The 2018 Australian Employer-Sponsored 482 Visa, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, is an immigration program introduced by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to replace the former Australian 457 visa. It aims to specifically attract overseas talent to alleviate temporary skill shortages in the Australian labor market while ensuring priority for Australian workers. The 2018 Australian Employer-Sponsored 482 Visa requires qualified Australian employers to sponsor overseas skilled talent to work in Australia. Upon meeting certain conditions, applicants may apply for the Australian Employer-Sponsored 186 or 187 visa to obtain Australian permanent residency.
I. Program Streams for the 2018 Australian Employer-Sponsored 482 Visa
Short-term stream
Applicable to short-term skilled workers who have a genuine job offer from an Australian employer. The applicant's occupation must be on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Holders of this 482 visa can work for their sponsoring employer for up to two years, or renew once for up to four years (unless restricted by a Free Trade Agreement).
Medium-term stream
Applicable to medium-to-long-term skilled workers who have a genuine job offer from an Australian employer. The applicant's occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL). Holders of this 482 visa can work for their sponsoring employer for up to four years and may apply for renewal.
Labour agreement stream
Applicable to applicants who are sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement.
II. Application Requirements for the 2018 Australian Employer-Sponsored 482 Visa
The 2018 Australian Employer-Sponsored 482 Visa, or Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, was officially implemented on March 18, 2018, and completely replaced the former Australian 457 employer-sponsored visa. As the Australian 482 visa is divided into three categories—the Short-term stream (which cannot lead to PR), the Medium-term stream (which can lead to PR), and the Labour agreement stream (not applicable to general applicants)—there are different additional requirements for each category.
1. General requirements for the 2018 Australian Employer-Sponsored 482 Visa (applicable to all streams):
Obtain a position nomination from an approved sponsoring employer;
Meet the skill and qualification requirements for the nominated occupation and complete relevant skills assessments;
Meet English language requirements;
Applicants within Australia must hold a Bridging Visa (A/B/C);
Be in good health and have no criminal record;
Meet the additional requirements for the specific visa stream applied for.
2. Additional application requirements for the Australian 482 Short-term stream:
At least two years of work experience relevant to the nominated occupation, obtained within the 5 years prior to the application;
Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) standard;
The nominated position must be on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL);
English language proficiency of IELTS 5.0 with no band lower than 4.5, or equivalent;
Can only be renewed once and cannot be converted to permanent residency.
3. Additional application requirements for the Australian 482 Medium-term stream:
At least two years of work experience relevant to the nominated occupation, obtained within the 5 years prior to the application;
The nominated position must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL);
English language proficiency of IELTS 5.0 in each band, or equivalent;
Can be renewed indefinitely, and after working for 3 years, one may apply for the Australian Employer-Sponsored 186/187 permanent residency visa.
The Labour agreement stream for the 2018 Australian Employer-Sponsored 482 Visa includes meeting age, occupation, and English requirements as specified in the labour contract. As this stream is a special concession granted by the Australian government, it is not suitable for general applicants.
III. Program Advantages of the 2018 Australian Employer-Sponsored 482 Visa
Can work in Australia for up to four years;
Can bring family members (spouse and dependent children) to work or study in Australia;
Can travel freely in and out of Australia during the visa validity period;
Lower English language requirements;
Holders of the Australian 482 Medium-term stream visa can apply for Australian permanent residency after working for three years.
IV. Application Process for the 2018 Australian Employer-Sponsored 482 Visa
1. Sign contract and match with an employer
Client signs the contract;
Formally initiate employer matching to identify a suitable employer;
Immigration lawyers assist the employer in applying for overseas sponsorship qualification;
2. Employer interview and issuance of employment contract
Arrange for the applicant to undergo an employer interview;
Employer issues a job offer, and both parties sign an employment contract;
After receiving the employment contract, the client prepares documents to apply for nomination from the Department of Home Affairs;
3. Apply for and obtain individual nomination
Department of Home Affairs processes the applicant's nomination;
Applicant awaits background checks by the Department of Home Affairs;
Department of Home Affairs approves the nomination;
4. Submit the 482 visa application; the applicant prepares a full set of application documents, including those for secondary applicants;
5. After working for three years, transition to the Australian 186 or 187 permanent residency visa.
The Australian Employer-Sponsored 482 Visa is a type of Australian skilled migration program, with higher application requirements compared to the former Australian 457 visa. If applying for the Short-term stream of the Australian 482 visa, it is equivalent to a work visa with a maximum duration of four years, which cannot be converted to PR. If applying for the Medium-term stream of the Australian 482 visa, one may apply to transition to the Australian 186/187 permanent residency visa after working for three years. Applicants for the Australian Employer-Sponsored 482 Visa can choose the appropriate stream based on their own circumstances.