Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) allows skilled workers to come to Australia to fill temporary gaps in the workforce. This visa is designed to help Australian employers who are unable to find suitably skilled Australians for specific positions. It allows workers to be employed in Australia for up to four years depending on their occupation and the stream they apply under. There are three different streams for this visa, including the Short-term stream, Medium-term stream, and the Labour Agreement stream, each offering different pathways based on the applicant’s job and qualifications.
Key Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 482 Visa
To be eligible for the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Employer Sponsorship
You must be sponsored by an approved Australian employer. The employer must offer you a full-time position in an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), depending on the stream.
Skills and Qualifications
You need to have the necessary skills and qualifications for the position you are nominated for. A skills assessment may be required for some occupations.
Minimum Work Experience
You should have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation. Some streams may require additional work experience.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of application (unless an exemption applies).
English Language Proficiency
You need to demonstrate competent English skills, which typically means achieving an IELTS score of at least 5.0 or equivalent in each band.
Health and Character Requirements
You and any family members included in the application must meet health and character requirements, including health examinations and police checks.
Nomination by an Approved Sponsor
Your employer must lodge a nomination on your behalf, and the position must be eligible under the visa program’s criteria.
Labor Market Testing (for certain streams)
Employers may be required to show evidence that they have tested the labor market to ensure no Australian workers are available for the role.Since a state or territory is backing your application, they’ll expect you to live and work there for a few years after you arrive.
Key Highlights of the Subclass 482 Visa
- Temporary Stay: Allows you to stay in Australia for up to four years, depending on the visa stream and occupation.
- Work in Australia: You can work for your sponsoring employer in your nominated occupation, helping fill skill shortages in the Australian workforce.
- Include Your Family: You can bring your eligible family members with you to live and work in Australia.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Medium-term stream of the TSS visa can potentially lead to a permanent residency pathway under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) after working for 3 years in the same occupation with your employer.
- Travel Flexibility: You can travel in and out of Australia while your visa is valid.
The Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa is an excellent pathway for skilled workers looking to gain experience in Australia and contribute to addressing skill shortages in the local workforce. Whether you’re a professional, tradesperson, or in a high-demand occupation, this visa offers a great opportunity to work and live in Australia for a limited time.
If you think this visa could be the right fit for you, reach out to an immigration expert to guide you through the application process!