Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) Changes and Current Pathways

The former Temporary Skill Shortage visa (TSS) framework has been replaced by the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482).

The Subclass 482 visa continues to allow Australian employers to sponsor overseas skilled workers where they cannot find suitably qualified Australian workers for the role.

If you are looking for current information about the Subclass 482 visa, please refer to our updated page: Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482).

Current Subclass 482 Visa Pathways

The current Skills in Demand visa framework includes different pathways depending on the occupation, salary level and sponsorship arrangement.

• Core Skills Stream – for many standard employer-sponsored occupations.
• Specialist Skills Stream – for certain high-income and specialised roles.
• Labour Agreement Stream – where an employer sponsors workers under a labour agreement with the Australian Government.

Employer Sponsorship Process

Employers usually need to complete several steps before sponsoring an overseas worker.

1. Sponsorship: the employer must be approved or eligible to sponsor overseas workers.
2. Nomination: the employer nominates an eligible occupation and position.
3. Visa application: the nominated worker applies for the Subclass 482 visa.

Visa Applicant Requirements

Applicants may need to show that they meet visa requirements, including:

• relevant qualifications or work experience;
• English language requirements, unless an exemption applies;
• skills assessment requirements, where applicable;
• health and character requirements;
• adequate health insurance arrangements, where required.

English requirements and other eligibility criteria depend on the visa stream and the applicant’s circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs confirms that primary applicants for the Skills in Demand visa may need to demonstrate minimum English proficiency unless exemptions apply. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Can a Subclass 482 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

Some Subclass 482 visa holders may later become eligible for permanent residency through employer-sponsored pathways.

Relevant pathways may include:

• Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

Related Employer Sponsored Visa Pages

• Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
• Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
• Employer Sponsored Visa Program