On this page
- Australia TSS Visa 482: Overview
- When Self-Preparation Isn't Enough (Subclass 482)
- Fees and Processing Times
- How to Apply
- From Work Visa to PR
- What Your Employer Must Do
- Changing Employers
- Renewal and Extension
- Eligibility Requirements
- Family Members
- RFE Patterns
- Fees
- Required forms
- Related visa types
- Related guides
- Related goals
- Next steps
Australia TSS Visa 482: Overview
#The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) allows an Australian employer to sponsor you when they can’t find a suitably skilled Australian worker for the role. The Department of Home Affairs oversees this visa.
You must have an employer sponsor, and your occupation needs to be on the relevant occupation list for your stream. It’s an employer-sponsored temporary work visa.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Employer-sponsored temporary work visa |
| Purpose | Fill skill shortages when no suitable Australian worker is available |
| Streams | Short-term (up to 2 years) or Medium-term (up to 4 years) |
| Governing Authority | Department of Home Affairs |
| Family Option | Subsequent entrant pathway for eligible family members |
You can apply as a subsequent entrant if you’re a family member of a primary subclass 482 or former subclass 457 visa holder and want to join them in Australia.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
You must:
- Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
- Work in an occupation on the relevant list for your stream
- Complete all required application sections
- Submit supporting evidence as requested
Home Affairs may require supporting documents such as Form Form 80, depending on your circumstances.
After holding a subclass 482 visa, you may move to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). Other employer-sponsored pathways include the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494).
This visa is different from short-duration or training visas such as the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400), Training Visa (subclass 407), and Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which have other purposes.
When Self-Preparation Isn't Enough (Subclass 482)
#You can prepare many Subclass 482 documents yourself. But errors in eligibility, occupation selection, or character disclosures can easily lead to refusal.
Home Affairs limits employer sponsorship to occupations on the Skilled Occupation List. If your role doesn’t clearly match an eligible occupation, your application may not proceed.
Certain situations increase risk:
- Your occupation is tough to classify against the Skilled Occupation List
- You previously held visas such as the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), Training Visa (subclass 407), or Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) and have a complex travel history
- You plan to transition later to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494)
- You must complete detailed forms such as Form Form 80
- You lived in multiple countries and need police certificates for each
Common mistakes include language and accuracy errors.
| Issue | What Happens | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Form not completed in English | Application rejection | Complete forms in English and provide certified translations for non-English documents |
| False or misleading information | Refusal, possible cancellation, future ban | Answer every question truthfully and consistently |
| Missing police certificates | Processing delays or refusal | Obtain a police certificate from every country where you lived |
You must create and manage your application through an ImmiAccount with Home Affairs. Losing access to login details or multi-factor authentication will delay your process.
When your history, documentation, or occupation raises uncertainty, professional guidance can help you avoid preventable refusal.
Fees and Processing Times
#You pay application fees in AUD (A$) directly to the Department of Home Affairs. Fee amounts change, so check the current charge using the fee estimator on the Home Affairs site before you apply.
Your total cost may also include:
- Police certificates
- Health examinations
- Skills or English testing
- Costs linked to completing Form Form 80 (if requested)
Filing a Subclass 482 application does not guarantee approval. You must meet all skill, English, age, and character requirements at the time of decision.
processing times vary. Use the Visa Processing Time Guide tool on the Department of Home Affairs website to check recently decided applications and current ranges.
| Application Type | Indicative Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Subclass 482 (general) | Check Visa Processing Time Guide |
| Form 80 – Skilled (Permanent) | ~13 months (as of Feb 2026) |
If Home Affairs requests Form 80, expect longer processing. Cases referred for character assessment often involve complex matters and take extra time.
Build a complete 10-year history of your addresses, employment, education, and travel before you submit Form
- Gaps can cause delays.
Disclose all international travel. Omitting travel, especially to sensitive regions, can trigger further review and suspend processing.
If you have serious criminal offences, Home Affairs is unlikely to grant the visa.
Processing times also vary across related employer-sponsored pathways such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494).
Shorter temporary options, including the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400), Training Visa (subclass 407), and Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), have separate processing streams.
