Australia continues to attract skilled workers from around the world, especially those seeking stable employment, high-quality work environments, competitive salaries, and long-term migration pathways. One of the most popular routes for international workers is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482, commonly referred to as the employer-sponsored visa. This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign workers when they cannot find suitable candidates locally.
The TSS 482 visa is widely used across industries such as healthcare, engineering, construction, mining, agriculture, education, and information technology. In 2025, the demand for skilled workers is expected to rise significantly due to ongoing labour shortages, making it the perfect time for foreign applicants to understand how the visa works and how to apply successfully.
This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about the employer-sponsored visa, including eligibility, occupation lists, employer requirements, document preparation, application steps, processing times, and tips for improving your chances of approval.
What Is the TSS 482 Employer-Sponsored Visa?
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482 allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia for a specified period. The visa is designed to help Australian employers fill critical skill shortages when they cannot find qualified Australian citizens or permanent residents.
There are two main streams under the 482 visa:
Short-Term Stream
Allows workers to stay for up to two years (renewable).
Applies to occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
Medium-Term Stream
Allows workers to stay for up to four years.
Applies to occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
This stream offers a pathway to permanent residency.
Labour Agreement Stream
For workers sponsored under special government agreements with specific industries or regions.
Understanding the correct stream for your occupation is essential because it determines your visa duration, rights, and pathway to permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements for the TSS 482 Visa
All applicants must meet specific requirements before applying for the TSS 482 visa. These requirements ensure that foreign workers are qualified, experienced, and capable of performing the job.
Skilled Occupation Requirement
Your occupation must appear on one of the following lists:
- Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Regional Occupation List (ROL)
Each occupation has its own qualification and experience criteria.
Skills and Work Experience
Applicants must have:
- Relevant qualifications (degree, diploma, trade certificate)
- At least 2 years of work experience in the nominated occupation
- Industry-specific skills that match the job description
Some occupations require a mandatory skills assessment.
English Language Requirement
Most applicants must meet minimum English test scores depending on the visa stream.
Workers from English-speaking countries or certain qualifications may be exempt.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must:
- Complete medical examinations
- Provide police clearance certificates
- Meet health and character requirements set by Australian authorities
Age Requirement
There is no age limit for the TSS 482 visa, making it suitable for applicants of various age groups.
Understanding these requirements helps you determine whether you qualify before beginning your application.
Employer Requirements for Sponsorship
Not every company in Australia can sponsor a worker. The employer must meet strict conditions set by the government.
Approved Standard Business Sponsor
The employer must be approved by the Australian government as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). Only registered sponsors can nominate foreign workers.
Labour Market Testing (LMT)
Employers must prove they tried to hire locally by advertising the position before sponsoring a foreign worker. This ensures that sponsorship is used only when local talent is unavailable.
Genuine Position Requirement
The job must be real, essential, and aligned with the worker’s skills and experience. Fake or unnecessary roles are not accepted.
Salary Requirements
The employer must pay:
- At least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
- Above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
This ensures fair wages for foreign workers.
Full-Time Employment
The visa is only granted for full-time positions. Part-time or casual work is not eligible for sponsorship.
Documents You Need for the TSS 482 Visa
To apply successfully, you must prepare a complete set of documents. Missing documents can delay or affect the outcome of your visa.
Personal Documents
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Passport-sized photographs
Work Experience Documents
- Resume
- Reference letters
- Employment contracts
- Payslips
- Job descriptions
Qualification Documents
- Degrees, diplomas, trade certificates
- Academic transcripts
Skills Assessment (if required)
Certain occupations require a mandatory skills assessment from an approved authority.
English Test Results
If required, include IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent test scores.
Health and Character Documents
- Medical examination reports
- Police clearance certificates
Having all documents ready speeds up the application process.
Step-by-Step Process for Applying for the TSS 482 Visa
Step 1: Employer Becomes a Standard Business Sponsor
The employer must be approved by the government to sponsor workers.
If they already hold sponsorship status, they can proceed to the next step immediately.
Step 2: Employer Nominates the Position
The employer must lodge a nomination application that includes:
- The job title
- Duties and responsibilities
- Salary details
- Location
- Proof of labour market testing
- Justification for sponsorship
The nomination must match the applicant’s skills and experience.
Step 3: Lodge the Visa Application
After the nomination is submitted, the worker submits their TSS 482 visa application.
This includes personal details, documents, experience, qualifications, and English test results.
Step 4: Health and Character Checks
Applicants complete medical examinations and submit police clearance certificates.
These checks ensure the applicant meets Australia’s health and safety standards.
Step 5: Wait for Visa Decision
Processing times vary depending on:
- Visa stream
- Occupation
- Country of application
- Completeness of documents
Most visas take several weeks to a few months to be finalized.
Processing Time for the TSS 482 Visa
Processing times vary, but typical times include:
- Short-Term Stream: 1 to 3 months
- Medium-Term Stream: 1 to 3 months
- Labour Agreement Stream: 2 to 4 months
Submitting complete documents can significantly speed up the decision.
Benefits of the TSS 482 Visa
The employer-sponsored visa offers several benefits to foreign workers.
Work Legally in Australia
Holders can work full-time for their sponsoring employer.
Bring Family Members
Dependents such as spouses and children may accompany the main applicant.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Medium-Term 482 visa holders may transition to PR through:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186 Visa)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (494 Visa)
No Age Limit
Unlike many skilled visas, the 482 visa does not have an upper age limit.
Work in High-Demand Industries
Visa holders gain access to career opportunities in top-paying sectors.
Common Reasons Visa Applications Get Refused
Applicants should avoid the following issues:
Incomplete Documentation
Missing documents delay or harm your chances of approval.
Inconsistent Work Experience
Experience must clearly match the nominated occupation.
Incorrect Salary Offered
Employers must provide correct salary levels based on market standards.
Weak English Proficiency
Applicants must meet minimum English requirements unless exempt.
Lack of Genuine Job Need
The government must be convinced that the job is real and necessary.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval
Applicants can greatly increase success by following these strategies:
Ensure Your Resume Matches the Occupation
Use industry keywords related to your duties and experience.
Apply to Occupations on the Priority List
Jobs in shortage are processed faster and highly considered.
Strengthen Your Skills and Certifications
More qualifications increase your competitiveness.
Choose Employers With Sponsorship History
Companies experienced in sponsorship have higher approval success.
Be Prepared for Skills Assessments
Some roles require formal recognition of your qualifications.
Conclusion
The TSS 482 employer-sponsored visa remains one of the strongest and most reliable pathways for foreign workers who want to live and work in Australia. With labour shortages affecting multiple industries in 2025, employers are increasingly willing to sponsor skilled professionals who can contribute to their workforce.
By understanding the eligibility requirements, preparing the right documents, and following the application process carefully, foreign applicants can greatly improve their chances of receiving sponsorship. Whether you work in healthcare, engineering, technology, construction, trades, logistics, or agriculture, the 482 visa offers excellent opportunities for career growth and long-term migration.