TEMPORARY SKILL SHORTAGE VISA (Subclass 482)

Overview

The Subclass 482 visa provides a pathway for employers to sponsor skilled workers to work in Australia on a temporary basis. Known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, it allows holders to live, work and study in Australia for an initial period of 2-4 years.

Three-Step Process migration agent near me immigration agencies near me

Securing a Subclass 482 visa involves three key steps:

1. Business sponsorship. The employer must hold, or apply for, Standard Business Sponsorship. This entails meeting requirements around factors like business background, financial health, and employment of local workers.
2. Nomination. The employer nominates an overseas worker for a specific skilled occupation. The nominated role must match the sponsor’s business activities and meet genuineness criteria.
3. Visa application. With approved sponsorship and nomination, the visa applicant can then lodge their Subclass 482 visa application. This application must meet health, character and other eligibility rules. 

Key Features

• Applicants can usually lodge onshore or offshore, unless applying for a third Short Term stream visa which requires an offshore lodgement.
• Allows holder to work full-time for the sponsoring employer. Supplementary study and family members can also be included in the application.
• Three main streams cater for different scenarios – Short Term (2 years), Medium Term (4 years) and Labour Agreement.
• Can be a pathway to permanent residency if holder continues working in skilled employment after initial validity period.

Eligibility Criteria

While specific to each stream, main requirements include:

• Skills assessment to verify applicants’ skills and qualifications match the nominated occupation.
• Minimum 2 years relevant work experience. Some exemptions may apply.
• Sponsor must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor.
• Applicants must possess suitable English language abilities – e.g. IELTS 5+ or equivalent. Some exemptions apply.
• General health, character and security conditions must be met.

Conclusion

With rigorous eligibility criteria for sponsors and applicants, the Subclass 482 visa ensures skilled overseas workers provide genuine fill for Australian skill shortages on a temporary basis.