TSS 482 Visa (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when they cannot find suitably qualified Australian citizens or permanent residents to fill genuine skill shortages.

This visa is employer-sponsored and designed to address short to medium workforce gaps while ensuring Australian workers are given priority.

How the TSS 482 Visa Works

The TSS 482 visa operates under a three-stage process:

Step 1: Sponsorship

The employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) or apply to become one. The business must be lawfully operating and demonstrate a genuine need for the role.

Step 2: Nomination

The employer nominates a skilled position that:

• Is on the relevant occupation list

• Meets market salary requirements

• Satisfies Labour Market Testing (LMT), unless exempt

• Is genuine and full-time

Step 3: Visa Application

The visa applicant must:

• Meet skill, qualification, and work experience requirements

• Satisfy English language criteria

• Meet health and character requirements

TSS 482 Visa Streams

Medium and Long-Term Stream (MLTSSL)

• Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List

• Visa validity up to 4 years

• Eligible for permanent residency pathways

• Renewable onshore

• Minimum 2 years relevant work experience

Short-Term Stream (STSOL)

• Occupation must be on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List

• Visa validity up to 2 years (or 4 years if an international trade obligation applies)

• Limited renewal options

• Generally no direct PR pathway

Labour Agreement Stream

• For employers with a negotiated labour agreement with the Australian Government

• Occupations and conditions are defined in the agreement

• May provide customised pathways to permanent residence

Employer Obligations

Employers sponsoring under the TSS 482 visa must:

• Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy

• Offer market-rate salaries

• Comply with Australian workplace laws

• Meet ongoing sponsorship obligations

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy

The SAF levy is payable by the employer at nomination stage:

• Businesses with turnover under AUD 10 million
  AUD 1,200 per year per sponsored worker

• Businesses with turnover AUD 10 million or more
  AUD 1,800 per year per sponsored worker

This cost cannot be passed on to the visa applicant.

Labour Market Testing (LMT)

Before sponsoring an overseas worker, employers must usually:

• Advertise the role in Australia

• Demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts

• Show no suitably qualified Australian worker is available

Some occupations and international trade agreements may be exempt.

Work Experience Requirement

Applicants must generally have:

• At least 2 years of full-time, relevant work experience

• Experience closely related to the nominated occupation

• Skills that match the role being nominated

Recent Australian graduates without sufficient experience are usually not eligible unless an exemption applies.

Condition 8607 Explained

Condition 8607 requires TSS visa holders to:

• Work only in the nominated occupation

• Work only for the approved sponsor

• Obtain a new nomination and visa approval before changing roles or employers

Failure to comply may result in visa cancellation.

Where You Can Apply From

• Applications can be lodged inside or outside Australia

• A bridging visa may be granted if applying onshore

• Some applicants with previous visa refusals or cancellations may be restricted

What This Visa Allows You to Do

• Live and work in Australia temporarily

• Bring eligible family members

• Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid

• Access permanent residence pathways (MLTSSL and Labour Agreement streams only)

How Visa Aid Can Help

Visa Aid assists both employers and applicants with:

• Sponsorship approvals

• Nomination strategy and compliance

• Visa eligibility assessment

• PR pathway planning

• Risk management for refusals or cancellations