Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

What’s new (effective 7 December 2024)

• The TSS (Subclass 482) short-term/medium-term streams based on the STSOL/MLTSSL/ROL lists have been replaced by a unified model under the SID visa.
• A new occupation list called the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) applies for most applicants under the Core Skills Stream.

From 1 July 2024, the relevant minimum salary thresholds and experience requirements have been updated:

• The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) was increased.
• The minimum work experience requirement was reduced to 12 months full-time in the last 5 years for many occupations.
• Pathway to permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is now available to more SID visa holders provided the other requirements are met.

Streams of the Visa

While the original page listed “Short-Term”, “Medium-Term” and “Labour Agreement” streams, the updated SID visa classification includes three main streams (as of 2025): Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement. Below is a simplified alignment with the old terminology:

Core Skills Stream

• Occupation must be on the CSOL.
• Allows employment in Australia up to 4 years (some Specialist Skills may be longer).
• Pathway to permanent residency possible for roles on CSOL.

Specialist Skills Stream

• For highly skilled or niche occupations – higher salary threshold (Specialist Skills Income Threshold, SSIT) applies.
• Up to 5 years in some cases (e.g., Hong Kong passport holders).

Labour Agreement Stream

• For employers who have bespoke labour agreements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Eligibility Criteria for the Applicant

To be eligible under any of the above streams, you generally must:

• Have a sponsoring employer who is an approved Standard Business Sponsor (or via a labour agreement).
• Be nominated in an eligible occupation (depending on the stream: CSOL, Specialist or Labour Agreement).
• Have the required skills, experience and qualifications (minimum 12 months full-time experience in the last 5 years for many occupations).
• Meet the English language, health and character requirements.
• Be paid at least the annual market salary rate or the specialist income threshold if applicable.
• If applying from within Australia, hold a valid visa or bridging visa as required.

Eligibility Criteria for the Nominating Employer

• An Australian employer (or sponsoring business) must:
• Be legally operating and approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).
• Pay sponsorship and nomination fees.
• Nominate a person in an occupation on the eligible list (e.g., CSOL) or under a labour agreement.
• Meet the salary obligations, labour market testing (where required) and other regulatory obligations.

English Language, Health and Character Requirements

• English: Proficiency requirements vary depending on stream and role.
• Health: Applicants and included family members must meet Australia’s health requirements (medical checks).
• Character: Police certificates and character checks required.
• Family: Eligible partner/de facto and dependent children may be included in the application (or added later).

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Yes – under the SID (Subclass 482) visa, there is a pathway to permanent residency (via the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme) for those who meet the eligibility. Notably:

• Those holding a visa under CSOL or in a labour agreement stream may transition after typically 2 years of full-time employment with the sponsoring employer.
• Specific occupations, employer conditions and other factors will apply, so individual advice is strongly recommended.

Visa Costs

Applicant costs:

• From 1 July 2025: AUD 3,210 for main applicant and each dependent 18+; AUD 805 for each dependent under 18.
• Additional Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC) AUD 700 may apply if lodged in Australia, depending on prior visas.

Employer costs:

• Standard Business Sponsorship application: AUD 420.
• Nomination fee: AUD 330.

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy:

• For turnover < AUD 10 million: AUD 1,200 per visa year.
• For turnover ≥ AUD 10 million: AUD 1,800 per visa year.

Example: A small business nominating a worker for 2 years would pay: nomination fee AUD 330 + SAF levy (2 × 1,200) = AUD 2,730 (plus sponsorship if not already approved).