Step by Step Guide to Securing a 482 Visa Sponsorship in Australia

Australia’s Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, commonly referred to as the Subclass 482 visa, is a lifeline for skilled foreign workers seeking employment in the country. Introduced in 2018 to replace the 457 visa, the 482 visa allows employers to sponsor overseas workers in roles where there is a shortage of Australian labor.

This comprehensive guide breaks down how international workers can secure 482 visa sponsorship, outlining every step—from eligibility requirements and finding a sponsor to application procedures and post-arrival obligations. With Australia’s economy seeking to fill skilled labor gaps, particularly in healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction, now is an opportune time for qualified individuals to explore this route.

Understanding the 482 Visa

What Is the TSS (Subclass 482) Visa?

The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) enables Australian employers to sponsor a skilled worker from overseas for a position they are unable to fill locally. The visa can be granted for up to four years, depending on the occupation and stream.

Streams of the 482 Visa

There are three main streams:

1. Short-Term Stream – Occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL); up to 2 years (renewable once).

2. Medium-Term Stream – Occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL); up to 4 years with a pathway to permanent residency.

3. Labour Agreement Stream – For workers nominated by employers under a labor agreement.

📝 For a current list of eligible occupations:
Australian Skilled Occupation Lists

Step 1: Understand the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the 482 visa, applicants must:

• Be nominated for a job on the appropriate skilled occupation list.

• Have at least two years of relevant work experience.

• Meet health and character requirements.

• Demonstrate English language proficiency.

• Be sponsored by an approved employer.

English Language Requirements

• Short-Term Stream: IELTS 5.0 overall (minimum 4.5 in each band) or equivalent.

• Medium-Term Stream: IELTS 5.0 in each band or equivalent.

Exemptions apply for passport holders from the U.S., UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Step 2: Secure a Sponsoring Employer

What Is a Standard Business Sponsor?

A Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) is an Australian business that has received approval from the Department of Home Affairs to sponsor skilled workers. This status is mandatory for nominating a 482 visa applicant.

How to Find a Sponsoring Employer

• Online Job Boards: Seek, Indeed, Adzuna, and LinkedIn often list positions that are open to visa sponsorship.

• Company Career Pages: Large Australian employers like Telstra, BHP, and Ramsay Health Care list international openings.

• Specialized Recruitment Agencies: Hays, Michael Page, and Randstad assist foreign professionals.

• Government Endorsed Sites:

  • JobSearch.gov.au

  • Live in Melbourne

💡 Tip: Use keywords like “482 sponsorship,” “TSS visa,” or “work visa sponsorship” when searching.

Step 3: Ensure Employer Meets Sponsorship Obligations

The employer must:

• Be legally operating in Australia.

• Have a genuine need for the skilled position.

• Offer terms equivalent to those for Australian citizens.

• Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

  • $1,200/year for small businesses (<$10M turnover).

  • $1,800/year for large businesses.

They also need to meet Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirements unless exempt.

Step 4: Employer Applies for Nomination

What Is a Nomination?

It’s a formal request by your employer to nominate you for a role. This includes details such as job title, salary, job description, and proof of LMT (Labor Market Testing).

Required Documents:

• Employment contract

• Position description

• Market salary evidence

• Proof of LMT

Step 5: Lodge Your Visa Application

Once nominated, the applicant can submit the visa application.

Required Documents:

• Valid passport

• Educational qualifications

• Resume/CV

• English language test results

• Skills assessment (if required)

• Proof of work experience

• Police clearance certificate

• Medical examination results

Application Fees (as of 2025):

• Short-Term Stream: AUD 1,330

• Medium-Term Stream: AUD 2,770

• Labour Agreement Stream: Varies

✅ Apply via: ImmiAccount Portal

Step 6: Wait for Processing and Decision

Processing Time:

• Short-Term Stream: 6–9 weeks

• Medium-Term Stream: 4–7 weeks

• Labour Agreement Stream: 6–12 weeks

The Department of Home Affairs may request further documents or schedule interviews. Be prompt and accurate in your responses.

Step 7: Arrive and Start Working

Once approved, you can:

• Enter Australia and begin working for your sponsoring employer.

• Bring family members on dependent visas.

• Travel in and out of Australia multiple times.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Dependent family members must be included in the initial application or added later with supporting documents.

Benefits of the 482 Visa

• Live and work in Australia for up to four years.

• Access to healthcare (Medicare may not apply immediately).

• Work only for your sponsor.

• Opportunity to apply for permanent residency under certain streams.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186

• Available after 3 years on a 482 visa (medium-term stream).

• Requires employer sponsorship.

• Must be under 45 years of age (some exceptions apply).

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) – Subclass 187

• For applicants working in regional areas.

📘 Learn More: ENS Visa – Subclass 186

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Choosing an ineligible sponsor: Always verify their SBS status.

2. Poor documentation: Missing or incorrect documents lead to rejection.

3. Fake job offers: Scams targeting desperate applicants are rampant.

4. Failing to meet English or health standards.

5. Not updating ImmiAccount with changes in job, address, or contact details.

Tips for Maximizing Approval Chances

• Obtain a skills assessment from a recognized assessing authority.

• Gather solid reference letters outlining your duties and work experience.

• Customize your resume to Australian standards.

• Practice for interviews and write a compelling cover letter.

Case Study: IT Professional from India

Rahul, a software engineer, secured a 482 visa through an Australian tech firm in Sydney. He followed these steps:

1. Targeted roles on the MLTSSL list.

2. Customized his resume to match Australian job market expectations.

3. Attended online interviews and secured a job.

4. Employer applied for SBS approval and nomination.

5. Visa granted within 8 weeks.

Three years later, Rahul transitioned to PR under the 186 subclass.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change employers on a 482 visa?

Yes, but the new employer must be an approved sponsor and file a new nomination.

2. Can my family work and study in Australia?

Yes. Your partner can work full-time, and children can study.

3. Do I need a skills assessment?

Only for specific occupations and nationalities.

4. Is the 482 visa renewable?

Yes, depending on the stream. The short-term stream allows one renewal, while medium-term holders can apply multiple times or transition to PR.

5. Can I apply for PR on a short-term stream?

No. Only medium-term and labor agreement streams offer PR pathways.

Conclusion

Securing a 482 visa sponsorship in Australia requires strategic planning, persistence, and compliance with immigration requirements. From finding an eligible sponsor to lodging a compelling application, every step matters. With a skill shortage in many Australian industries, skilled migrants have a valuable opportunity to fill gaps and build a future in one of the world’s most liveable countries.