TSS 482 VISA
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482

WRITTEN BY
INDAH MELINDASARI, B.Com
MARN 0961 448 | UPDATED MAY 2019
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TSS 482 Visa Brief Overview
TSS visa enables employers to address labour shortages by hiring skilled workers where they cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian.
It facilitates employment of foreign workers to address temporary skill shortages, while ensuring that Australian workers get priority.
TSS 482 visa holders can work in Australia in their nominated occupation and may have a pathway to permanent residency.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) streams
There are three streams available under the TSS 482 visa:
At the time of lodging a TSS nomination application, employers will need to select an employment period of up to:
- 1 year or 2 years for the short-term stream (unless an international trade obligation applies-up to 4 years); and
- 1 year, 2 years, 3 years or 4 years for the medium-term or labour agreements stream.
Comparison between Medium term TSS Visa and Short term TSS Visa
Medium & Long Term TSS Visa (482 Visa) | Short Term TSS Visa (482 Visa) | |
---|---|---|
Occupational List Used | Occupation on MLTSSL (additional for regional) | Occupation on STSOL (additional for regional) |
Is It Renewable? | Renewable onshore and unlimited times | Renewable once onshore (2+2 max in total onshore) + more offshore |
Age Requirement | No Age Limit | No Age Limit |
English Proficiency Requirement | IELTS 5 (no skill below 5) or equivalent | IELTS overall 5 (no skill below 4.5) or equivalent |
Work Experience | 2 years of relevant work experience required | 2 years of relevant work experience required |
Labour Market Testing | Employer tests the Australian labour market before an application to sponsor (LMT) | Employer tests the Australian labour market before an application to sponsor (LMT) |
Salary Rate | Employer must pay the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) | Employer must pay the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) |
Health and Character Requirements | Meet health and character requirements | Meet health and character requirements |
Permanent Residency Possibility | Pathway to Permanent residency (after 3 years) | NO Permanent residency pathway unless regional |
GTE Requirement | None | Show intention of temporary stay |
TSS Visa / 482 Visa Training Requirements
Employers sponsoring workers for a TSS 482 visa must pay a training contribution charge (known as the Skilling Australians Fund levy):
Repeat TSS 482 Visas
In general, all applicants for a TSS 482 visa (i.e. primary and secondary) can either be inside or outside Australia.
If the application is for a Short-term (ST) stream visa, however, the primary visa applicant must be offshore if all of the below apply:
- They have held more than one ST stream TSS 482 visa
- They were in Australia when the application for their most recent TSS 482 visa was made and
- This requirement would not be inconsistent with any international trade obligation (ITO).
Holders of two ST stream TSS visas in a row (where the second application was made in Australia) can apply for a further visa TSS ST stream visa offshore.
They should, however, be aware that their immigration history may be relevant in terms of whether they are considered to have met the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for this visa stream.
Employers who are already approved standard business sponsors for subclass 457 will be able to sponsor skilled overseas workers under the TSS visa program:
- If subclass 457 nomination and visa applications are both lodged prior to TSS implementation, they will be processed under the current framework.
- if a subclass 457 nomination application is lodged without an associated 457 visa application being lodged before the commencement of TSS, it will, however, effectively become ‘redundant’ as subclass 457 nominations cannot be linked to TSS 482 visa applications, even where the nomination has already been approved (subject to the specific scenarios below).
Note:
- Secondary visa applicants (of 457 visa holders or pending 457 visa applicants) are able to lodge a subsequent dependent TSS application and if they meet requirements, will be granted a TSS 482 visa linked to their family’s subclass 457 visa/nomination application. The validity period of the TSS visa will match the expiry date of the subclass 457 primary visa holder.
- Subclass 457 visa holders whose visa is not expiring but wish to change employer after the implementation of TSS, can get their new employer to lodge a TSS 482 nomination application.
- Subclass 457 visa holders who wish to change occupation or need a new visa (for example: with longer validity), they will, however, need to lodge a new TSS visa application referencing a new TSS nomination application.
What is Condition 8607?
Condition 8607 is a new condition that it is anticipated will apply to all primary TSS visa holders.
