Table of Content
1. Introduction
Since the announcement of the Australian Federal Budget in May 2024, the updated provisions of the Subclass 482 visa have sparked widespread social interest. Beginning in 2024, changes in immigration policies suggest a new era for employer sponsorship, potentially replacing other mainstream pathways to immigration.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa in 2024, covering major categories, application processes, suitable groups, and advantages/disadvantages.
Firstly, let's explore the advantages of employer-sponsored migration: Compared to independent skilled migration with high points and language requirements, visas under the employer nomination category (such as the 482 visa) have lower language requirements, greater flexibility, and strict criteria for both individuals and company assets.
In the Federal Government Budget released in 2024, it appears that the Business Innovation Visa and the Global Talent Independent (GTI) program are nearing their conclusion, with a new National Innovation Visa set to replace them (details pending government announcement). However, the employer nomination migration policy brings positive news, relaxing application requirements: The pre-requisite work experience for the 482 employer nomination visa has been reduced to just 1 year!
Immigration Quota for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year: Data released by the Australian Immigration Department shows minimal changes in the total immigration quota compared to the previous fiscal year, with a total quota of 185,000 immigrants, a reduction of 5,000 from last year, primarily affecting skilled migration, especially independent skilled migration quotas being significantly reduced, while family migration remains unchanged.
Increased visa categories include:
Employer Nomination: Additional quota of 7,175
Regional: Additional quota of 700
State Nomination: Additional quota of 2,600
The biggest winner in this immigration quota is the employer nomination visa, not only having the highest increase in quota but also being the largest category for skilled migration, indicating that employer sponsorship will be the primary focus of future immigration./2、
2. Overview of the 482 Visa
Visa Full Name: The full name of the 482 visa is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.
Visa Predecessor: The 482 visa replaced the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 457 visa. On March 18, 2018, the 457 visa was abolished and the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, coded 482, officially took its place.
Visa Function: The 482 visa allows Australian employers to sponsor applicants to meet skill shortages, enabling them to work in Australia and address job vacancies.
3.The Three Main Streams of the 482 Visa
【3.1 Short-Term Stream】
Occupation List: Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
Application Requirements:
1.The occupation must be on the STSOL.
2.If your occupation requires a relevant skills assessment, please complete the necessary assessment.
3.English Language Requirement: An average IELTS score of 5.0 (with no less than 4.5 in each band) or equivalent scores in other English language tests. Alternatively, meet the exemption requirements.
4.Relevant qualifications or work experience related to the nominated occupation.
5.From November 23, 2024, the work experience requirement will be reduced from 2 years of full-time work experience to 1 year. According to the new requirement, applicants only need 1 year of relevant full-time work experience and sponsorship from an eligible Australian employer to submit an application.
Visa Duration: 2 years. If applicable to International Trade Obligations (ITO), the stay can be up to 4 years. Hong Kong ID holders can stay for up to 5 years.
Visa Cost: Minimum of AUD 1,455
Conditions for Transition to the 186 Permanent Residence Visa:
Have resided in Australia for at least 12 months cumulatively between February 1, 2020, and December 14, 2021.
Have worked for the nominated employer for 3 years while holding the 482 visa.
The employer must be a legally operating and continuously active Australian company.
【3.2 Short-Term Stream】
Occupation List: Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL)
Application Requirements:
The occupation must be on the MLTSSL or ROL.
If your occupation requires a relevant skills assessment, please complete the necessary assessment.
English Language Requirement: An average IELTS score of 5.0 (with no less than 5.0 in each band) or equivalent scores in other English language tests.
Relevant qualifications or work experience related to the nominated occupation.
At least 2 years of relevant work experience, but from November 23, 2024, the work experience requirement will be reduced from 2 years of full-time work experience to 1 year. According to the new requirement, applicants only need 1 year of relevant full-time work experience and sponsorship from an eligible Australian employer to submit an application.
Visa Duration: 4 years. Hong Kong passport holders can work in Australia for up to 4 or 5 years.
Visa Cost: Minimum of AUD 3,035
Conditions for Transition to the 186/187 Permanent Residence Visa:
The visa is renewable, and holders can transition to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) after working for the nominated employer for 2 years while holding the 482 visa.
【3.3 Labour Agreement Stream】
Description: Introduces overseas skilled workers through labor agreements signed between the Australian Department of Home Affairs and employers.
Applicability: Since most Australian companies do not have labor agreements with the government, this option is less commonly used and will not be elaborated further.
4. 482 Visa Application Process
Application Steps:
Sponsorship Application: The Australian company applies for employer sponsorship.
Nomination Application: The company submits a nomination application, specifying the required position.
Visa Application: The applicant submits a visa application, including medical examinations and supplementary materials. The applicant can also include their spouse and children in the application.
5. Advantages of the 482 Visa
No Age Requirement: There is no age limit for this visa, but applicants for the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa must be under 45 years old (with exemptions in special circumstances).
Flexible Academic Requirements: There is no specific degree requirement, only relevant qualifications are needed.
Low English Language Requirement: The minimum IELTS score is 5 in each band.
Wide Range of Occupations: Only certain occupations require a skills assessment.
Long Visa Duration: The visa allows for a stay of 2 to 5 years.
Free Movement: Visa holders can freely enter and exit Australia during the visa validity period.
Bring Family Members: Applicants can bring their spouse and dependent children.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: After working for two years, visa holders can apply for permanent residency, even for short-term occupations.
Education Benefits for Children: School-aged children accompanying the visa holder can attend public primary and secondary schools for free (though some states may charge fees).
6. Suitable Candidates for the 482 Visa
Australian Students: Holders of a 485 visa with 1-2 years of work experience.
Overseas Skilled Workers: Professionals with relevant skills, qualifications, and English proficiency.
Various Professional Positions: Business professionals, white-collar workers, market specialists, designers, tradespeople, chefs, engineers, teachers, accountants, nurses, managers, etc.
7. Relevant Occupation Lists for the 482 Visa
Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Regional Occupation List (ROL)
8. Conclusion
The 482 visa is a flexible and attractive migration option, providing excellent opportunities for skilled workers wishing to work in Australia. It is comprehensive, highly flexible, and appealing, poised to become a mainstream pathway for Australian immigration in the future.
Alison’s Story
Born in Hong Kong an moved to Australia, I have been associated with real estate all my life. As the plane slowly landed on the runway of Melbourne Airport, my life and career also changed to another runway. I changed from a Hong Kong real estate agent to an Australian real estate agent, and successfully obtained the Australian lawyer qualification.
When I was working in a law firm, I was surrounded by highly educated professionals. Even though their wages are very well, and they are absolutely the elites in society, but their lives are full of hard labor, and it’s hard for them to get rich through buying properties.
So I spend all my time and effort on learning financial and real estate investment knowledge, hoping to achieve financial freedom as soon as possible, and let my parents who have worked hard for many years live a good life.
Now I will share with you the knowledge and experience of investing in Australian real estate, and embark on the road to financial freedom together.
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