Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
(Subclass 482)
The 482 Visa allows businesses to meet workforce needs by sponsoring skilled workers for up to 4 years. The application process is split into three steps:
- Business becomes a Standard Business Sponsor or Labour Agreement holder (Overseas businesses can become Standard Business Sponsors in certain situations).
- Employer Nominates a position, setting out the tasks and duties of the role, salary, and candidate
- Candidate lodges a Visa application demonstrating they have the skills for the role.
The costs and length of visa that can be granted depend on the application stream.
A pathway to permanent residency is also available to most 482 visa holders.
Requirements for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
(Subclass 482)
Standard Business Sponsorship
The business must demonstrate that it is actively and lawfully operating. Overseas businesses must also demonstrate contractual arrangements for work in Australia or expansion plans to open an Australian branch of the business.
Labour Agreement
This is a negotiation with the Department of Home Affairs to bring in skilled and semi-skilled workers where it can be demonstrated that worker shortages exist. Templated (pre-negotiated) agreements for the Aged Care, Fishing, Horticulture, Dairy, and Meat industries are available. The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is also a type of Labour Agreement.
Nomination
The employer is required to identify an occupation on one of the Skilled Occupation Lists that aligns with the role on offer. This then determines the application stream.
The role must attract a ‘market rate’ salary that is no less than the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $73,150 per annum.
Labour Market Testing (LMT) is mandatory unless an exemption applies. If LMT advertising is needed, it must meet Immigration’s strict requirements in order to be accepted for Nomination purposes.
Visa Application
To qualify for the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, candidates must:
- Meet the skill requirement for their nominated occupation as set out in the ANZSCO. Note that certain occupations require a formal skill assessment.
- Evidence at least two years of recent, full-time, paid work experience in their occupation
- Demonstrate Vocational level English ability
- Meet health and character requirements
482 visa holders can include family members in their application, and most have a pathway to permanent residency after certain requirements are met.