It is similar to condition 8107, which currently applies to subclass 457 visa holders.
Condition 8607 will require TSS visa holders who wish to change occupation (as opposed to employer), to have a new nomination approved and a new visa granted before they start work in a new occupation.
Understanding the transition from 457 visa to TSS
Employers who are already approved standard business sponsors for subclass 457 will be able to sponsor skilled overseas workers under the TSS visa program:
- If subclass 457 nomination and visa applications are both lodged prior to TSS implementation, they will be processed under the current framework.
- If a subclass 457 nomination application is lodged without an associated 457 visa application being lodged before the commencement of TSS, it will, however, effectively become ‘redundant’ as subclass 457 nominations cannot be linked to TSS 482 visa applications, even where the nomination has already been approved (subject to the specific scenarios below).
Note:
- Secondary visa applicants (of 457 visa holders or pending 457 visa applicants) are able to lodge a subsequent dependent TSS application and if they meet requirements, will be granted a TSS 482 visa linked to their family’s subclass 457 visa/nomination application. The validity period of the TSS visa will match the expiry date of the subclass 457 primary visa holder.
- Subclass 457 visa holders whose visa is not expiring but wish to change employer after the implementation of TSS, can get their new employer to lodge a TSS 482 nomination application.
- Subclass 457 visa holders who wish to change occupation or need a new visa (for example: with longer validity), they will, however, need to lodge a new TSS visa application referencing a new TSS nomination application.
Labour Market Testing (LMT) for TSS 482 Visa
LMT arrangements are in place for the TSS 482 Visa – with occupation exemptions to LMT no longer available.
This is to ensure that employers try to find a suitably qualified Australians before they can seek to employ an overseas skilled worker on a TSS 482 visa.
Salary and Conditions Arrangements for TSS
Sponsors seeking to employ an overseas worker at a salary of under AUD250,000 will need to provide additional information to demonstrate that they are going to pay the market salary rate to ensure that overseas workers are protected and the local labour market is not undercut.
Frequently Asked Questions

Mrs. Indah Answers
ONEderland Consulting managing director and also registered migration agent with MARN 0961 448 is here to answer your questions!
- What is the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia?
- This temporary visa lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled and experienced worker to fill a position they can’t find a suitably skilled and experienced Australian or permanent resident to fill.
- Who can apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) and how long can will you be able to stay?
- The TSS visa has a short-term stream, a medium-term stream and a labour agreement stream. Applicants with occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL) are eligible for visas of up to two years (renewable once, for a further two years), whilst those on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) can apply for up to four years, with eligibility for permanent residency after three years.
- I am over 45 years old. Can I still apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)?
- Yes, you can. There is no age limit for this visa.
- Is skill assessment mandatory for this visa?
- A positive skill assessment is mandatory before you can apply for this visa. Depending on your nominated occupation, you need to have a skill assessment by an authorized assessing authority. The skill assessment can be done prior to lodging your visa or during the sponsorship and nomination process.
- Can I include my family members in my application for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)?
- Yes. Spouses/Partners and dependent children can be included in a TSS visa application as dependent family members. These family members will also have unrestricted work and study rights.
- Can I renew my TSS visa once it is due to expire?
- If your visa was granted to occupations on the STSOL, you can re-apply for one further two-year TSS visa. If your occupation is on the MLTSSL, you can renew the TSS visa for a further 4 years, or transit to permanent residency.
- Where can I apply for this visa?
- You can apply for this visa onshore or offshore. You must be outside of Australia if all of the following apply to you:
1. You have held more than one TSS visa in the Short-term stream;
2. You hold a TSS visa in the Short-term stream and you were in Australia when you applied for that visa;
3. Applying outside Australia is not inconsistent with an ITO;
4. Meanwhile, you must hold either a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, B or C if you want to apply onshore.
- You can apply for this visa onshore or offshore. You must be outside of Australia if all of the following apply to you:
- How much does this visa cost?