How to Apply
#You apply for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa through the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) using the online portal. You’ll need to attach all required documents when you lodge your application.
Steps:
-
Create or log in to your online Home Affairs account.
-
Complete the visa application form.
-
Upload supporting documents.
-
Submit the application and pay the required fee in AUD (A$).
Key Documents
You must provide documents that match your visa type. These usually include:
- Evidence you meet the relevant English language requirements
- Documents showing you meet the health requirement
- Police certificates
- A completed Form Form 80, if requested
- An Australian Federal Police National Police Check application form, if required
Police certificates expire 12 months after issue. If your application remains in progress after that, you might need a new certificate.
| Requirement | What You Must Do |
|---|---|
| English | Provide evidence that you meet the required standard |
| Health | Complete health checks as instructed |
| Character | Submit valid police certificates |
| Documents | Upload all required files through the online portal |
If you later seek permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), you must lodge a separate application.
Other temporary visas, such as the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400), Training Visa (subclass 407), or Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), follow different application processes through Home Affairs.
From Work Visa to PR
#You hold the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa to fill a role facing labour shortages. If you want permanent residence, you must move into a permanent employer-sponsored pathway managed by the Department of Home Affairs.
The main permanent and regional pathways linked to employer sponsorship include:
| Visa | Purpose | Managed By |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) | Permanent employer-sponsored residence | Home Affairs |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) | Regional employer-sponsored pathway | Home Affairs |
Your employer must take an active role in any nomination-based pathway.
Other temporary visas may support your long-term plan, depending on your situation:
- Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
- Training Visa (subclass 407)
- Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400)
Each visa serves a different purpose. You must review eligibility directly with Home Affairs before applying.
Character requirements apply to both temporary and permanent stages. You must declare:
- All criminal convictions
- Any pending charges
- Spent convictions
- Relevant military service history
- Work history on ships or offshore facilities exceeding 12 months in the last 10 years
Failure to disclose information, even if minor, can lead to refusal.
You apply and manage your applications through your ImmiAccount. Check the official Home Affairs processing times guide and fee calculator for current timeframes and charges in AUD (A$).
If required, complete Form Form 80 accurately and in full. Incomplete or misleading information can delay or jeopardize your permanent residence pathway.
What Your Employer Must Do
#Your employer must nominate you for a skilled position and hold approval as a sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs. If they’re not already approved, they need to apply to become a standard business sponsor before lodging the nomination.
They submit the nomination through ImmiAccount and provide evidence that the position is genuine and skilled. Home Affairs won’t assess your visa without an approved nomination.
Your employer must:
- Be an approved sponsor
- Nominate you for a specific skilled role
- Lodge the nomination with Home Affairs
- Pay the required government charges
Government Fees the Employer Pays
| Fee Type | Amount (AUD) | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination fee | A$330 | Employer |
| Skilling Australia Fund levy (turnover under A$10M) | A$1,200 | Employer |
| Skilling Australia Fund levy (turnover over A$10M) | A$1,800 | Employer |
The Skilling Australia Fund levy amount depends on the employer’s annual turnover. The employer can’t transfer these costs to you.
If your employer later wants to sponsor you for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), they must lodge a new nomination under those programs.
Different obligations apply for other visa types, such as the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400), Training Visa (subclass 407), or Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). Each program has its own nomination or sponsorship rules set by Home Affairs.
Home Affairs processes the nomination and visa application. The Australian Border Force manages entry at the border.
You may also need to provide personal background details, such as through Form Form 80, but your employer handles the nomination component.
Changing Employers
#If you change employers while holding a Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa, you must deal directly with the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) for any new application or required documentation.
Home Affairs may request detailed personal background information, including Form Form 80. You must complete it accurately and ensure it matches any other forms you submit.
If both forms are required:
- Form 80
- Form 1221
Make sure the information is fully consistent across both forms. Even small discrepancies can delay assessment.
Travel history often causes inconsistencies. Reconstruct your movements carefully before you lodge anything.
