Different Types of Subclass 482 Visa and Fee Structure

The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), commonly known as the TSS visa, is designed by the Australian government to fill gaps in the labor market by allowing Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas.

The visa provides a pathway for employers to address temporary shortages in the workforce where suitably skilled Australian workers are not available. The TSS visa has different streams, each with distinct eligibility criteria, validity periods, and pathways to permanent residency.

The visa is flexible and categorized into different types depending on the nature of the occupation and the long-term goals of both the employer and the applicant.

Types of Subclass 482 Visa

Here you can read more about what is 482 visa for Australia. The Subclass 482 visa is broadly divided into three streams:

1. Short-Term Stream

This stream is for employers to sponsor skilled workers in occupations that are on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). The Short-Term Stream allows workers to stay in Australia for up to two years (or up to four years if an international trade obligation applies).

Validity: The visa can be renewed onshore once, allowing for a total stay of four years. However, it does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Eligibility: Applicants must be sponsored by an approved business and work in an occupation that is listed on the STSOL. The applicant must meet English language proficiency requirements, health, and character requirements.
Limitations: Since the occupation list is more limited, fewer positions qualify for this stream, and applicants cannot apply for permanent residency directly.

2. Medium-Term Stream

This stream is for workers whose occupations are on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Medium-Term Stream allows workers to stay in Australia for up to four years and may provide a pathway to permanent residency after three years of employment.

Validity: Visa holders can stay for four years and can reapply for further four-year visas as long as they meet the requirements. This stream also offers a path to permanent residency after three years of continuous employment with the same sponsor.
Eligibility: Applicants must work in an occupation listed on the MLTSSL and fulfill health, character, and English language requirements.
Advantages: This stream is more attractive as it allows applicants to eventually apply for permanent residency.

3. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for workers sponsored under a labour agreement between the Australian government and employers. Labour agreements are negotiated on a case-by-case basis and are typically used when there is a proven shortage of workers in an industry or for a specific employer.

Validity: The length of stay is determined by the labour agreement but can generally be up to four years.
Eligibility: This stream is highly flexible, allowing employers to bring in workers from overseas in occupations that are not on the STSOL or MLTSSL. It can also cater to workers in lower-skilled roles if the agreement permits.
Advantages: The Labour Agreement Stream can provide a pathway to permanent residency if it is specified in the agreement.

Other Important Aspects of Subclass 482 Visa

English Language Requirement

Applicants must meet minimum English language proficiency levels, with variations depending on the stream. The Short-Term Stream requires a lower level of English proficiency than the Medium-Term Stream.

Skill Assessment

For some occupations, applicants may need to undergo a formal skill assessment to ensure they meet Australian industry standards.

Health and Character Checks

All applicants must meet health and character requirements, including providing police clearance certificates and undergoing health assessments.

Nomination and Sponsorship

Before applying for a TSS visa, the applicant’s employer must first be approved as a sponsor, and the position must be nominated. Only then can the visa application be lodged.

Fee Structure for Subclass 482 Visa

The visa fees for Subclass 482 are structured based on the visa stream and the number of applicants. The fee structure generally includes:

Short-Term Stream Visa Application Charges:
- Primary Applicant: AUD 1,455
- Additional Applicant (over 18 years): AUD 1,455
- Additional Applicant (under 18 years): AUD 365
Medium-Term Stream Visa Application Charges:
- Primary Applicant: AUD 2,455
- Additional Applicant (over 18 years): AUD 2,455
- Additional Applicant (under 18 years): AUD 615
Labour Agreement Stream Visa Application Charges:
- The charges in this stream are similar to the Medium-Term Stream, with a Primary Applicant fee of AUD 2,455 and subsequent charges for additional applicants.
Other Costs:
- English Language Tests: If required, fees for English language proficiency tests (like IELTS) can range from AUD 300 to AUD 400.
- Skills Assessment: If applicable, skill assessment fees vary by occupation and assessment body but typically range from AUD 300 to AUD 1,500.
- Health Checkups: Medical examinations and health insurance can cost between AUD 300 and AUD 500, depending on the applicant’s health conditions.
- Character Assessment: Police clearance certificates may cost around AUD 42 per country.

Additional Charges

Some employers may be required to pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy, which supports the training of Australians to meet skills shortages. This levy is calculated based on the business size and visa duration:

Small businesses (annual turnover of less than AUD 10 million) pay AUD 1,200 per year.
Other businesses pay AUD 1,800 per year.

To get best immigration services, you must consult with an authorized MARA agent in Perth.

Conclusion

The Subclass 482 visa is an essential part of Australia’s immigration system, offering flexibility for employers and workers alike. Its three streams cater to different needs, from short-term skills shortages to pathways toward permanent residency. The visa’s fee structure, while transparent, can represent a significant cost depending on the stream and the number of applicants.

It remains an attractive option for skilled workers seeking to contribute to Australia’s economy and potentially settle permanently. However, visa holders should be mindful of the costs involved, including potential charges for English tests, health checks, and skills assessments.