If you're considering applying for the Australian 482 visa, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial. The 482 visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill positions that cannot be filled by local talent. This guide will help you determine your 482 visa eligibility by focusing on key factors such as occupation lists, skills, qualifications, work experience, skills assessments, and English proficiency.
1. Understand the Visa Streams and Occupation Lists
To start, it's important to know which stream of the 482 visa applies to you as this will have an effect on the length of the visa, cost and English requirements. The visa has two main streams:
- Short-Term Stream: For occupations listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). The visa will be granted for up to 2 years, the government fees are A$1,495 and has a slightly lower requirement for English proficiency compared to the Medium-Term Stream.
- Medium-Term Stream: For occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL). The visa is granted for up to 4 years and the government fees are A$3,115.
2. Check Your Occupation is Listed for the 482 Visa
The first step in checking your 482 visa eligibility is to ensure that your occupation is on the relevant list. To do this you can follow the following steps:
- Go to the Government’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) page.
- Scroll down to the ‘Skilled Occupation List’ search bar.
- In the ‘Select Visa’ drop down menu tick both 482 - Temporary Skilled Shortage visa options.
- You can either scroll down and go through the list or you can try typing your occupation title into the ‘Search’ field above the ‘Select Visa’ dropdown.
Once you have found your occupation, it is important to keep a note of the correct ANZSCO Occupation title and number as you will need this in the future.
3. Review General Eligibility Requirements
Once you’ve identified your occupation, you’ll need to understand the main general requirements for the 482 visa.
- Skills: Your occupation must be listed on the relevant list, and you must have the skills necessary for the role.
- Qualifications: You should hold qualifications directly related to your nominated occupation and equivalent to Australian standards.
- Skills & Experience: Relevant work experience is crucial, typically ranging from 2 to 5 years, depending on the occupation.
- Skills Assessment (if required): Some occupations require a formal skills assessment from an authorised body to verify your skills and qualifications.
- English Proficiency: You must demonstrate a specific level of English language ability through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, if an exemption doesn’t apply to you..
4. Find Specific Requirements for Your Occupation
The eligibility requirements for the 482 visa can vary based on your occupation. Here’s how to find out the specific requirements:
- Review the ANZSCO Description: Using the ANZSCO website, search your ANZSCO code or title to find the detailed occupation description. This description provides information on the skills, qualifications, and experience needed for your role.
- Check Qualifications: In the ANZSCO description for your occupation it lists what level of related formal qualification you will need. If your qualification was obtained from overseas, your qualification will need to be recognised as being the same level or above as listed. For some occupations, it may state that additional work experience can be used to substitute formal qualifications.
- Review Work Experience Requirements: For the 482 visa you need a minimum of two years of full-time work experience. However, some occupations may require more, if they do, it will state how many years in the ANZSCO description.
- Determine if a Skills Assessment is Required: Depending on your occupation and nationality, you may need to complete a skills assessment. You can check if you need a skills assessment from our article.
- Verify English Language Requirements: If no English test exemptions apply to you, a test is required. The minimum score will be determined by which stream your occupation is on. More information about the scores and tests can be found here.
5. Prepare Your Documentation
Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the 482 visa eligibility requirements, gather and prepare your documentation. This may include:
- Proof of qualifications (degrees, certificates)
- Evidence of relevant work experience (reference letters, employment contracts, payslips)
- English language test results (if applicable)
- Skills assessment results (if applicable)
- Identification documents (passport, passport photo)
- Proof you meet the character requirements (police clearance certificates)
This guide should only be used as a starting point when deciding if the 482 visa is the right option for you and to make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. It is always worth contacting a Registered Migration Agent who will be able to perform a thorough eligibility assessment to make sure you meet all of the requirements, before lodging your visa application.
If you need help with your documents or have any questions, please email us at enquiries@visajobs.com.au