Australia’s Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa is a practical route for qualified professionals to take up roles in Australia on a temporary basis—with clear options that may lead to permanent residence if you and your employer meet the criteria over time.
Whether your background is in healthcare, IT, engineering, hospitality, education, or agriculture, this employer-led pathway offers a structured way to live and work in Australia for a set period, while keeping doors open for longer-term settlement if you progress into eligible PR streams.
The need for skilled talent from abroad has grown quickly, and this program links genuine labour shortages with capable professionals who can fill them.
Why Employers Are Turning to Sponsored Temporary Workers
Australia continues to face shortages in critical occupations. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa—known as the Subclass 482—allows approved employers to bring in experienced overseas workers where local recruitment has not succeeded. From tech headquarters in Sydney and Melbourne to regional operations in Queensland and WA, organisations rely on this visa to keep projects moving and services running.
Who Can Qualify for This Employment Route?
You must have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you in an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation lists, which are updated to reflect market needs.
The program operates under three principal streams:
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Short-Term Stream: For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
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Medium-Term Stream: For roles on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
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Labour Agreement Stream: For positions covered by a negotiated agreement between an employer/industry and the government.
Once the employer is approved as a standard business sponsor, typical visa lengths are:
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Up to 2 years (short-term stream)
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Up to 4 years (medium-term or labour agreement streams)
Renewals are possible, and in many cases you can later transition to permanent residency through employer-sponsored PR routes if eligibility rules are met at that time.
Top Occupations Eligible for Sponsorship
Sponsorship demand is concentrated in sectors such as:
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Healthcare: Registered nurses, GPs, aged-care and community health roles
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IT: Software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, systems/cloud analysts
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Construction: Civil engineers, project managers, electricians and related trades
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Hospitality: Chefs, bakers, hotel and operations managers
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Agriculture: Farm supervisors, dairy/livestock specialists
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Education: Secondary teachers, early childhood educators
What Makes This Visa So Attractive for International Job Seekers
Key upsides include:
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Faster processing for priority occupations
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Full-time work rights with your sponsoring employer
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Ability to include eligible family members as dependants
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Multiple entry travel while your visa is valid
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A practical bridge to permanent residency for many candidates
It’s also a chance to gain experience in a highly regulated, well-paid labour market with strong workplace protections and quality of life.
The Role of Employers in the Sponsorship Journey
The employer is central to 482 success. They must:
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Hold Department of Home Affairs approval as a sponsor
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Demonstrate a genuine inability to recruit locally
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Offer conditions that meet Australian workplace laws
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Pay at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently AUD $70,000
Many large employers also provide relocation help, onboarding support, and initial accommodation assistance.
How to Get Noticed by Employers in Australia
Boost your chances by:
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Tailoring your résumé to Australian formatting and language
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Emphasising achievements tied to listed shortage occupations
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Applying via SEEK, Indeed AU, and JobActive
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Consulting MARA-registered migration agents when needed
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Building credibility on LinkedIn and industry forums
A concise, employer-focused cover letter that shows how you’ll solve specific business problems can be a differentiator.
Application Process Step-by-Step
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Secure a Job Offer: Find a legitimate Australian employer prepared to sponsor you.
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Employer Sponsorship: The business obtains or uses its standard business sponsorship approval.
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Nomination: The employer nominates your role, detailing duties, salary, and labour-market need.
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Visa Application: You lodge your Subclass 482 application with required evidence.
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Decision: Processing times vary by stream and occupation priority.
You’ll typically provide a passport, English-language proof, health checks, police certificates, and—if required—skills assessments and licensing.
English Language and Skill Requirements
Requirements differ by stream but commonly include:
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English proficiency (e.g., IELTS overall 5.0 or accepted equivalents)
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At least two years of relevant post-qualification work experience
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An occupation listed on the relevant skilled list
Certain roles (e.g., nursing, electrical trades) also require Australian registration or licensing before commencing work.
How to Navigate Skill Assessments and Credentials
Some occupations require a formal assessment by an authorised body, such as:
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Engineers Australia (engineering)
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Australian Computer Society—ACS (ICT)
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Trades Recognition Australia—TRA (trades)
Start early: assessment timelines can span weeks to months, and outcomes may be needed for nomination or licensing.
Visa Costs and Employer Contributions
Employers generally pay:
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The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy (about AUD $1,200–$1,800 per year depending on employer size)
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Most sponsorship/nomination fees
Applicants usually cover their medical exams, English tests, police checks, and any skills assessment fees—unless the employer agrees to reimburse.
Life in Australia on a Temporary Work Visa
482 holders typically access competitive salaries, structured workplaces, and multicultural cities. Depending on your circumstances, you might access Medicare under reciprocal arrangements; otherwise, private cover is advisable. Major hubs such as Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Sydney offer strong public transport, diverse communities, and family-friendly facilities.
Your visa generally lets you:
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Enrol eligible children in school
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Include a spouse/partner and dependants
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Work full-time for your sponsoring employer in the nominated role
How to Transition to Permanent Residency
Many professionals use the 482 as a stepping stone to PR. After the required period with your sponsoring employer (often 2–3 years depending on stream and occupation) and subject to current rules, you may pursue:
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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
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Regional employer-sponsored options (successors to legacy Subclass 187/RSMS pathways)
Ensure your occupation remains eligible and that your employer supports nomination when you’re ready.
Tips for Succeeding After Arrival
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Lean into Australian workplace norms: punctuality, safety culture, clear communication, and teamwork.
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Keep learning: certifications and CPD can strengthen your progression and PR prospects.
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Build a local network: join professional bodies, attend meetups, and engage your community.
Adaptability and proactive relationship-building often translate to faster career growth and stronger references.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Applying without a sponsor: The 482 requires employer nomination—self-sponsorship isn’t permitted.
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Incomplete paperwork: Missing or inconsistent documents slow processing or trigger refusals.
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Overlooking English rules: Confirm test type, minimum scores, and any exemptions for your stream.
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Mis-coding the role: Using the wrong ANZSCO code or list can make you ineligible.
If uncertain, seek guidance from a MARA-registered adviser.
Finding Legitimate Employers Willing to Sponsor
Reliable sources include:
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Australian Government Job Hub and JobActive
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SEEK (use keywords like “visa sponsorship” or “482”)
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Indeed Australia
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LinkedIn (filter for sponsorship/relocation)
Frequent sponsors span healthcare, tech, hospitality, engineering, and large retailers/logistics.
Australia subclass 482 visa sponsorship opportunities for temporary workers are more than a visa category—they’re a launchpad for international experience, career growth, and, for many, a path toward permanent residence. With the right skills, a targeted job search, and an employer aligned to your goals, this route can open your next chapter in Australia.