Temporary sponsorship visa
TEMPORARY SKILL SHORTAGE (TSS) SUBCLASS 482 VISA
Since 18 March 2018 the TSS program has replaced the subclass 457 program.
The 482 program is a temporary sponsorship which allows employers to access skilled workers from overseas because they are unable to find skilled Australian workers to fill a position. Temporary workers provide an avenue for approved employers to fill these skilled occupation shortages. Please see below for details of the 3 stages involved in the TSS program.
STAGE 1 - STANDARD BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP (SBS) APPLICATION UNDER THE TSS PROGRAM
A business lodges an application to become an approved standard business sponsor (SBS). If approved the SBS is valid for 5 years, during which the business is able to nominate overseas skilled workers for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa.
Requirements
The business seeking the SBS must -
Be actively and lawfully operating either:
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In Australia OR
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Overseas (not in Australia), and be bringing the visa applicant to Australia either to establish a business operation, or to fulfil contractual obligations
Businesses who are approved to sponsor overseas workers for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa must comply with certain obligations imposed by Immigration. These obligations are designed to protect overseas workers from exploitation, and to ensure that the program is used correctly.
STAGE 2 – NOMINATION APPLICATION UNDER THE TSS PROGRAM
Occupation lists
The 482 program is based on occupations listed on Migration (LIN 19/048: Specification of Occupations—Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument:
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Medium and Long-term Strategic List (MLTSSL) on LIN 19/048 are eligible occupations for nomination under the medium-term stream for the 482 visa
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Short-term Skilled List (STSOL) on LIN 19/048 are eligible occupations for nomination under the short-term stream for the 482 visa
Business can then nominate a overseas skilled worker by lodging a nomination application.
STAGE 3 – 482 VISA APPLICATION
Subclass 482 visa application can be lodged either at the same time as the nomination application, or before the nomination expires, generally within 12 months of approval.
Occupation listed on MLTSSL on LIN 19/048 at the time the nomination was lodged will be under the medium-term stream for subclass 482 visa.
Occupation listed on STSOL on LIN 19/048 at the time the nomination was lodged will be under the short-term stream for subclass 482 visa.
FAMILY MEMBERS AND SUBCLASS 482 VISA
Members of the family unit can be included if the business seeking to nominate agrees to add them to their sponsorship obligations. Members of the family unit may apply either at the same time as the primary 482 visa applicant or apply after the primary 482 visa has been granted on a subsequent visa application.
WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME?
The length of time for a decision varies from case to case and can depend on such factors as quantity of visa applications for that subclass, chronological order of lodgement, applicants risk assessment, case complexity and staffing number at the visa processing centre.
Immigration processing times are updated on a regular basis: http://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about/access-accountability/service-standards/global-visa-citizenship-processing-times
IF THE SUBCLASS 482 VISA IS GRANTED
If the subclass 482 visa is approved under the medium-term stream, you may be granted a temporary visa which allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 4 years.
If the subclass 482 visa is approved under the short-term stream, you may be granted a temporary visa which allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years. However, certain circumstances may allow it to be granted for up to 4 years.
You may be either be in Australia or overseas when your subclass 482 visa is lodged and granted.
Contact Smart Australian Visas office for further information.