

Build a Strong Professional Network

Australia’s empowered economy means opportunities to grow, connect and elevate your skills.

Requirements You Need to Nail

A Clean Health Report

Doctors approved by the Australian Home Affairs department assess your health.

Police Clearance Certificates

Show you’ve got nothing to hide from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the last ten years.

Approved Sponsorship

Your employer handles the sponsorship application, proving their business is legitimate and sponsoring overseas talent is within their scope.

Skills Assessment (Occasionally Required)

Sometimes a body like VETASSESS will need to certify your skills match the nominated occupation.

Evidence of English Skills

Whether IELTS, TOEFL, PTE – pass the minimum threshold relevant to your occupation list.

Labor Market Testing Evidence

Ads showing your employer tried local hires first. Different tests apply for different visa streams.

Your Step-by-Step Game Plan

1. Employer Sponsorship Application

Your employer applies to become an approved sponsor (or is already one).

2. Labor Market Testing (If Needed)

They advertise locally to show no suitable Aussie candidates exist – approved channels only.

3. Nominating the Position

Employer supplies occupational code, job terms and genuine role description based on your skills.

4. Skills Assessment (If Applicable)

Get your educational and experiential credentials assessed by relevant authority.

5. Submit Visa Application

You collect evidence – English results, health checks, police certificates, identity documents – and apply to Home Affairs. Can be done in-country or outside Australia.

6. Pay the Fees

Currently AUD 1,330 for primary applicant (additional for family). Second installments if applying later.

7. Wait for Outcome

Processing periods vary – from a few weeks to multiple months depending on stream.

8. Visa Grant and Celebrate

Once approved, you’ll get a visa grant letter outlining conditions and length of stay.

Inside Tips

Make Your Docs Rockstar

Name consistency, date order, translation where needed – nail the presentation.

Pre-Notify Health and Police Checks

These can take weeks. Starting early shows preparedness and clears delays.

Confirm Genuine Position

Avoid any doubts about the employer’s ‘genuine need’ – keep contracts org charts and financial statements ready.

Include Extra Supporting Evidence

Cover letters explaining your experience, work samples – go beyond checklist.

Get Professional Help

Immigration agents or lawyers help streamline your path and flag risks early.

Detailed Frequently Asked Questions

What is the subclass for this visa and who is eligible?
This is the subclass 482 visa, commonly called the Temporary Skill Shortage visa. It’s designed for skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer to fill temporary gaps in the workforce.
Which occupation lists apply?
Occupations listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) are eligible for two-year visas, while Medium‑Long‑Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) occupations can be granted up to four years.

Can I apply directly or do I need an employer to nominate me?
You must be nominated by an approved employer – no one-way applications allowed. The employer sponsorship is what drives the application.
Do I qualify without a degree?
Possible if your work experience meets visa requirements. Often, three or more years in a relevant field is valid in lieu of formal education.
What if I don’t meet the English requirement?
You’ll need to pass an approved English test. IELTS 5.0 is the general minimum; certain occupations or streams may require higher bands.

Are there any exemptions from Labor Market Testing?
A few scenarios – like high‑value, future‑focused roles in R&D – may waive LMT. Usually, however, your employer must advertise the role locally first.
Can I study on this visa?
Yes – your dependents can study and you can enroll in courses part-time, subject to visa conditions.
What are the health and character standards?
You’re required to undergo medical exams and provide police certificates for every country you’ve stayed in for 12+ months over the last 10 years.

Can I bring family after my visa is granted?
Partners and dependent children can be included at the time of application – or added later via further application.
How does this visa differ from working holiday or student visas?
Working holiday or student visas don’t require employer sponsorship. The subclass 482 visa is pro-job, pro-career, pro-family – but it comes with more responsibility and employer-led sponsorship.

The Australia Subclass 482 Visa is your professional springboard. It opens doors to jobs, families, career-growth – a full lifestyle transformation. But it’s not an autopilot. You’ll need a sponsorship-ready employer, a role that fits and solid preparation around health, character, skills, English and the nomination process. Nail those, line up the evidence, lean into expert help and you’re headed for success.

This isn’t just a visa: it’s the next chapter in your life story. Should you choose to open that door, the world (and Australia) awaits.