482 Visa Australia: Process, Eligibility, Cost & More 2025

The 482 visa Australia is one of Australia’s most popular pathways for professional workers who are looking to live and work in Australia for a temporary period of time. The 482 visa Australia was introduced to address the shortages of labour across key sectors. This visa will allow Australian employers to obtain sponsored skilled workers when local workers cannot be sourced.

This comprehensive guide on the 482 visa Australia will cover everything you need to know whether it’s including the eligibility and application process, costs, conditions, and migration tips.

Latest Facts & News

• The 482 visa (Temporary Skill Shortage) was replaced by the Skills in Demand (SIV) visa on 7 December 2024, but existing 482 visas and applications are still processed.

• Processing times for the 482 visa vary by stream: Short-term (up to 70 days for 90% of cases), Medium-term (up to 70 days), Labour agreement (up to 6 months).

• Minimum work experience for applicants is now 12 months full-time, effective December 2024.

• The 482 visa can be a pathway to permanent residency via subclass 186 or 187 visas.

• Employers must undertake Labour Market Testing before nominating a candidate.

• The visa cost ranges from AUD 1,455 (short-term) to AUD 3,035 (medium-term/labour agreement).

• Family members can be included in the application.

• Over 450 occupations are eligible for the 482 visa as of 2025.

• The Australian government prioritises local workers; only genuine skill shortages are considered.

• Health, character, and English requirements remain strict.

Also Read: Australia Visa Application: Experts' Complete Visa Guide

What is the 482 Visa Australia?

The 482 visa Australia is one of Australia’s most popular pathways for professional workers who are looking to live and work in Australia for a temporary period. The 482 visa Australia was introduced to address the shortages of labour across key sectors. This visa will allow Australian employers to obtain sponsored skilled workers when local workers cannot be sourced.

This TSS visa plays an important role in supporting Australian businesses by providing them access to overseas talent while ensuring local employment opportunities for local talent are protected. The 482 visa Australia is divided into three main streams, each required for different employment needs:

• Short-Term Stream – Short-term skilled occupation (STSO) allows stays of workers up to 2 years or 4 years in some cases due to international trade obligations.

• Medium-Term Stream – Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) provides a pathway opportunities as permanent residency after 3 years.

• Labour Agreement Stream – Labour agreement is for employers who have with the Australian Government, which allows them to obtain sponsored skilled workers under the terms of the agreement.

The subclass 482 visa Australia is a temporary skill shortage visa, meaning applicants' first step should be to secure a nomination from an approved Australian business before applying for the Australia visa.

Latest 482 Visa Australia Requirements in 2025

Here are some details about the 482 visa Australia:

Who Can Apply for a 482 Visa Australia?

Overseas professional workers from approved countries are eligible. Before applying, check the latest list of eligible nations on the official Australian immigration website.

Updated 482 Visa Australia Requirements

Here are the required documents for the 482 visa Australia requirements:

1. A passport is essential because it must remain valid for your time in the country. The passport of certain nationalities needs at least six months of validity after the planned dates.

2. The application fee payment requires a valid method to complete the online transaction. International transactions must be made with your credit or debit card.

Employer 482 Visa Australia Requirements in 2025

To 482 visa Australia by a sponsor, a skilled worker employer must meet important requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. These ensure that the 482 visa Australia program is used for fairly skilled shortages.

Checklist for Employer 482 Visa Australia Requirements:

• Be an Approved Sponsor – Employers must apply under the sponsored visa after approval by a Standard Business Sponsor.

• Conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) – Evidence should be provided that the employer's efforts are genuine while hiring an Australian worker before nominating a foreign candidate.

• Nominate an Occupation – The job role provided by the employer should be on the relevant occupation list (STSOL, MLTSSL, or Labour Agreement list).

• Offer Market Salary Rate – The salary offered to the employee by the employer must be equal to the Australian market rate for that assigned role.

• Comply with Australian Workplace Laws – Employers must follow the Fair Work Standards by adhering to other employment regulations.