- The cost for this is $1,265 for the main applicant of the short-term stream and another $1,265 & $320 for every additional applicant aged 18 over and under respectively. While for the medium-term & labour agreement stream, the cost is $2,645 for the main applicant and another $2,645 & $660 for every additional applicant aged 18 over and under respectively.
- How long is the processing time for this visa?
- This visa takes about 84 days to 4 months for the short-term stream and 3 to 5 months for the medium-term stream to be processed.
TSS 482 VISA
Four Steps Process
Quick Links
TSS 482 VISA
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482
TSS 482 Visa Brief Overview
TSS visa enables employers to address labour shortages by hiring skilled workers where they cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian.
It facilitates employment of foreign workers to address temporary skill shortages, while ensuring that Australian workers get priority.
TSS 482 visa holders can work in Australia in their nominated occupation and may have a pathway to permanent residency.

WRITTEN BY
INDAH MELINDASARI, B.Com
MARN 0961 448 | UPDATED MAY 2019
SHARE THIS INFORMATION
TSS 482 Visa Brief Highlights
- From 18 March 2018, the 457 visa was abolished and replaced with the TSS visa (Subclass 482).
- The TSS 482 visa is comprised of a Short-Term stream, Medium-Term stream and Labour agreement stream.
- You must be sponsored by an approved business.
- A business can sponsor someone for this visa if they cannot find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to do the skilled work.
- You can be in or outside Australia when you lodge your application.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) streams
There are three streams available under the TSS 482 visa:
At the time of lodging a TSS nomination application, employers will need to select an employment period of up to:
- 1 year or 2 years for the short-term stream (unless an international trade obligation applies-up to 4 years); and
- 1 year, 2 years, 3 years or 4 years for the medium-term or labour agreements stream.
Comparison between Medium term TSS Visa and Short term TSS Visa
TSS Visa / 482 Visa Training Requirements
Employers sponsoring workers for a TSS 482 visa must pay a training contribution charge (known as the Skilling Australians Fund levy):
Repeat TSS 482 Visas
In general, all applicants for a TSS 482 visa (i.e. primary and secondary) can either be inside or outside Australia.
If the application is for a Short-term (ST) stream visa, however, the primary visa applicant must be offshore if all of the below apply:
- They have held more than one ST stream TSS 482 visa
- They were in Australia when the application for their most recent TSS 482 visa was made and
- This requirement would not be inconsistent with any international trade obligation (ITO).
Holders of two ST stream TSS visas in a row (where the second application was made in Australia) can apply for a further visa TSS ST stream visa offshore.
They should, however, be aware that their immigration history may be relevant in terms of whether they are considered to have met the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for this visa stream.
Employers who are already approved standard business sponsors for subclass 457 will be able to sponsor skilled overseas workers under the TSS visa program:
- If subclass 457 nomination and visa applications are both lodged prior to TSS implementation, they will be processed under the current framework.
- if a subclass 457 nomination application is lodged without an associated 457 visa application being lodged before the commencement of TSS, it will, however, effectively become ‘redundant’ as subclass 457 nominations cannot be linked to TSS 482 visa applications, even where the nomination has already been approved (subject to the specific scenarios below).
Note:
- Secondary visa applicants (of 457 visa holders or pending 457 visa applicants) are able to lodge a subsequent dependent TSS application and if they meet requirements, will be granted a TSS 482 visa linked to their family’s subclass 457 visa/nomination application. The validity period of the TSS visa will match the expiry date of the subclass 457 primary visa holder.
- Subclass 457 visa holders whose visa is not expiring but wish to change employer after the implementation of TSS, can get their new employer to lodge a TSS 482 nomination application.
- Subclass 457 visa holders who wish to change occupation or need a new visa (for example: with longer validity), they will, however, need to lodge a new TSS visa application referencing a new TSS nomination application.
What is Condition 8607?
Condition 8607 is a new condition that it is anticipated will apply to all primary TSS visa holders.
It is similar to condition 8107, which currently applies to subclass 457 visa holders.
Condition 8607 will require TSS visa holders who wish to change occupation (as opposed to employer), to have a new nomination approved and a new visa granted before they start work in a new occupation.
