The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) is designed to help Australian employers fill gaps in their workforce when suitable local candidates are not available. It allows businesses to sponsor skilled professionals from overseas to work in Australia temporarily.

There are four streams under the subclass 482 visa:

  • Short-term stream
  • Medium-term stream
  • Labour agreement stream
  • Subsequent entrant

Each stream has distinct features, eligibility criteria, and conditions. Here’s an overview to help you choose the right pathway.

1. Short-Term Stream

This stream enables overseas professionals to work in Australia for up to two years, or four years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies. Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to five years.

Key Benefits:

  • Multiple entries: travel in and out of Australia during your visa validity
  • Visa fee: starts from AUD $1,290 for the main applicant
  • Additional expenses may include health checks, English tests, and police clearances

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Nominated for a role listed in the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • Minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience
  • A skills assessment may be required for some occupations
  • Must work only for your sponsor (unless exempt)
  • Meet the English language proficiency requirements (unless exempt)

Future Pathways:
You may apply for another subclass 482 visa or transition to permanent residency through:

  • Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)

Estimated Processing Time: 8 to 11 months

2. Medium-Term Stream

This stream is for skilled workers whose occupations are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It allows a stay of up to four years, or five years for Hong Kong passport holders.

Key Benefits:

  • Work and study rights (no government funding for study)
  • Unlimited travel during the visa period
  • Visa cost: from AUD $2,690 for the main applicant

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Nominated in an occupation listed on the MLTSSL
  • At least 2 years of relevant work experience
  • Skills assessment may be necessary
  • Work exclusively for your sponsor (unless exempt)
  • Meet English language requirements

Permanent Residency Options:

  • You may later be eligible for permanent residency via subclass 186 or 187

Estimated Processing Time: 5 to 8 months

3. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for workers sponsored under a labour agreement negotiated between the Australian Government and an employer.

Visa Validity: Up to 4 years (or 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders)

Key Features:

  • Rights to work and study (with no government study support)
  • Multiple entry travel permitted
  • Visa fee: from AUD $2,690 for the primary applicant

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be nominated under the terms of the relevant labour agreement
  • Hold at least 2 years of relevant work experience
  • Skills assessment may apply
  • Work must be with the sponsoring employer
  • Must meet English proficiency standards (or qualify for exemption)

PR Pathway:
Eligible applicants can transition to PR under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

4. Subsequent Entrant

This visa stream is for family members of TSS (subclass 482) or former subclass 457 visa holders who wish to join the primary visa holder in Australia.

What You Can Do:

  • Live, work, and study in Australia
  • Enjoy multiple entries while your visa is valid

Visa Fees:

  • If linked to a TSS visa, fees depend on the main applicant’s visa stream
  • If linked to a subclass 457 visa:
    • Main applicant: AUD $2,690
    • Additional adult applicant: AUD $2,690
    • Child applicant (under 18): AUD $675

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be a partner or dependent of a subclass 482 or 457 visa holder
  • The primary visa holder’s sponsor must agree in writing to your inclusion
  • Must have adequate health insurance
  • Meet health and character requirements
  • If applying from within Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging Visa A, B, or C

Pathway to Permanent Residency:
You may apply for a new visa or consider PR pathways such as:

  • Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
  • Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme)

Processing Time: Not currently published

Need Help With Your TSS Visa Application?

At Opera Education & Migration, we specialize in guiding skilled professionals and their families through every step of their visa journey. Whether you’re an individual applicant or an employer looking to sponsor overseas talent, our team can help simplify the process.

Contact us today for personalized advice and assistance!