Australia’s temporary work visas offer skilled and semi-skilled workers the opportunity to live and work in Australia for a limited period. The most prominent option is the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa, which allows employers to sponsor overseas talent when local workers are not available. In this guide, we cover all 2025 requirements, fees, processing times, and a step-by-step application process to help you secure your temporary work visa.
Overview of Temporary Work Visas
Temporary work visas allow qualified professionals, tradespeople, and other workers to fill labor shortages in Australia for a defined period. Key features include:
- Employer Sponsorship: Most subclass 482 visas require an approved Australian employer sponsor.
- Valid Period: Ranges from short-term (up to 6 months) to medium-term (up to 4 years) depending on the visa stream.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Some visa holders can transition to permanent visas (e.g., Subclass 186) after meeting criteria.
Key Visa Types for 2025
Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482)
- Purpose: Enables Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers when no suitable local talent is available.
- Streams:
- Short-Term Stream (up to 2 years, renewable once; occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List).
- Medium-Term Stream (up to 4 years; occupations on the Medium-Long-Term Strategic Skills List).
- Labour Agreement Stream (for positions under a negotiated labour agreement).
Short-Stay Work Visas (Subclass 400)
- Purpose: Allows short-term, non-ongoing work (e.g., special events, emergency repairs) for up to 6 months.
- Eligibility: Demonstrate that employment is genuinely short-term and cannot be performed by an Australian.
Training and Research Visas (Subclass 407)
- Purpose: Allows participation in workplace-based training or research in Australia for up to 2 years.
- Streams: Occupational training, medical training, research activities, cultural exchange.
- Eligibility: Sponsoring organization must be approved; applicant must have sufficient English and relevant qualifications.
Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
- Purpose: Covers a range of short-term activities, including:
- Entertainment Work (film, TV, live performances).
- Special Programmes (research, participation in events or competitions).
- Religious Work (authorized by recognized religious institutions).
- Validity: Typically up to 2 years, depending on the activity.
Subclass 482 Eligibility Criteria
The Subclass 482 visa is the most common temporary work visa in 2025. In addition to stream-specific rules, all applicants must satisfy:
Sponsorship Requirements
- Approved Sponsorship:
- Employer must hold a current Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) accreditation.
- Sponsor lodges a nomination for the position and occupation.
- Genuine Position:
- The role must be full-time, paid at market salary, and consistent with the employer’s operational requirements.
- Employer must provide evidence of recruitment efforts to hire Australians (labour market testing).
Occupation and Skills Assessment
- Occupation on Relevant List:
- Short-Term Stream: Occupation listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
- Medium-Term Stream: Must appear on the Medium & Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Labour Agreement: Occupations as specified in the employer’s labour agreement.
- Skills Assessment:
- For most occupations, a positive skills assessment by the relevant Australian assessing authority is required (unless exempt).
- Skills assessments must be current (usually within 3 years).
English Language Proficiency
- Short-Term Stream: Minimum IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent PTE 36, OET “Pass”).
- Medium-Term Stream: Minimum IELTS 5.0 to 6.0 depending on occupation (PTE 36–50, OET “Pass”).
- Labour Agreement: As per the negotiated agreement’s conditions.
Health and Character Checks
- Medical Examination: Conducted by a panel physician approved by DHA.
- Police Clearance: Certificates from all countries of residence for 12+ months in the past 10 years.
- Health Insurance: Must maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of the visa.
Also Check: Australia E-Visitor Visa (Subclass 651) Process 2025: Step by Step Application Process
Required Documents
Prepare and upload clear, certified copies of the following when you apply:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport copy | Bio-data page valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay |
| Employer Nomination Approval | Nomination certificate from DHA for Subclass 482 |
| Skills Assessment Certificate | From relevant assessing authority (e.g., ACS, TRA, VETASSESS) |
| Resume/CV | Detailed work history matching nomination |
| Employment Contract/Job Offer | Salary, duties, hours, and start date |
| English Test Results | IELTS, PTE, OET, or TOEFL indicating required band scores |
| Health Examination Receipt | From approved panel physician |
| Police Clearance Certificates | From each country lived ≥ 12 months in past 10 years |
| Proof of Health Insurance | Private health insurance covering period of visa |
| Financial Documents | Bank statements if applying onshore to demonstrate means (if required) |
| Marriage/Birth Certificates (if dependants included) | Proof of relationship and children’s details |
Tip: Ensure all documents are legible scans, and translations (if any) are completed by a NAATI-certified translator.
Fees & Processing Times
| Item | Fee (AUD) | Processing Target* |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 482 Visa Application – Primary Applicant | 1,335 | 75% in 44 days (Medium-Term) |
| Subclass 482 Visa Application – Secondary (18+) | 335 | |
| Subclass 482 Visa Application – Dependent (<18) | 170 | |
| Employer Nomination Application | 330 | 70% in 47 days |
| Health Examination | 300–500 | 1–2 weeks |
| Police Clearances (varies by country) | 50–100 | 2–4 weeks |
| Biometric Collection (if required) | 85 | 5–10 days |
*Processing times can vary by location, nationality, and completeness of application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for your Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa in 2025:
1. Employer Sponsors & Nominates
- Employer Registration:
- Employer applies for and obtains Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) accreditation via ImmiAccount.
- Labour Market Testing:
- Employer conducts advertising for at least 4 weeks on JobActive, state job boards, or local papers to show no Australian candidates are available.
- Nomination Application:
- Employer lodges a nomination for your position, occupation, salary and location.
- Nomination fee of AUD 330 is paid.
- Await approval (nomination certificate issued).
2. Applicant Prepares & Submits Visa Application
- Create ImmiAccount:
- Sign up at ImmiAccount and select “Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482).”
- Complete Online Form:
- Enter personal details, passport information, and occupation code.
- Upload Supporting Documents:
- Nomination certificate, skills assessment, English test results, passport, resume, contract, health/character checks.
- Pay Visa Application Fee:
- AUD 1,335 for primary applicant, plus additional amounts for dependents if included.
3. Biometrics & Health Checks
- Biometrics:
- If requested, attend a biometric collection center in your country.
- Results are shared with DHA electronically.
- Medical Examination:
- Visit a panel physician for X-rays and general health exam.
- Submit medical results with your application.
4. Monitor & Respond
- Check Application Status:
- Log in to ImmiAccount regularly for updates and possible requests for further information.
- Respond Promptly:
- If DHA requests additional documents or clarifications, provide them within 28 days to avoid refusal.
5. Visa Decision & Travel
- Visa Grant:
- Upon approval, receive a grant notice detailing visa conditions and validity dates.
- Travel to Australia:
- Enter Australia before any specified entry by date.
- Activate Visa:
- Upon arrival, your visa becomes active, and you can start work on the terms outlined.
Conclusion
Securing an Australia Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 482) in 2025 requires careful planning, timely submission of documents, and close coordination between you and your sponsoring employer. By meeting all eligibility criteria—such as skills assessments, English proficiency, health and character checks—and following the step-by-step application process outlined above, you’ll increase your chances of a smooth visa grant.