As Australia continues to face labour shortages in various skilled sectors, the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) — commonly known as the TSS Visa — plays a key role in filling critical job vacancies with qualified overseas workers.

Whether you're an employer seeking to hire international talent or a skilled professional looking for work opportunities in Australia, this 2025 FAQ guide answers your most common questions in a human-friendly and SEO-optimised format.

What is the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa?

The TSS Visa Subclass 482 allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas when they can’t find suitable talent locally. This visa enables temporary work in nominated occupations listed on the relevant skilled occupation list, with options for short- and medium-term stays.

To explore this in detail, visit:
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the streams under the 482 visa?

The Subclass 482 has three main streams:

• Short-Term Stream – Up to 2 years (or 4 if international obligations apply), for occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

• Medium-Term Stream – Up to 4 years, for occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

• Labour Agreement Stream – For cases where the employer has a labour agreement with the Australian government

2. Who can apply for the TSS Visa?

You can apply if you:

• Are nominated by an approved Australian employer

• Work in an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list

• Have at least 2 years of work experience in your nominated occupation

• Meet English language requirements

• Pass health and character checks

3. How long is the 482 visa valid for?

• Short-Term Stream: Up to 2 years

• Medium-Term Stream: Up to 4 years

• Labour Agreement Stream: Up to 4 years, based on agreement terms

In many cases, you can renew or transition to permanent residency (PR) depending on your stream and circumstances.

 4. Can the 482 visa lead to permanent residency in Australia?

Yes — particularly the Medium-Term Stream and Labour Agreement Stream may lead to PR via:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) (if working in regional Australia)

After 2 to 3 years of consistent work, you may become eligible for a transition to PR.

 5. What are the English language requirements for the 482 visa?

Minimum English scores (Short-Term Stream):

• IELTS: Overall 5.0, with no band below 4.5

• PTE: 36 overall

• TOEFL iBT: Total 35, with no scores less than 3 in speaking, listening, reading, and 12 in writing

Medium-Term Stream requires slightly higher English proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall 5.0, with no band less than 5.0

Some exemptions apply if:

• You're from an English-speaking country

• You’ve studied/worked in English for several years

6. What documents are needed to apply?

Typical documents include:

• Valid passport

• Employment reference letters showing 2+ years of work experience

• Skills assessment (for certain occupations)

• English language test results

• Health insurance or OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

• Police clearance certificates

Your sponsoring employer must also provide:

• A nomination approval

• A labour market test (LMT) report showing they tried hiring locally

 7. How long does the visa take to process?

Approximate 2025 processing times:

• Short-Term Stream: 2 to 4 months

• Medium-Term Stream: 3 to 6 months

• Labour Agreement Stream: Varies depending on complexity

Faster processing may apply to priority sectors, such as healthcare, teaching, and IT.

8. Can I bring my family with me on a 482 visa?

Yes! You can include:

• Your spouse or de facto partner

• Your dependent children

Family members will be granted the same visa duration and can live, work and study in Australia.

9. Can I change employers while on a 482 visa?

Yes — but you must be nominated again by a new employer before starting the new role. The occupation must also be on the same skilled list, and the new employer must be approved to sponsor.

10. Can I study while on a 482 visa?

Yes, you can study, but the TSS visa does not cover education costs, and you are not eligible for government subsidies. International tuition rates apply.

11. What is the cost of the 482 visa in 2025?

Current (2025) application charges:

• Short-Term Stream: AUD 1,455

• Medium-Term Stream: AUD 3,035

• Additional applicant over 18: From AUD 1,455

• Additional applicant under 18: From AUD 730

The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy must also be paid by the employer:

• AUD 1,200 per year for small businesses

• AUD 1,800 per year for large businesses

12. Is a skills assessment required for a 482 visa?

It depends on your occupation and passport country. Some occupations must undergo a skills assessment as part of the application process (e.g., tradespeople, cooks, mechanics).

13. Can I travel in and out of Australia freely on this visa?

Yes, the 482 visa is a multiple-entry visa, which means you can enter and exit Australia as many times as you like during the visa’s validity.

14. Can I apply for the 482 visa while I’m in Australia?

Yes, you can apply either onshore or offshore, provided you hold a valid visa without a "No Further Stay" condition.

15. What happens if my visa is refused?

You’ll receive a written explanation, and depending on your location and reason for refusal, you may:

• Appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)

• Reapply with better documentation

• Consider another eligible visa subclass

Subclass 482 Visa Snapshot (2025)

Final Thoughts

The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482 is a vital pathway for global talent to contribute to Australia’s growing economy while enjoying all the perks of working in one of the world’s most liveable countries.

With a wide range of occupations, flexible family options, and a path to permanent residency for some, the 482 visa is an attractive choice for skilled workers across sectors.

Make sure your application is backed by strong documents and a reliable sponsor — and if you need help, expert migration advisors can assist every step of the way.