What the 482 visa does.
The 482 allows an approved employer to sponsor a suitably skilled overseas worker for an eligible position. It can be relevant to a new international hire or a person already in Australia, depending on their circumstances.
Our immigration advice draws on experience gained since 2008. We work with employers making strategic appointments in mining, construction, technology, research and healthcare, as well as businesses with an ongoing need for international recruitment.
The three 482 streams
| Stream | Starting point |
|---|---|
| Specialist Skills | For eligible higher-paid roles. Occupation group restrictions and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold matter; salary alone does not establish access. |
| Core Skills | For an eligible occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, with the required market salary and income threshold. |
| Labour Agreement | For a nomination under an approved labour agreement. The agreement’s occupation coverage and terms govern what can be considered. |
We compare the streams against the duties and remuneration of the proposed role. Occupation classification, experience and the employer’s circumstances can affect the result.
What the employer needs to establish.
Sponsorship approval, the nomination of the role and the worker’s visa application are connected assessments. An existing sponsor still needs to examine the proposed nomination. Where a labour agreement is involved, its framework also needs to be checked.
Key questions include the genuine role in the business, occupation classification, proposed employment conditions, salary and any labour market testing requirement or exemption. We consider these before the business relies on a proposed start date.
Salary thresholds can change and different streams use different settings. The market rate and the applicable minimum both need attention. A package that includes benefits should not simply be assumed to satisfy the relevant salary measure.
What the candidate needs to establish.
The worker’s qualifications and employment history need to support the nominated role. Relevant experience, English, any required skills assessment, licensing or registration, and health and character requirements need examination.
Core Skills and Specialist Skills generally require at least one year of relevant work experience. The Labour Agreement stream has its own terms. Exactly which work counts and which evidence supports it must be checked.
If the person is already in Australia, bring the current visa grant and expiry date. Do not assume that a job offer or a lodged application alone authorises the proposed work.
Permanent residence after a 482
A 482 may form part of a longer retention plan, but permanent residence is a separate assessment. We consider the possible 186 pathway early, alongside the current temporary appointment.
For employers sponsoring regularly, an ongoing arrangement can connect recruitment, new nominations and changes affecting existing sponsored employees. Scope and fees are agreed before work begins.
Preparing for a sponsorship assessment
Bring the role description, remuneration, work location, candidate’s CV and current visa details, together with the employer’s sponsorship history. Those facts allow the conversation to focus on the route and the issues that could change the decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 482 the same as the former TSS visa?
The Skills in Demand visa uses subclass 482 and replaced the TSS framework for new applications. Existing visa history still matters, so bring the actual grant and nomination records rather than relying on the name alone.
Does Specialist Skills cover every highly paid job?
No. The stream has occupation group restrictions as well as an income threshold and other requirements. The duties and occupation classification need assessment alongside remuneration.
Can my employer sponsor me if I am already in Australia?
Potentially. Your current visa, conditions, proposed work and eligibility for the relevant application must be checked. You can contact us if your employer is willing to sponsor you.
Official information
Read the current government guidance alongside advice for your circumstances.