482 Visa Australia: Requirements & Processing Time 2025
Australia has always been one of the world’s most attractive destinations for skilled professionals. With its growing industries and strong demand for international talent, the country has always welcomed workers from across the globe. The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), commonly referred to as the TSS visa, is the pathway that makes this possible for skilled professionals to work and move to Australia.
Designed to address Australia’s workforce gaps, the 482 visa Australia allows approved businesses to sponsor foreign workers for roles they cannot fill locally. For skilled professionals, it’s a chance to gain international work experience, support career growth, and in many cases, transition to permanent residency in Australia.
Here are some of the headline changes for 2025:
- The Skills in Demand visa officially replaced the TSS visa on 7 December 2024. While the 482 visa terminology is still widely used, applicants should be aware that the SID visa is the updated framework.
- There are now three distinct streams under the new visa: Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Essential Skills, each catering to different types of occupations and income brackets.
- Processing times have been significantly reduced: Specialist Skills applications can be finalized in as soon as 7 business days, while Core Skills applications target 21 business days.
- The salary thresholds have been revised: Core Skills applicants must meet the updated Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), now set at around AUD 73,150, while Specialist Skills applicants must earn at least AUD 135,000. These thresholds will rise further from 1 July 2025, indexed at 4.6% in line with national wage growth.
- Work experience requirements have been reduced from two years to one year, opening the door for more early-career professionals.
- Importantly, this visa offer a pathway to permanent residency after two years of employment with the same sponsor under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
These changes not only make the process faster and more accessible but also create an environment where skilled workers are encouraged to stay longer and contribute more to Australia’s economy.
If you are planning to apply in 2025, this guide on the 482 visa Australia is for you. Let’s understand this in further detail.
482 Visa Australia Requirements
The 482 visa (TSS), which is now integrated into the Skills in Demand visa system, is basically an employer-sponsored work permit visa. This means that an applicant cannot apply independently. They must be sponsored by an approved Australian business. The visa is divided into three streams, and eligibility depends on your occupation, salary level, and the type of agreement your employer has with the government.
Let’s break down the requirements by stream.
Core Skills Stream Requirements
The Core Skills stream is the most widely used pathway and covers hundreds of skilled occupations across sectors like IT, healthcare, engineering, construction, and education.
To qualify under this stream, applicants must meet the following:
- Occupation Requirement
Your job must appear on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which was updated in December 2024. The list currently includes more than 450 occupations across various industries. - Work Experience
You need at least 12 months (one year) of relevant full-time work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field. - Salary Threshold
Your offered salary must AUD76,515 for Nomination applications lodged on and between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026 and AUD73,150 for Nomination applications lodged on and between 7 December 2024 and 30 June 2025.
This ensures foreign workers are not underpaid compared to Australian workers. - Skills Assessment
For some occupations, especially trade-related ones and positions where regulatory bodies require licensing, a skills assessment is mandatory. - English Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge. For most occupations, an IELTS overall score of 5.0 with no band less than 4.5 (or equivalent) is required. - Employer Sponsorship
You must be sponsored by an approved Australian employer who has demonstrated that they cannot fill the position locally and has complied with Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirements. - Health and Character Checks
All applicants must meet standard health and character requirements. This usually involves medical examinations and police clearances from all countries where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.- The health requirement explains that most visa applicants must meet minimum health standards, often via medical examinations.
- The character requirements page outlines the need for police certificates and declaration forms to satisfy character obligations under Section 501 of the Migration Act.
This stream is ideal for professionals who may not be earning at the highest salary levels but have skills that are urgently needed in Australia.
Specialist Skills Stream Requirements
The Specialist Skills stream is targeted at high-income earners and senior professionals. Its design is to bring in talent that is globally mobile and can fill highly specialized roles in sectors like finance, advanced IT, scientific research, and senior management.
