The Subclass 482 Visa, under its Short-Term stream, is designed for skilled workers who have an offer of employment from an Australian employer unable to find a local worker for the job. This visa permits the holder to work in Australia for up to two years, with a possibility for renewal under certain conditions. Here’s an SEO-friendly summary of the key aspects of the Subclass 482 Short-Term Stream:
Overview and Eligibility
The 482 Visa Short-Term Stream allows employers to address labor shortages by bringing in skilled workers for occupations listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL). To be eligible, applicants must have at least two years of relevant work experience and meet English language requirements. Certain occupations may require a skills assessment. The visa process involves three stages: sponsorship by an employer, nomination of a position, and the visa application by the employee.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they are passport holders from certain English-speaking countries or have completed five years of full-time study in an institution where English was the medium of instruction. Various English language tests are accepted, including IELTS, OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge tests, each with its own minimum score requirements.
Application and Renewal
The visa can be renewed once for a further two years, provided a new employer nomination and visa application are submitted. There’s also a pathway to permanent residency under certain conditions, primarily through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Visa after three years of work under this visa stream.
Labour Market Testing (LMT)
Employers must demonstrate that they have attempted to find suitably qualified Australian workers before employing someone on a 482 visa. This involves advertising the nominated position locally and proving no suitable local candidate was found.
Costs and Processing Time
The application cost for the primary applicant is AUD 1,455, with additional costs for family members. The processing times can vary but generally range from 9 days to 3 months. The exact time can depend on the completeness of the application, response times to requests for additional information, and the time it takes for necessary checks to be completed.
Including Family Members
Applicants can include family members in their application, such as spouses or de facto partners and dependent children. These family members must meet health and character requirements and can live, work, and study in Australia for the duration of the main applicant’s visa.
Employer Requirements
Employers must be approved as Standard Business Sponsors or have a labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. They must also prove their business is legally established and operating, comply with Australian laws, and commit to employing local labor. The nomination application must show the overseas worker will be paid at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and meet the market salary rate.
This visa stream provides a flexible option for Australian businesses facing short-term skill shortages and offers overseas workers an opportunity to gain international work experience. For detailed eligibility criteria, application processes, and more information on the Short-Term stream of the Subclass 482 Visa, consulting with migration experts or visiting the official Department of Home Affairs website is advisable.
