482 Visa Australia – Temporary Skills Shortage Visa

The 482 is a temporary Work Visa which enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers are unable to source a suitably skilled Australian worker.

There are several streams available:

1. Short-term stream. With a short-term stream visa, you can typically work in Australia for your sponsoring employer for up to 2 years, or potentially up to four years in limited situations.
2. Medium-term stream. The medium-term stream will allow you to work in Australia for up to 4 years (or potentially up to 5 years in limited cases), as well as offering a pathway to permanent residence through the subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream subject to working for a minimum of 3 years in the nominated role.
3. Labour Agreement stream. You can apply for the labour agreement stream if your sponsor (employer) has a Labour Agreement. Labour Agreements are made between Australian employers and the Australian government, and allow businesses to employ workers in Australia according to the specifics of the Labour Agreement.

482 visa requirements:

• The employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (or have a Labour Agreement in place)
• The role must be nominated through a Nomination application
• The 482 visa application. Once approved, the visa holder can start working in the role for the sponsoring employer.

 

482 visa conditions (Short-term stream)

You must:

• be nominated to work in an occupation on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation list
• have at least 2 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
• have a relevant skills assessment if this is required for your occupation (only required in limited circumstances, eg some trade occupations)
• work only for your sponsor or associated entity, unless you are exempt.

482 visa conditions (Medium-term stream)

You must:

• be nominated to work in an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List
• have at least 2 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
• have a relevant skills assessment if this is required for your occupation
• work only for your sponsor or associated entity, unless you are exempt.

482 visa conditions (Labour Agreement stream)

You must:

• be nominated to work in a specified occupation under the terms of a Labour Agreement
• have at least 2 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
• have a relevant skills assessment if this is required for your occupation
• work only for your sponsor.

Labour Market Testing

When nominating an overseas worker Australian employers will usually need to first ‘test’ the local labour market.

Labour market testing (LMT) generally involves advertising the position in Australia.

For most Nominations, the position must have been advertised for at least 4 weeks within the 4 month period immediately prior to lodging the Nomination application.

Sponsorship Levy

The sponsor (employer) will need to pay a Skilling Australians Fund levy. Levy required will vary depending on the business size and the length of the work period.

Small businesses with a turnover of less than AUD10million have to pay an amount of AUD1,200 yearly, while businesses with a turnover of more than 10 million have to pay AUD1,800.

Be Skilled

You will need to demonstrate that you have the skills and experience necessary to perform the nominated occupation, which can be shown through relevant qualifications and/or work experience.

Relevant Work Experience

You must have at least 2 years relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.

Such work experience must be completed while working in the nominated occupation or performing tasks at the same skill level in a related field.  Generally, the work experience should be within the past 5 years, and be full-time.

English

Visa applicants will need to meet minimum standards of English language proficiency unless exempt from needing to show this.

Including Family

Family members such as your spouse and dependent children can be included in a 482 Visa application.

Health & Character

All visa applicants are required to meet health and character criteria for the 482 visa, including family members.

Change of Role/Employer

If changing employer or role a new Nomination must be lodged and approved beforehand, and a new visa application is also required if you need to extend your time in Australia beyond the visa expiry date.

Processing times

Processing times vary depending on factors such as Department of Home Affairs processing capacity, but typically the above visas can take anywhere from a few weeks to 3 months.