As Australia comes out of COVID restrictions many employers are finding it hard to find staff. The recent announcements from the Government of Australia made it clear that they will prioritise solving this crisis.
The sub class 482 visa is one of the tools in the arsenal to do that. The 482 visa is a temporary skill shortage visa, allowing a skilled worker to temporarily live and work in Australia if nominated by an approved employer who hasn’t been able to find an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
There are several requirements for a 482 visa. You must be nominated by an approved employer, you must work for them, you need to have worked in this field for at least two years and have the relevant skills, qualifications and background to do so, and you might also need to have a positive skills assessment. You will also need to meet certain health and character requirements, have health insurance (unless exempt) and demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency.
Not all 482 visa holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency. Your eligibility will depend on a number of factors including your occupation, age, English proficiency and more.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about 482 visas.
Can I change employer on a 482 visa?
You can change your employer on a 482 visa, as long as the new employer is willing to sponsor you and lodge a new nomination for you. You are not allowed to start working for this new employer until the change has been approved. Until it has been approved, you have to continue working for your previous employer or make sure that any gap in employment is less than 60 consecutive days.
Can I get Medicare on a 482 visa?
As a rule, you will not receive access to Australian medicare on a 482 visa. You are responsible for your own health costs and must get adequate health insurance.
Is 482 a permanent visa?
The 482 visa is not permanent. A short-term stream allows you to stay for two years and a medium-term stream lets you stay for four years. However, you may be able to apply for a new visa when your 482 is due to expire.
Can I study on a 482 visa?
Yes, you can study in Australia on a 482 visa.
Can a 482 visa be extended?
Technically your 482 visa cannot be extended, but you can apply for a new one when it is about to expire. On a short-term stream visa, which lasts two years, you can apply for a further two years without leaving Australia. You would have to go offshore to extend it further. The medium-term stream lets you stay for up to four years, and can be renewed an unlimited amount of times.
Can a 482 visa be transferred?
You can transfer to a new company or a new role in the same company while on a 482 visa, as long as your employer submits a new nomination for you.
Can my spouse work on a 482 visa?
The spouse or partner of a person with a 482 visa is allowed to work and study in Australia.
How long is a 482 visa valid for?
There are three kinds of 482 visas: the short-term stream lets you stay for up to 2 years, the medium-term stream lets you stay for up to 4 years, and the rare labour agreement stream also lets you stay for up to 4 years.