Key requirements include:
- High Salary Threshold
You must earn at least AUD 135,000 per year (this figure is indexed annually and will increase in July 2025). - Occupation Scope
Unlike the Core Skills stream, the Specialist Skills stream does not rely on a defined occupation list. However, it excludes trade occupations, drivers, and machinery operators. - Work Experience
You need at least 12 months (one year equivalent) of relevant experience in the field that you’re working in. - Skills Assessment
In many cases, no skills assessment is required, recognising that high-income professionals typically have demonstrable credentials and career experience. - Employer Sponsorship
The sponsoring employer must be an accredited sponsor with a track record of compliance. - Processing Priority
Applications under this stream benefit from fast-track processing, often finalized within 7 business days if all documents are ready.
For professionals who fall under this income bracket or these conditions, the Specialist Skills stream offers unparalleled speed and flexibility.
Labour Agreement Stream Requirements
The Labour Agreement stream is designed for situations where an employer has negotiated a specific agreement with the Australian government, often due to regional shortages or unique industry needs.
- Employers must have a Labour Agreement (such as a DAMA – Designated Area Migration Agreement).
- Requirements (salary, English, skills, and work experience) are set by the terms of the agreement, meaning they can be more flexible than the Core or Specialist streams.
- This pathway is particularly common in regional areas where industries like agriculture, hospitality, and aged care face chronic skill shortages.
For applicants who are skilled in labour work, the Labour Agreement stream can open doors even if their occupation is not on the standard Core Skills Occupation List.
Learn more about Job Opportunities here→ How to Get Job in Australia from India
Australia 482 Visa Processing Time
Visa processing times vary significantly due to visa type, workload, and application completeness, creating applicant anxiety. Authorities should prioritise clear communication and realistic expectations.
2025 Processing Time
- Specialist Skills stream: Median processing time is 7 business days for decision-ready applications.
- Core Skills stream: Median time is 21 business days.
- Labour Agreement stream: Varies significantly depending on the terms of the agreement.
However, these are ideal targets. In reality, reports from migration lawyers and applicants suggest:
- 50% of Core Skills applications are processed within 43 days.
- 90% are finalised within 84 days (The Australian).
The Specialist Skills stream fares better, with many applications finalized within 1–2 weeks.
Factors Affecting Processing Time
Several factors influence how quickly your application is processed:
- Whether your employer is an accredited sponsor.
- Completeness of your application and supporting documents.
- Whether a skills assessment or external checks (health/character) are required.
- The volume of applications in your occupation.
- Changes to government policy or income thresholds (e.g., the July 2025 updates).
Tips to Expedite Your Application
If you want to avoid delays:
- Submit a complete “decision-ready” application via ImmiAccount with all necessary documents uploaded beforehand to expedite your Australian 482 Visa application.
- Use an accredited sponsor if possible, as their applications often receive priority.
- Respond promptly to all Department of Home Affairs information requests to avoid delays or refusal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for a 482 visa involves three main stages:
- Employer Sponsorship and Nomination
Your employer needs to be an approved sponsor and nominate the position. Additionally, they must demonstrate that Labour Market Testing has been conducted. - Gather Documentation
You must gather all the necessary documents before applying for the visa. Key items include:- Passport
- Job offer/contract
- Skills assessment (if required)
- English test results
- Health insurance
- Police clearances
- Submit Visa Application
Submit your application and fee through the ImmiAccount, then upload all the required documents. - Visa Decision
After applying for a 482 visa, the Department of Home Affairs will process your case, thoroughly assessing all submitted documentation for compliance. Processing times vary based on application complexity, document accuracy, and departmental workload.
Transitioning to Permanent Residency
The 482 visa Australia is considered a popular pathway to permanent residency. This ensures a smooth transition of eligible holders to permanent visas after meeting specific criteria.
Eligibility for PR Transition
The most common pathway is the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, subclass 186 under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. To be eligible, you generally need:
- At least two years of full-time work with your sponsoring employer on a 482 visa.
- Be under the age of 45.
- Meet English language and skills requirements.
- Employer nomination for a permanent position.
PR Application Process
- Employer Nomination: Your employer formally nominates you, detailing your role, salary, and the need for a skilled worker.
- Submit Visa Application: Submit your Subclass 186 visa application, providing personal information, qualifications, and other supporting documents.
- Complete Health and Character Checks: Undergo health examinations and character checks to meet Australia’s requirements and assess suitability.