Use:
- Passport entry and exit stamps
- Boarding passes
- Travel booking confirmations
If you can’t obtain exact dates, provide the most accurate approximate dates available and keep them consistent across all documents.
| Document | Purpose | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Form 80 | Personal background and history | Inconsistencies with other forms |
| Form 1221 | Supplementary personal details | Conflicting travel or identity data |
If you later plan to transition to another pathway, such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), your previously submitted information must remain accurate.
The same principle applies if you have held or applied for visas such as the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400), Training Visa (subclass 407), or Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
Renewal and Extension
#You must lodge any renewal or further Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) application with the Department of Home Affairs.
Review the eligibility criteria for your specific stream before you apply.
If Home Affairs has cancelled or refused your visa on character grounds since your last arrival in Australia, you cannot apply for another temporary visa.
In that situation, the only visa you may apply for—if eligible—is the Protection visa (subclass 866).
You must provide complete and accurate information.
If you submit false or misleading details, Home Affairs may refuse your application or cancel your current visa.
Application fee (primary applicant):
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Subclass 482 renewal/extension fee | A$3,210 (as of July 2025) |
When preparing your renewal, you may also need to provide supporting information such as Form Form 80, depending on your circumstances.
Follow the document checklist for your stream carefully.
If you are considering a longer-term option, you may assess eligibility for:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494)
- Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400)
- Training Visa (subclass 407)
- Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
Each visa has separate criteria and application requirements.
Review the instructions for the specific visa before applying.
Eligibility Requirements
#To qualify for the Australia TSS visa (subclass 482), you must meet core criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.
You cannot apply without an approved employer sponsor and a valid nomination for a skilled position.
You must:
- Be nominated for a skilled role by an approved sponsor
- Have the skills required to perform the nominated job
- Meet the relevant English language requirements
Your sponsoring employer must lodge a nomination that aligns with skilled migration standards.
Home Affairs assesses whether your skills match the position offered.
Skilled visa income thresholds apply to this visa.
These thresholds increase in line with changes to annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings.
Your nominated salary must meet the applicable threshold at the time of application.
| Requirement | What You Must Show |
|---|---|
| Nomination | Approved sponsor nominates you for a skilled position |
| Skills | You have the skills needed to perform the job |
| English | You meet the required English standard |
| Salary | Your pay meets the current skilled visa income threshold |
Home Affairs manages the TSS visa process.
The Australian Border Force handles border entry, not visa assessment.
If you later seek permanent residence, you may consider the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494).
Other temporary options, depending on your circumstances, include the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400), Training Visa (subclass 407), or Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
Home Affairs may also require forms such as Form Form 80 during processing.
Family Members
#You can include eligible family members in your Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) application.
Each person must meet the same core standards set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Every family member must satisfy minimum health requirements before Home Affairs grants the visa.
They must also provide police certificates for any country where they lived for more than 12 months.
Unresolved issues in background information delay decisions.
You must account for every period in the last 10 years, including employment, study, travel, volunteering, or time caring for family.
Home Affairs may require Form Form 80 for character and background assessment.
Authorities use this form to review personal history, including travel to conflict‑affected or sensitive regions.
Key Requirements for Family Members
| Requirement | What You Must Provide |
|---|---|
| Health | Evidence meeting minimum health standards |
| Character | Police certificate for each country lived in over 12 months |
| Background history | Complete 10‑year address and employment timeline |
| Additional checks | Form 80 if requested |
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Leaving gaps in address or employment history
- Omitting past travel or residence
- Failing to disclose informal activities such as unpaid caregiving
If you later move to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), similar character and health standards apply.
Different temporary visas, such as the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400), Training Visa (subclass 407), or Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), may involve comparable background checks administered by Home Affairs.
RFE Patterns
#Home Affairs often requests further information when your forms contain inconsistent details.
The most common issue involves mismatched information between Form Form 80 and Form 1221.
Both forms ask for similar background details.
If your travel history, employment history, or residential addresses differ even slightly, Home Affairs may pause processing and seek clarification.
| Area of Overlap | Common Problem | How You Prevent It |
|---|---|---|
| Travel history | Dates do not match exactly | Verify entry and exit dates line by line |
| Employment history | Gaps or different job dates | Align all start and end dates |
| Residential addresses | Missing or inconsistent addresses | Use the same address history on both forms |
Even small discrepancies can trigger delays.
