482 employer sponsorship refers to the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa program, which allows Australian businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers when suitable local candidates are unavailable.
This visa enables foreign professionals to work in Australia temporarily and, in some cases, transition to permanent residency.
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What Is 482 Employer Sponsorship?
482 employer sponsorship is a temporary work visa pathway where an approved Australian employer nominates a skilled worker for a position listed on the relevant occupation list.
The visa replaced the former Subclass 457 visa and includes updated labor market testing and salary requirements.
Streams Under the 482 Visa
Short-Term Stream
- For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Visa validity up to 2 years (or 4 years in certain cases)
- Limited permanent residency options
Medium-Term Stream
- For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Visa validity up to 4 years
- Pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 186
Labour Agreement Stream
- For employers with a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government
- Conditions vary based on agreement terms
Employer Requirements
To qualify for 482 employer sponsorship, businesses must:
- Become an approved Standard Business Sponsor
- Demonstrate genuine need for the nominated position
- Conduct labour market testing
- Pay at least the market salary rate
- Pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy
- Comply with workplace and immigration laws
Employer nomination approval is required before the visa can be granted.
Applicant Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be nominated for an eligible occupation
- Have at least two years of relevant work experience
- Meet English language requirements
- Hold required qualifications and licenses (if applicable)
- Pass health and character checks
Requirements vary slightly depending on the selected stream.
Salary Requirements
Under 482 employer sponsorship rules, the nominated salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and reflect the Australian market salary rate for the occupation.
Application Process
- Step 1: Employer becomes an approved sponsor
- Step 2: Employer lodges nomination application
- Step 3: Applicant submits visa application
- Step 4: Complete medical and police checks
- Step 5: Await Department of Home Affairs decision
Processing times depend on stream and occupation demand.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Workers under the Medium-Term stream may qualify for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after meeting work duration requirements.
Costs Involved
- Visa application charge
- Nomination fee
- Skilling Australians Fund levy (employer)
- English test fees
- Medical examination costs
Employers are responsible for certain sponsorship-related fees under Australian law.
Common Challenges
- Meeting salary thresholds
- Completing labour market testing correctly
- Obtaining required skills assessments
- Changes to occupation lists
Accurate documentation significantly improves approval success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 482 visa permanent?
No. It is a temporary visa, but certain streams offer pathways to permanent residency.
Can family members be included?
Yes. Eligible dependents may accompany the primary applicant.
Is there an age limit?
The 482 visa itself does not impose a strict age limit, but permanent residency pathways may have age requirements.
Final Thoughts
482 employer sponsorship provides Australian businesses with a structured way to address skill shortages while offering skilled workers valuable employment opportunities. Meeting employer nomination and visa eligibility requirements is essential for successful approval.