- Await PR Approval: The Department of Home Affairs assesses all the submitted documents. Successful approval grants you permanent residency in Australia, allowing indefinite living and working rights.
This pathway provides long-term security and access to additional rights and benefits in Australia.
Looking for alternate PR options? Read here→ How to Get PR in Australia from India?
Common Issues & Solutions When Applying for the 482 Visa
Applying for a 482 visa Australia is not always easy. Despite meeting the eligibility requirements on paper, many applicants face refusals due to technicalities, incomplete evidence, or employer-related issues. Below are the most common reasons for rejection and how to address them effectively.
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
One of the most common issues is applying with missing or inconsistent documents. The Department of Home Affairs has very strict evidence requirements, and even small oversights can make an application invalid.
Solution: Before submission, review your application against the official 482 visa document checklist provided by the Department of Home Affairs. It’s also wise to create a timeline of your career history and ensure all supporting references match the claimed dates and job titles.
2. English Language or Skills Assessment Issues
Applicants who fail to meet the minimum English proficiency requirements or cannot demonstrate skills through the required assessments often face refusal. For certain occupations, a skills assessment by an approved authority is mandatory, and failing to provide this is a major ground for rejection.
Solution: Double-check the skills assessment authority relevant to your occupation (for example, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, or TRA). Ensure your assessment is completed and valid at the time of application. For English, take approved tests like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic, and aim to score higher than the minimum to avoid borderline cases.
3. Sponsorship and Employer Compliance Failures
Even if your application is perfect, problems with your sponsoring employer can derail the process. Employers must meet compliance obligations, including being an approved Standard Business Sponsor and maintaining fair workplace practices. If an employer fails these checks, the visa will not be granted.
Solution: Ensure that your employer is an approved sponsor before applying. If you’re unsure about your employer’s compliance history, consider discussing this openly with them before lodging your application.
4. Labour Market Testing (LMT) Non-Compliance
Labour Market Testing is a requirement for most 482 visa nominations. Employers must advertise the position in Australia to demonstrate that no suitable local candidate is available before hiring an overseas worker. If the advertising does not meet the strict criteria, the visa can be refused.
Solution: Employers should carefully follow the Department’s official LMT requirements. As an applicant, request confirmation from your employer that their advertising meets the guidelines before proceeding.
5. Handling Refusals and Appeals
Even after a refusal, applicants may have pathways to challenge the decision. In many cases, you can lodge an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The AAT has the power to review visa refusals and overturn incorrect decisions. However, appeals can be time-consuming, and the success rate depends on the strength of your evidence and representation.
Solution: If your application is refused, consult a registered migration agent (MARA-registered) or an immigration lawyer to assess your appeal options.
Conclusion
The 482 visa (now transitioning into the Skills in Demand visa) remains one of the most important work visa options for skilled professionals seeking to build a future in Australia. With faster processing, clearer salary thresholds, and stronger pathways to permanent residency, the 2025 reforms have made this visa more attractive than ever.
For many applicants, the rules around sponsorship, health cover, and work conditions can feel overwhelming. That’s why working with trusted advisors makes the process smoother and less stressful.
If you’re considering applying for a 482 visa or exploring your PR options, VisaAxis can provide expert guidance tailored to your situation, helping you make the right move with confidence.
Book a call with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:1 Do I need private health insurance?
Yes. All 482 visa holders must maintain adequate health insurance for themselves and their family throughout their stay. Without proof of cover, your visa may be refused or cancelled. Many applicants choose Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) to meet this requirement.
Q:2 Can I change employers while on a 482 visa?
Yes. You can switch employers, but your new employer must be an approved sponsor, and a fresh nomination must be lodged. Recent updates give you 180 days to find a new sponsor, ensuring job flexibility while staying compliant with visa conditions.
Q:3 Is the 482 visa a pathway to PR?
Yes. Many applicants transition to permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186 visa) after working for the same sponsor for two years. This pathway is attractive for skilled workers looking to build long-term careers in Australia.
Q:4 How much does the 482 visa cost?
The cost depends on the visa stream, the size of your family unit, and whether additional charges apply. For example, the primary applicant pays a base fee, with extra charges for dependents. You can find updated fees on the Home Affairs website.