482 visa sponsor requirements apply to Australian businesses seeking to sponsor overseas skilled workers under the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa.
Employers must meet strict eligibility, salary, and compliance standards before they can nominate a foreign worker.
Contents
What Is the Subclass 482 Visa?
The Subclass 482 visa allows approved Australian employers to fill skilled positions when qualified local workers are unavailable. It replaced the former Subclass 457 visa.
Businesses must first become approved sponsors before lodging nomination applications.
Core 482 Visa Sponsor Requirements
To meet 482 visa sponsor requirements, employers must:
- Be lawfully operating in Australia
- Apply and be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor
- Demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated role
- Conduct labour market testing (unless exempt)
- Offer a position listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Pay at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
- Comply with Australian workplace and migration laws
These obligations must be satisfied before nomination approval.
Standard Business Sponsorship Approval
Employers must apply for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval with the Department of Home Affairs. To qualify, the business must:
- Be actively trading
- Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Show good compliance history
- Meet character requirements
Sponsorship approval is generally valid for five years.
Labour Market Testing Requirement
Under 482 visa sponsor requirements, employers must demonstrate efforts to recruit Australian workers before nominating a foreign worker. This typically involves advertising the role for a specified period.
Salary and Market Rate Requirements
The offered salary must:
- Meet or exceed the TSMIT threshold
- Match the Australian market salary rate for the occupation
- Be paid in accordance with workplace laws
Underpayment can result in serious penalties.
Skilling Australians Fund Levy
Employers must pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy when lodging a nomination. The amount depends on business size and visa duration.
Ongoing Sponsorship Obligations
After approval, employers must:
- Maintain accurate employment records
- Notify the Department of significant changes
- Ensure the visa holder works only in the nominated role
- Comply with audit and inspection requests
Failure to meet 482 visa sponsor requirements may lead to fines, suspension, or cancellation of sponsorship approval.
Application Process Overview
- Step 1: Apply for Standard Business Sponsorship (if not already approved)
- Step 2: Lodge nomination application
- Step 3: Pay SAF levy and nomination fees
- Step 4: Worker lodges visa application
- Step 5: Await decision
Processing times vary depending on stream and occupation demand.
Common Reasons for Nomination Refusal
- Failure to meet labour market testing standards
- Salary below required threshold
- Insufficient evidence of genuine position
- Incomplete documentation
Proper preparation significantly improves approval success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is sponsorship approval valid?
Standard Business Sponsorship approval is typically valid for five years.
Can small businesses sponsor workers?
Yes, provided they meet financial and compliance requirements.
Is the 482 visa permanent?
No. It is a temporary visa, though some streams provide pathways to permanent residency.
Final Thoughts
Understanding 482 visa sponsor requirements is essential for Australian businesses seeking to hire overseas talent. Meeting sponsorship, nomination, and compliance standards significantly increases the likelihood of approval.