Australia Subclass 482 TSS Visa: Complete Guide (2026)
What is the Subclass 482?
Replacing the old 457 visa in 2018, Subclass 482 is how most skilled foreign workers come to Australia when they have a sponsoring employer. It is employer-tied — the visa depends on your employer’s sponsorship continuing. Loss of job means 60 days to find a new sponsor or leave.
The path from 482 to permanent residence (via Subclass 186 Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition streams) is the most common work-to-PR pathway in Australia. Medium-term stream holders gain PR eligibility after 3 years with their sponsor.
Who qualifies
✅ Eligibility checklist
- Sponsoring employer: Australian employer with Standard Business Sponsorship approval.
- Occupation on MLTSSL or STSOL: Short-term stream uses STSOL; Medium-term uses MLTSSL; Labour Agreement varies.
- Relevant skills and experience: Typically 2+ years relevant experience; skills assessment may be required for some occupations.
- English — Vocational minimum: IELTS 5.0 average each band, or equivalent. Higher for some occupations.
- Health and character: Meet Australian standards.
- Salary matches market rate: TSMIT — Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold — AUD 70,000 minimum as of 2024.
- No prior Australian immigration breaches: Clean record.
Required documents
📄 Document checklist
- Valid passport
- Employment contract
- CV and work experience evidence
- Educational qualifications
- Skills assessment (if required for occupation)
- English language test results
- Police checks from each country lived in 12+ months past 10 years
- Medical examination
- Family documents for dependants
- Nomination letter from employer
- Biometrics
Step-by-step application process
- Find Australian employer willing to sponsor. Employer needs Standard Business Sponsorship approval first (AUD 420 fee, 1-6 week processing).
- Employer lodges nomination application. Specifies your role, salary, skills match. Fee AUD 330–540.
- You apply for visa. Two-stage application via ImmiAccount.
- Take English test. IELTS, PTE, OET, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge.
- Get skills assessment if required. Depends on occupation — ACS for IT, Engineers Australia, etc.
- Complete health and police checks. Standard.
- Home Affairs processes application (2–4 months). Medium-term stream often faster.
- Visa granted. Short-term: 2 years. Medium-term: up to 4 years.
- Work for sponsor in nominated role. Changes require new nomination.
- Transition to Subclass 186 for PR. After 2–3 years with same employer, Temporary Residence Transition stream available.
Cost breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination fee (employer) | AUD 330–540 | Small vs large business |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy (employer) | AUD 1,200 or 1,800/yr | Size of business dependent |
| Visa application fee (primary) | AUD 1,495 | Short-term |
| Visa application fee (primary) | AUD 3,115 | Medium-term |
| Additional applicant 18+ | AUD 1,560 (ST) or 3,115 (MT) | Spouse |
| Additional applicant under 18 | AUD 390 (ST) or 780 (MT) | Child |
| English test | AUD 330–410 | If required |
| Skills assessment | AUD 500–1,500 | If required |
| Medical exam | AUD 300–500 | Per adult |
| Migration agent (optional) | AUD 2,500–5,000 | Often employer pays |
| Total (Medium-term, single) | AUD 5,000–8,000 | Most paid by employer |
Timeline from start to arrival
- Month 1–3: Find sponsoring employer; skills assessment if needed
- Month 2–3: Employer secures/uses sponsorship approval
- Month 3: Employer lodges nomination
- Month 3: You submit visa application
- Month 3–7: Home Affairs processing (2–4 months)
- Month 7: Visa granted
- Year 2–5: Work on 482; gain Australian experience
- Year 3: Eligible for 186 TRT stream (if Medium-term)
Total: 4–8 months to Australia working on 482. Path to PR: 3 years minimum via 186.
Do I need a lawyer?
Employers’ HR or migration agents typically handle this. Consider a lawyer for: small employer unfamiliar with sponsorship, occupation not clearly on lists, skills assessment complications, prior Australian refusals, health or character concerns.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Short-term and Medium-term?
Short-term (2 years, STSOL occupations): limited pathway to PR. Medium-term (up to 4 years, MLTSSL): clear PR path via 186 TRT after 3 years. Choose medium-term if your occupation is on MLTSSL.
Can I switch employers?
Yes, but it requires a new nomination from the new employer. You have 60 days after leaving a job to find new sponsorship or leave Australia.
How do I get PR from 482?
Two routes: (1) Direct Entry 186 (for candidates meeting skills assessment + 3 years experience), (2) Temporary Residence Transition 186 (for 482 holders who’ve worked 3 years with same employer).
Can I bring family?
Yes. Spouse/partner and children under 18 can come as dependants. Spouse gets unrestricted work rights.
What is SAF levy?
Skilling Australians Fund levy — employer pays AUD 1,200 (small business) or AUD 1,800 (large business) per year of visa. Paid upfront at nomination.
Do I need a skills assessment?
Depends on your occupation. IT occupations need ACS. Engineering needs Engineers Australia. Many occupations do not require assessment for 482.
What’s the minimum salary?
TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold) — AUD 70,000 per year as of 2024. Plus the “market rate” for your specific role and location (whichever is higher).
Can I work for multiple employers?
No. Single-employer sponsorship only. Additional work must be pre-approved.
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