482 TSS Visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visas, or TSS visas are designed to enable Australian employers to address labour shortages by bringing in foreign workers with genuine skills where they cannot source appropriately skilled Australians. At all times, the process ensures that Australian workers are prioritised.
While 482 visa remains in effect, the visa holders:
- Can work in Australia for their approved sponsor in their approved occupation; and
- May bring any eligible dependants with them to Australia, allowing their dependants to work and study; and
- Have no limit on the number of times they can travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
Strong worker protection measures are also in place to maintain Australia’s high standard of labour practice. As a result, the overseas skilled workers are afforded the same workplace rights as Australian workers.
482 Visa Eligible Occupations
In order to qualify for the 482 visa, the nominated position must be in an occupation specified in the legislative instrument. The maximum duration of the 482 visa will depend on which of the available streams one’s occupation falls within.
The 482 visa occupation lists as at the time of writing can be found at LIN 19/048 Instrument.
How to Apply for 482 Visa
482 visa program consists of 3 primary stages where each stage requires a separate application. Each application is subject to their own requirements and prerequisites. The application process is comprised with:
- Sponsorship: The employer applies for approval as a standard business sponsor (SBS). This approval can be relied upon for nominations of multiple employees.
- Nomination: The employer nominates a specific individual for a position in the applicable occupation list. Lodgement of the nomination application permits an applicant to apply for a 482 visa.
- Visa application: If granted, the 482 visa holder is restricted to work for the nominating employer only. Should the employer change, a nomination application needs to be lodged again to lawfully facilitate the new employment.
482 Visa Conditions
482 visa holders are subject to condition 8607, which operates to restrict a visa holder’s right to work in Australia. They are also subject to condition 8501, requiring that they, and their accompanying family members, maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance.
Work Restrictions – Condition 8607
Condition 8607 imposes the following requirements upon the primary visa holder:
- They must work in the nominated occupation specified in their visa grant
- They must not work for an employer other than the nominating employer
- They must commence work within 90 days of the visa grant, if granted whilst in Australia, or 90 days of their arrival in Australia, if granted whilst overseas.
- They must not cease employment for more than 6 consecutive months.
- Comply with any regulations relating to their right to work in the nominated occupation. Any mandatory licence, registration or membership must be obtained within 90 days of the visa grant, if granted whilst in Australia, or 90 days of their arrival in Australia, if granted whilst overseas.
Note that where work limitations conflict with industrial relations law, a TSS visa holder can continue to work for a person other than the nominating employer if the work is required to fulfil a legal requirement.
TSS 482 Visa Charges
1. TSS 482 Sponsorship Application Charge
$420
2. TSS 482 Nomination Application Charge
Application Charge: $330
SAF Levy:
- $1,200 per year if the annual turnover is less than $10 million
- $1,400 per year if the annual turnover is $10 million or more
3. TSS 482 Visa Application Charges
Short Term stream
- Base application charge: $1,455
- Additional applicant charge for an applicant who is at least 18: $1,455
- Additional applicant charge for an applicant who is less than 18: $365
Medium and Long Term stream
- Base application charge: $3,035
- Additional applicant charge for an applicant who is at least 18: $3,035
- Additional applicant charge for an applicant who is less than 18: $760