Commonwealth Migration Group

Subclass 482 · Employer Sponsored · Temporary Work

Australia's primary employer-sponsored work visa. An approved employer nominates you for a genuine skill shortage role — with a clear pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 186.

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Understanding Your Pathway

The Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa allows approved Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill genuine gaps where no suitable Australian worker is available. It operates through two streams: the Short-term stream (up to 2 years) for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and the Medium-term stream (up to 4 years) for higher-skilled roles. The 482 replaced the former 457 visa in 2018 and is the most direct route to employer-sponsored permanent residence via the Subclass 186 after 3 years of full-time work.

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Key Facts

Essential details about this visa pathway

Subclass

482

Grants

Temporary — up to 2 years (short-term) or 4 years (medium-term)

Sponsor required

Yes — Department-approved Standard Business Sponsor

Points-tested

No

Processing time

1–3 months (indicative, after nomination approval)

Government fee (primary)

AUD $3,115 (short-term, 2-year grant)

Know Before You Apply

Everything you need before you apply — eligibility, documents, and costs in one place.

Eligibility Requirements

Check the key criteria you must meet for this visa pathway.

Document Checklist

Review all required and supporting documents needed for your visa application.

Investment Overview

Understand the full cost breakdown including government fees and professional charges.

Your Step-by-Step Journey

From assessment to visa grant — here's how the process works.

The employer applies to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) with the Department of Home Affairs, demonstrating a lawfully operating business and commitment to training Australians. CMG manages the sponsorship application end to end.

For most occupations, the employer must advertise the position locally for at least 28 days and demonstrate no suitable Australian worker was available. LMT evidence must be recent (within 4 months of nomination lodgement).

The employer lodges a nomination for the specific position, occupation, salary and location. The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is paid at this stage — AUD 1,200/year (small business) or AUD 1,800/year (other). CMG prepares all nomination evidence.

Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority if required for your occupation. CMG confirms whether this applies to you before you commit to the process.

Once nomination is approved (or concurrently where eligible), the worker lodges the 482 visa application, pays the government fee, and uploads employment evidence, English test results, health and character documents.

Complete health examinations at an approved panel physician and provide police clearances from all relevant countries. Biometrics may also be collected depending on nationality.

On grant, you may only work for the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation. Any change of employer or occupation requires a new nomination and, typically, a new visa application.

Available Subclasses

Subclass 482 Short-term

Core Skills Stream

For occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Grants up to 2 years of work rights with the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation.

  • Up to 2 years (extendable)
  • Occupation must be on CSOL
  • Labour market testing required
  • No direct PR pathway from this stream
Learn More

Subclass 482 Medium-term

Specialist Skills Stream

For higher-skilled occupations requiring specialist expertise. Grants up to 4 years and provides a direct pathway to permanent residence via Subclass 186 after 3 years.

  • Up to 4 years work rights
  • Pathway to 186 PR after 3 years
  • Higher salary threshold applies
  • Skills assessment may be required
Learn More

Subclass 186

Employer Nomination Scheme

Permanent residence through employer sponsorship. Medium-term 482 holders can apply via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after 3 years of full-time work.

  • Permanent residence from grant
  • TRT stream: 3 years on 482 required
  • Must be under 45 (or exempt)
  • Same employer must nominate
Learn More

Why Choose Commonwealth Migration Group

Employer-sponsored migration involves obligations for both you and your employer. Here is why professionals and businesses across the UAE choose CMG to manage their 482 applications.

01

Our MARA-registered agents specialize in employer-sponsored migration from the UAE. We guide both employers and employees through every TSS nomination and sponsorship obligation with ease.

02

We have successfully lodged hundreds of 482 applications across a wide range of occupations and industries. Our experience means your nomination is structured correctly from the very first submission.

03

We manage the entire process — from employer sponsorship approval to visa grant. You focus on your new role while CMG handles every form, fee, and follow-up with the Department of Home Affairs.

04

Employer-sponsored visas have strict obligations on both sides. We explain every condition clearly so your employer stays compliant and your visa remains secure throughout your stay in Australia.

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about the skilled migration process.

Skilled Migration

Can my employer sponsor me if they are a small or new business?

Yes. Small and new businesses can be approved Standard Business Sponsors, provided they can demonstrate they are a lawfully operating business in Australia and have a genuine full-time position requiring the skills of the overseas worker. CMG works with businesses of all sizes through the sponsorship process.

Not the right visa? Find your pathway.

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