Understanding the transition from 457 visa to TSS
Employers who are already approved standard business sponsors for subclass 457 will be able to sponsor skilled overseas workers under the TSS visa program:
- If subclass 457 nomination and visa applications are both lodged prior to TSS implementation, they will be processed under the current framework.
- If a subclass 457 nomination application is lodged without an associated 457 visa application being lodged before the commencement of TSS, it will, however, effectively become ‘redundant’ as subclass 457 nominations cannot be linked to TSS 482 visa applications, even where the nomination has already been approved (subject to the specific scenarios below).
Note:
- Secondary visa applicants (of 457 visa holders or pending 457 visa applicants) are able to lodge a subsequent dependent TSS application and if they meet requirements, will be granted a TSS 482 visa linked to their family’s subclass 457 visa/nomination application. The validity period of the TSS visa will match the expiry date of the subclass 457 primary visa holder.
- Subclass 457 visa holders whose visa is not expiring but wish to change employer after the implementation of TSS, can get their new employer to lodge a TSS 482 nomination application.
- Subclass 457 visa holders who wish to change occupation or need a new visa (for example: with longer validity), they will, however, need to lodge a new TSS visa application referencing a new TSS nomination application.
Labour Market Testing (LMT) for TSS 482 Visa
LMT arrangements are in place for the TSS 482 Visa – with occupation exemptions to LMT no longer available.
This is to ensure that employers try to find a suitably qualified Australians before they can seek to employ an overseas skilled worker on a TSS 482 visa.
Salary and Conditions Arrangements for TSS
Sponsors seeking to employ an overseas worker at a salary of under AUD250,000 will need to provide additional information to demonstrate that they are going to pay the market salary rate to ensure that overseas workers are protected and the local labour market is not undercut.
Frequently Asked Questions

Mrs. Indah Answers
ONEderland Consulting managing director and also registered migration agent with MARN 0961 448 is here to answer your questions!
- What is the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia?
- This temporary visa lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled and experienced worker to fill a position they can’t find a suitably skilled and experienced Australian or permanent resident to fill.
- Who can apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) and how long can will you be able to stay?
- The TSS visa has a short-term stream, a medium-term stream and a labour agreement stream. Applicants with occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL) are eligible for visas of up to two years (renewable once, for a further two years), whilst those on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) can apply for up to four years, with eligibility for permanent residency after three years.
- I am over 45 years old. Can I still apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)?
- Yes, you can. There is no age limit for this visa.
- Is skill assessment mandatory for this visa?
- A positive skill assessment is mandatory before you can apply for this visa. Depending on your nominated occupation, you need to have a skill assessment by an authorized assessing authority. The skill assessment can be done prior to lodging your visa or during the sponsorship and nomination process.
- Can I include my family members in my application for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)?
- Yes. Spouses/Partners and dependent children can be included in a TSS visa application as dependent family members. These family members will also have unrestricted work and study rights.
- Can I renew my TSS visa once it is due to expire?
- If your visa was granted to occupations on the STSOL, you can re-apply for one further two-year TSS visa. If your occupation is on the MLTSSL, you can renew the TSS visa for a further 4 years, or transit to permanent residency.
- Where can I apply for this visa?
- You can apply for this visa onshore or offshore. You must be outside of Australia if all of the following apply to you:
1. You have held more than one TSS visa in the Short-term stream;
2. You hold a TSS visa in the Short-term stream and you were in Australia when you applied for that visa;
3. Applying outside Australia is not inconsistent with an ITO;
4. Meanwhile, you must hold either a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, B or C if you want to apply onshore.
- You can apply for this visa onshore or offshore. You must be outside of Australia if all of the following apply to you:
- How much does this visa cost?
- The cost for this is $1,265 for the main applicant of the short-term stream and another $1,265 & $320 for every additional applicant aged 18 over and under respectively. While for the medium-term & labour agreement stream, the cost is $2,645 for the main applicant and another $2,645 & $660 for every additional applicant aged 18 over and under respectively.
- How long is the processing time for this visa?
- This visa takes about 84 days to 4 months for the short-term stream and 3 to 5 months for the medium-term stream to be processed.