• No Adverse Information – The business or companies must not have a history of non-compliance with immigration pathways or workplace laws.

Employee 482 Visa Australia Requirements

Individuals who are applying for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa should have the essential 482 visa Australia requirements. This visa ensures that the applicant has the required qualification and fills the nominated role.

Key Employee for 482 Visa Australia Requirements:

• Valid Nomination by an Approved Sponsor – The employee should be nominated for a specific occupation assigned by an eligible Australian employer.

• Relevant Work Experience – Typically, required at least 2 years of work experience in the assigned job role or a closely related field.

• Occupation Must Be on the Relevant List – The job should be on the relevant list, which is Short-Term, Medium-Term, or Labour Agreement occupation list.

• Skills Assessment – Some job seekers or applicants from certain countries should fill out a formal skills assessment.

• English Language Proficiency – Should meet the required level of English (e.g., IELTS, PTE), which will be based on the visa stream and nominated occupation.

• Health and Character Checks – Applicants should pass the medical examination requirements and police background checks to meet Australia’s immigration standards to prove that there is no history of non-compliance.

Also Read: New Requirements By the Australian Government On English Language Test For Visas

482 Visa Streams Explained

The 482 visa Australia is divided into three distinct streams, which are designed to meet specific labour needs according to different industries. Understanding the 482 visa Australia streams is essential for selecting the right pathway to Australia based on the occupation, duration of stay, and long-term goals.

1. Short-Term Stream

The Short-Term Stream is mainly designed for skilled job roles listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Short-term skilled occupation (STSO) allows stays of workers up to 2 years or 4 years in some cases due to international trade obligations.

• Job roles must be on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List  (STSOL).

• Up to 2 years validity and renewable allowed for once.

• A direct pathway to permanent residency is not provided.

• English language requirement for 482 visa Australia: IELTS score should be 5.0 overall, but not less than 4.5.

• Suitable for temporary workforce needs only.

2. Medium-Term Stream

Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) provides a pathway opportunities as permanent residency after 3 years.

• Job roles must be on the MLTSSL.

• Up to 4 years validity and renewable allowed for once.

• Provides a pathway to permanent residency, not temporary.

• Higher English proficiency required, IELTS score should be 5.0 overall.

• Suitable for high-demand workers and long-term skill needs

3. Labour Agreement Stream

Labour agreement is for employers who have with the Australian Government, which allows them to obtain sponsored skilled workers under the terms of the agreement.

• Job roles are not required to be on the standard occupation lists.

• Up to 4 years validity, which varies according to the agreements.

• Can offer a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, depending on the agreement terms.

• Conditions will be based on industry-specific needs.

• Common in sectors like agriculture, meat processing, and the tech sector.

Latest Australia 482 Visa Processing Time

Professionals who obtain visa approval must wait through prolonged processing durations. The duration of approval may stretch from a few days to weeks because of enhanced security measures and additional document verification processes. Planned dates should be treated as a determining factor when you should submit your applications.

Tips to apply for the Australia 482 Visa Processing Time

Here are the tips to apply for the 482 Visa Australia processing time:

• Fast Processing: 482 visa Australia processing time applications receive approval in mere minutes, thus serving as one of the quickest visa procedures.

• Possible Delays: The application duration might be extended when additional security checks, verification procedures, or missing documents are present.

• Apply Early: The best way to prevent date issues before departure is to apply for visa documents. The processing system might experience delays, particularly during busy times of the year.

Factors Affecting the Australia 482 Visa Processing Time

Here are the factors affecting the Australia 482 visa processing time:

• Peak Visa Application Seasons: The peak visa periods and official holidays increase application volume, affecting processing duration.

• Application Completeness: Any incorrect passport information and missing or incomplete application documents will result in processing delays or outright application rejection. Double-check all details before submitting.

• Security Checks: The processing time will get longer for applicants with previous visa concerns and specific nationalities needing extended background checks.

