1. Two Streams Explained
The 482 visa operates across two occupational streams, each tied to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and the corresponding occupation lists maintained by the Department of Home Affairs.
Short-term Stream
The Short-term stream applies to occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). It grants a visa of up to 2 years (or up to 4 years where an international trade obligation applies, such as under a free trade agreement). The Short-term stream does not provide a direct pathway to employer-sponsored permanent residence, which is a critical planning consideration for workers who intend to remain in Australia long-term.
Medium-term Stream
The Medium-term stream applies to occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It grants a visa of up to 4 years and — crucially — provides a pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Transition to Residence (TRT) stream or the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa.
| Feature | Short-term Stream | Medium-term Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation list | STSOL | MLTSSL |
| Visa duration | Up to 2 years | Up to 4 years |
| Renewals | Limited (onshore only once) | Multiple renewals possible |
| PR pathway | Not directly available | 186 TRT after 2 years |
| Regional pathway | 494 (some occupations) | 494 available |
2. Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the 482 visa is assessed at both the employer (nomination) and applicant (visa) stage. Meeting the occupation list and salary requirements is necessary but not sufficient — both sides of the application must meet their respective criteria.
For the Nominated Worker
- Occupation match: The applicant's role must match the nominated ANZSCO occupation at the unit group level. A title match is not enough — the duties must align.
- Skills and qualifications: The applicant must have qualifications or work experience relevant to the nominated occupation. Degree requirements depend on the ANZSCO unit group.
- English language: Competent English is required. Acceptable tests include IELTS (6.0 overall), PTE Academic (50 overall), TOEFL iBT (60 overall), and Cambridge (169 overall). Exemptions apply for passport holders from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.
- Health and character: Standard Australian health and character requirements apply, including a police clearance from each country lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
- Work experience: At least 2 years of work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field is typically required.
For the Employer (Nomination)
- Must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) or be applying for SBS approval concurrently.
- The position must be a genuine full-time role that exists within the business.
- The nominated salary must meet or exceed both the TSMIT and the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the occupation and location.
- Labour Market Testing (LMT) must have been conducted within the 4 months prior to nomination (with limited exemptions).
3. The Employer's Obligations
Becoming an approved sponsor creates a series of ongoing obligations that persist throughout the visa holder's employment — and in some cases, beyond it.
Key Sponsor Obligations
- No cost transfer: Sponsors must not pass the cost of sponsorship or migration-related expenses to the sponsored worker. This includes application fees, agent fees, and any other costs associated with the nomination or visa application.
- Equivalent terms and conditions: Sponsored workers must be employed under terms and conditions no less favourable than those that apply — or would apply — to an Australian citizen or permanent resident in the same role.
- Notifying changes: Sponsors must notify the Department of Home Affairs of changes to the business structure, changes to the worker's employment conditions, or cessation of employment.
- Record-keeping: Sponsors must maintain records of the worker's employment, pay, and duties for the duration of the sponsorship period.
- Cooperate with inspections: Sponsors must cooperate with Department inspectors if an audit or compliance check is conducted.
Non-compliance with sponsor obligations can result in a formal warning, financial penalties, suspension or cancellation of sponsor status, and a bar on future nominations. In serious cases, criminal charges may apply.
4. TSMIT and Salary Requirements
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) sets the minimum annual salary that can be paid to a 482 visa holder. From 1 July 2026, the TSMIT is $73,150 per year.
The nominated salary must meet or exceed:
- The TSMIT ($73,150 from 1 July 2026), AND
- The Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) — what an equivalent Australian worker in the same role and location would be paid.
The AMSR is determined by reference to industry awards, enterprise agreements, and market salary data. Employers cannot use the TSMIT as a default salary if the AMSR for the occupation is higher.
5. Costs and Fees
The 482 visa process involves fees at three stages: the Standard Business Sponsor application, the nomination, and the visa application itself.
| Stage | Fee (approx.) | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) approval | No charge (from 2023) | Employer |
| Nomination | $540 | Employer (cannot be passed to worker) |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy — small business (<$10m turnover) | $1,200 per year (capped at 2 yrs for short-term) | Employer |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy — large business | $1,800 per year | Employer |
| 482 Visa application (primary applicant) | $3,115 | Applicant or employer |
| 482 Visa application (secondary applicant — adult) | $1,040 | Applicant or employer |
| 482 Visa application (secondary applicant — child) | $780 | Applicant or employer |
Note that the SAF levy is paid by the employer and is non-refundable. The levy contribution may be refunded if the visa is refused, but is not refunded if the worker chooses to depart early.
6. The Pathway to PR
For workers on the Medium-term stream, the primary pathway to permanent residence is the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme via the Transition to Residence (TRT) stream.
TRT Eligibility Requirements
- Must have held a 482 (or predecessor 457) visa for at least 2 years.
- Must have been employed in the nominated occupation for the same employer for the 2 years preceding the 186 application.
- The occupation must appear on the MLTSSL (as at the time of the 186 application).
- Must be under 45 years of age at the time of 186 application (unless an age exemption applies).
- Must meet English language requirements (Competent English).
Planning the Transition
The 2-year clock starts from the grant of the 482 visa, not from the start of employment. Workers who change employers, change occupations, or have gaps in employment during the 2-year period may face complications with TRT eligibility. It is worth building a transition timeline from the first day of 482 visa grant.
Short-term stream visa holders who wish to pursue permanent residence should consider whether a change of occupation (if eligible) or a regional option (494 visa) might be more suitable. A detailed pathway assessment early in the 482 period can prevent costly course corrections later.