Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

What is it?

Visa 482 is the main employer-sponsored temporary work visa in Australia, valid for up to 4 years. Your Australian employer must nominate you for a position they can't fill locally, and you must hold a positive skills assessment for that occupation. The 482 grants full work rights at the sponsoring employer and is a stepping stone to permanent residence via the 186 (employer nomination) or 494 (regional). The MLTSSL stream offers a clearer path to PR than the STSOL stream.

Key benefits

• Up to 4 years on the visa, with renewal options
• Full work rights at the sponsoring employer
• Bring spouse and dependent children with you
• MLTSSL stream → eligible for visa 186 (PR) after 2-3 years
• Lower English requirement than points-tested visas in some streams

Key requirements

Minimum English

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Occupation list

Varies

Who qualifies? Workers with an Australian employer willing to sponsor them, an occupation on the relevant list (MLTSSL or STSOL), at least 2 years of relevant experience, and a positive skills assessment.