Also Read: Work and Holiday Visa Australia: Latest Subclass 462 Guide

Step-by-Step 482 Visa Application Process

Here’s a step-by-step application guide for the 482 visa Australia:

1. Apply for your 482 visa Australia exclusively through Australia’s government official website or from authorised, trusted service providers.

2. Check all fields carefully by entering your full name, birth date, and passport number, as well as your nationality and nominated occupation information.

3. You should complete payment using your credit or debit card for fee submission. The fee depends on which nationality you hold.

4. The submission process requires you to wait until you receive the confirmation through email. The processing time ranges from minutes to several hours, but verification requests can extend approval times to several days.

5. Legitimation of your occupation authorisation will trigger an automatic connection with your passport through email notification—no need for printed documents.

Costs and Fees for 482 Visa Australia

Below is a breakdown of the cost and fees for the 482 visa Australia with main streams:

Additional Costs

Below are the additional costs of a 482 visa Australia:

Also Read: SOP for Australia: Format, Components, Tips & Sample

Pathways from 482 Visa to Permanent Residency

Many overseas skilled workers on the 482 visa Australia are interested in permanent residency. There are pathways from a 482 visa to PR (permanent residency), which is primarily applied for through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187), depending on eligibility.

1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186

The most common pathway to permanent residency applicable and eligible from the 482 visa is via the Subclass 186 visa, under the Australian Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have held a Medium-Term 482 visa for at least 2 to 3 years, and it will depend on the recent policy changes.

• Nominated by the same employer who sponsored your 482 visa Australia.

• Your nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

• Meet the competent English requirements for permanent residency in Australia.

• Be under 45 years of age at the time of application, but some exemptions apply.

• Fulfil health and character requirements.

2. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) – Subclass 187 for Limited Use Only

While now subclass 187 is largely closed to new applicants, some transitional 482 visa Australia holders may still be eligible for the Subclass 187 visa. The main reason could be that they are sponsored to work in regional Australia and held or applied for a 457/482 visa before the policy changes to the pathway visa.

Common Reasons for 482 Visa Refusal

Here are common mistakes to avoid while applying for your 482 visa Australia:

• Any inconsistency in passport details, regardless of size, might result in travel rejection. Double-check everything.

• A missing field entry in your application will slow the process or prevent approval. Fill in all details.

• Your visa will be denied if your passport expires before your planned duration of stay for work. Renew before applying.

• The application process needs to begin several days earlier than your scheduled departure.

• Visa restrictions and refusal of entry may result from inaccurate document details. Be honest.

• A few unauthorised websites will impose additional charges on users. Use the official site.

• Delays might occur from applying for multiple visa documents at the same time. Apply once.

Also Read: Skilled Labour Visa Australia: Latest Process, Jobs, Fees

Tips for a Successful 482 Visa Application

Here are the tips for a successful 482 visa Australia application:

• Review your passport information to verify that your name, number, and expiration date match exactly.

• Submit your application through the official website because third-party services will bill extra costs.

• Submit your application ahead of your journey at least five days earlier for processing.

• The processing of your application can be delayed if payment through the system fails.

• Supplies precise travel information since any mistake may trigger application rejection.

• Regularly check your email inbox because all updates regarding approvals reach your email inbox.

• The submission of multiple applications creates system errors and should be avoided.

• People subject to travel restrictions need to fulfil additional security procedures when applying.

Conclusion

The 482 visa Australia is one of Australia’s most popular pathways for professional workers who are looking to live and work in Australia for a temporary period. The 482 visa Australia was introduced to address the shortages of labour across key sectors. This visa will allow Australian employers to obtain sponsored skilled workers when local workers cannot be sourced. Professionals who obtain visa approval must wait through prolonged processing durations. The duration of approval may stretch from a few days to weeks because of enhanced security measures and additional document verification processes.  Understanding the 482 visa Australia streams is essential for selecting the right pathway to Australia based on the occupation, duration of stay, and long-term goals.

To learn more about the 482 visa Australia, visit TerraTern now.