What is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482?

Souradeep Saha
May 4
4 min read

The TSS Visa (Subclass 482) allows skilled workers from overseas to work in Australia for an approved business that is unable to fill a skilled position locally. It acts as a temporary work visa and a potential stepping stone to permanent residency.

Whether you're an IT professional, engineer, healthcare worker, chef, or tradesperson, this visa may be your fastest way to start working in Australia—with the right sponsor and guidance.

🧭 Who is the 482 Visa for?

This visa is ideal for:

Skilled professionals with 2+ years of experience
Individuals who have an occupation on the skilled list
People who have a job offer from an approved Australian sponsor
Those looking for a pathway to permanent residency via the 186 visa

🧩 Types of TSS 482 Visa Streams

There are three streams under the 482 visa. Your occupation and employer’s intentions will determine which one applies:

Short-Term Stream
- For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Valid for up to 2 years (renewable once onshore)
- PR pathway is limited
Medium-Term Stream
- For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Valid for up to 4 years
- Leads to permanent residency after 2-3 years (via Subclass 186)
Labour Agreement Stream
- For occupations and employers under a Labour Agreement between the employer and the Australian government
- Often used for niche skills or regional workforce needs

Not sure which stream you're eligible for? Aussie Pathways offers a free skill assessment to help you choose the right pathway.

📋 Occupation List Eligibility

Your occupation must appear on the Skilled Occupation Lists (STSOL or MLTSSL) to qualify.

Some popular occupations for Indian professionals include:

Software Engineer
Registered Nurse
Civil Engineer
Chef
Welder
Auto Mechanic
Marketing Specialist

Struggling to understand if your job qualifies? Aussie Pathways can guide you through the latest Skilled Occupation List and help you interpret your eligibility.

🎓 Skills, Qualifications & Work Experience

To apply for a 482 visa, you must:

Have a relevant qualification or equivalent work experience
Possess at least 2 years of full-time work experience in your nominated occupation
In some cases, undergo a skills assessment (mandatory for specific countries and occupations)

We help you get skill assessments done with authorized bodies and ensure your work experience is presented in the best possible format.

🏢 Employer Sponsorship Process

Before you apply, your Australian employer must become a Standard Business Sponsor. Then:

Employer nominates you for a position
You apply for the visa after nomination is approved

The employer must:

Be lawfully operating in Australia
Demonstrate efforts to recruit locally
Offer minimum salary thresholds (usually AUD $70,000+ for MLTSSL occupations)

Aussie Pathways helps you with ways to find employers who are already registered sponsors or are willing to become one. However it's important to note, Aussie Pathways doesn't guarantee employment. Client should not choose Aussie Pathways Service for Employment.

🗣 English Language Requirements

You must meet English proficiency requirements, such as:

IELTS: Minimum score of 5.0 in each band (Short-Term), 5.0 overall with no band less than 5.0 (Medium-Term)
TOEFL / PTE / OET / Cambridge scores also accepted

Certain exemptions apply (e.g., passport holders from UK/US/Canada/NZ/Ireland).

Worried about clearing IELTS/PTE? Aussie Pathways provides free language coaching with expert trainers.

📆 Visa Duration, Conditions & Renewal

Stream	Duration	Renewal	PR Pathway
Short-Term	Up to 2 years	Once onshore	Limited
Medium-Term	Up to 4 years	Unlimited	Yes, via 186
Labour Agreement	Up to 4 years	Depends on agreement	Yes, if eligible

You can work only for the sponsoring employer and must start work within 90 days of arriving in Australia.

Aussie Pathways handles your visa filing and renewal tracking so you never miss a deadline.

🛤️ Transitioning to PR: TSS to Subclass 186

If you’re on a Medium-Term or Labour Agreement stream, you can transition to Permanent Residency (Subclass 186 visa) after:

2 or 3 years of working with the sponsoring employer
Meeting English and skill criteria

Want to use your 482 visa to gain PR later? Our experts can help plan your pathway from day one.

🧳 Post-Landing Support by Aussie Pathways

Our services don’t stop once you get the visa. We also offer:

Help in booking your flight and insurance
Assistance with finding temporary accommodation
Guidance for opening an Australian bank account
Resume redesign and networking for job changes after PR
Support with PR transition via Subclass 186

👉 “Confused about which 482 stream suits your career? Book a free consultation with Aussie Pathways today.”

👉 “Want to gain PR through the TSS visa? Let’s plan your journey from the start.”

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I find an employer to sponsor my 482 visa?

A: You can apply to job boards like SEEK, Indeed, or through our network. Aussie Pathways actively helps eligible clients find sponsor-ready employers in their field.

Q: Can I bring my family on a 482 visa?

A: Yes! You can include your spouse and dependent children. Your spouse can work full-time in Australia without restriction.

Q: Is there an age limit for the 482 visa?

A: No formal age limit. However, if you plan to transition to PR later, the age limit for PR (typically under 45) may apply.

Q: What if I lose my job on a 482 visa?

A: You have 60 days to find another sponsoring employer. Aussie Pathways offers relocation job support to assist during such transitions.

Q: Can I switch employers on a 482 visa?

A: Yes, but the new employer must lodge a new nomination. You can’t start working until it's approved.

🧭 Final Thoughts

TSS 482 Visa is one of the most practical and fastest pathways for Indian professionals to start working in Australia. With a reliable sponsor, relevant skills, and proper guidance, it can also pave your way to permanent residency.