You must ensure every overlapping section matches exactly before submission.
This issue affects applicants across skilled pathways, including those who later transition to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494).
It can also arise where you previously held visas such as the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), Training Visa (subclass 407), or Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) and your past details appear differently.
Before lodging your Subclass 482 application:
- Compare Form 80 and Form 1221 side by side
- Confirm identical dates for travel, work, and residence
- Check for unexplained gaps
- Correct inconsistencies before submission
Careful cross-checking reduces the risk of delays and additional document requests from Home Affairs.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee (primary applicant)Secondary 18+ $3,210; under 18 $805 | A$3,210 (approx $2,215 USD) |
| Nomination feeNomination fee: A$330 (approx $228 USD) (as of 2025-07). Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing. | A$330 (approx $228 USD) |
| Skilling Australia Fund levyEmployer pays; $1,200 (turnover under $10M) or $1,800 (over $10M) | A$1,200 (approx $828 USD) |
Fees change; always verify on Home Affairs.
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
What if your work is short term or for training?
You may consider the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) for short, highly specialized work.
For structured workplace training, review the Training Visa (subclass 407).
Can recent graduates apply?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) may suit recent graduates with eligible qualifications.
It is separate from employer-sponsored visas.
Do you need to submit Form 80?
Home Affairs sometimes asks for Form Form 80 to collect personal background details.
Only provide it if you're specifically told to during your application.
Check current eligibility, document lists, and fees in AUD (A$) as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs.
What This Work Visa Offers?
The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) allows employers in Australia to sponsor overseas skilled workers to fill positions when they cannot find a skilled Australian. You must be a family member of a primary subclass 482 or 457 visa holder Home Visas Getting a visa List of all visas (Subclass 482) Skills in Demand This temporary visa lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position they can’t find a suitably skilled Australian to fill.
When Self-Preparation Isn't Enough?
Have the right skills to do the job. limiting the occupations that are eligible for employer sponsorship to the Skilled Occupation List Username Username help (opens in a new window) Password Password help (opens in a new window) Cancel Login I have forgotten my Immi Account username or password I no longer have access to my multi-factor authentication app Create an Immi Account Create an Immi Account to access the Department of Home Affairs's online services.
What should you know about fees and processing times?
specifying suitable skills, English language, age This form is used by applicants filing with Department of Home Affairs. Failure to provide a police certificate when required, leading to potential processing delays.
How to Apply?
Meet the relevant English language requirements. Meeting our requirements Health Page ContentMeeting our health requirement Australia enjoys some of the best health standards in the world documents The documents you give us depend on the visa or citizenship you apply for
What should you know about from work visa to pr?
It addresses labor shortages in various streams and is managed by the Department of Home Affairs. You must meet the character requirements to be granted a visa and to stay in Australia but are not limited to the following: Military certificates You may need to provide a military certificate with your visa application
What Your Employer Must Do?
Be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor. For some visas, the potential employer must become an approved sponsor Immi Account Login Login to Immi Account Fields marked * must be completed
What should you know about changing employers?
all requested information EXPERT TIP: Cross-reference Form Form 80 with Form 1221 if both are required — they cover overlapping information and must be completely consistent. EXPERT TIP: Use passport stamps, boarding passes, and travel booking records to reconstruct accurate travel dates. Approximate dates are acceptable if exact dates are genuinely unavailable.
What should you know about renewal and extension?
work experience requirements for overseas workers Restrictions on visa applications If we have cancelled or refused your visa on character grounds since you last arrived in Australia the only visa you can apply for, if you meet the eligibility criteria, is a Protection visa (subclass 866). false or misleading information as part of your application, we may refuse or cancel your visa
Official sources referenced
Last reviewed: 2026-03-16
- Skills in Demand visa subclass 482 (Home Affairs)
- Skills in Demand visa subclass 482 (Home Affairs)
- Visa pricing (Home Affairs)
- Sponsoring workers (Home Affairs)
- Apply for a visa (Home Affairs)
- ImmiAccount online portal (Home Affairs)
- Processing times (Home Affairs)
- Health requirements (Home Affairs)
- Character requirements (Home Affairs)
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
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