Subclass 482 · Australia PR
Subclass 482 — Temporary Skill Shortage (Pathway to PR)
The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) enables Australian businesses to address genuine labor shortages by sponsoring skilled overseas workers. It serves as Australia's primary employer-sponsored work visa, featuring a streamlined transition pathway to Subclass 186 Permanent Residency after 2 years.
Visa type
Provisional — up to 4 years
Sponsorship
Standard Business Sponsor
Minimum salary
TSMIT ($73,150 AUD)
PR pathway
Subclass 186 TRT (after 2 yrs)
Who this pathway suits
A realistic fit matters more than enthusiasm.
Skilled professionals with a job offer from an approved Australian employer sponsor
Applicants with at least 2 years of relevant post-qualification full-time work experience
Candidates seeking an onshore Australian work pathway that leads directly to permanent residency
Professionals whose points score is currently below independent GSM invitation cutoffs
A direct stepping stone to Australian Permanent Residency
Under Australian migration reforms, all Subclass 482 visa holders on both the Short-term and Medium-term streams have a direct pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after completing just two years with their sponsoring employer.
- Live and work in Australia for your sponsoring employer for up to 2 or 4 years
- Include your spouse/de facto partner and children with full Australian work and study rights
- Travel into and out of Australia freely during the visa validity period
- Transition to permanent residency (Subclass 186) after 2 years of sponsored employment
The three-stage employer sponsorship structure
A valid Subclass 482 application consists of three legal stages: Sponsorship, Nomination, and Visa Application.
- Stage 1 (Sponsorship): The Australian business applies for approval as a Standard Business Sponsor (valid for 5 years).
- Stage 2 (Nomination): The sponsor nominates the specific occupation, proves Labour Market Testing (LMT), and confirms salary exceeds TSMIT ($73,150 AUD).
- Stage 3 (Visa Application): The skilled worker demonstrates relevant qualifications, 2 years of work experience, and English proficiency.
Salary standards: TSMIT and Market Rate
The guaranteed annual earnings for the nominated position must equal or exceed both the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT - $73,150 AUD plus superannuation) and the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) paid to Australian citizens in the same role.
The process
Five stages, each one decision-ready.
Employer sponsorship and LMT
The Australian employer conducts recruitment advertising and applies for Standard Business Sponsorship and Nomination.
Visa application lodgement
The skilled worker prepares identity, qualification, employment, and health cover proofs and lodges the Subclass 482 visa application.
Visa grant and arrival
Upon approval, the worker commences employment with the sponsor under condition 8607.
PR transition after 2 years
After 2 completed years of full-time employment, the employer nominates the worker for Subclass 186 permanent residency.
Costs & government fees
- Base Visa Application Charge: AUD 3,115 (Medium-term / PR pathway stream) or AUD 1,490 (Short-term stream).
- Additional applicant charge: AUD 3,115 (adult) and AUD 780 (child under 18) for Medium-term stream.
- Employer costs (must be paid by employer): Nomination fee ($330 AUD) and Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy ($1,200 to $1,800 per year of visa requested).
Timelines
- Standard processing times range from 1 to 3 months for accredited and decision-ready files.
- Priority processing applies to occupations in healthcare, education, and regional development.
Fees, processing times and occupation lists change. Always confirm the current position with the authority that makes the decision.
Department of Home Affairs — Subclass 482 →Common questions
Answered without hype.
Yes. Following legislation enacted by the Australian Government, Subclass 482 holders across all streams (including Short-term STSOL occupations) are eligible for permanent residency via the Subclass 186 TRT stream after working for their sponsor for 2 years.
Under updated Home Affairs rules, visa holders have up to 180 days (or 365 days cumulatively) to find a new approved sponsor, apply for another visa, or depart Australia without breaching visa conditions.
Mandatory skills assessments apply only to certain specific trade and technical occupations from designated countries (via TRA or VETASSESS). Most professional occupations (IT, engineers, accountants) do not require a formal skills assessment for the 482 visa, provided degree and 2 years experience criteria are satisfied.
Related pathways
Explore your other options.
Talk this pathway through with a specialist.
Book a free assessment and a named consultant will review your occupation, qualifications and experience against current criteria.
MovesEdu is a private migration advisory firm. We are not a government body; all final decisions rest with Australian and Canadian immigration authorities.
Department of Home Affairs — Subclass 482 is the authoritative source for current fees, processing times and eligibility. Requirements change; always verify before making decisions.