Temporary Skill Shortage visa -Labour agreement stream(subclass 482)

With this visa, you can

Employment and Study:

• Work in Australia for up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders) for your sponsoring employer.
• Study in Australia, but keep in mind that you won't receive government financial aid.

Travel:

• Enjoy unlimited travel to and from Australia during the validity of your visa.

Hong Kong Passport Holders:

• If you're a Hong Kong passport holder with a current temporary skilled visa, you're eligible for a 5-year extension starting from July 9, 2020.
• Both current and future Hong Kong temporary skilled visa holders can apply for permanent residency after completing 5 years in Australia.

How long you can stay

Visa Duration:

• This is a temporary visa with a maximum stay of 4 years, depending on your employer's nomination and the specific terms of your labour agreement.
• Hong Kong passport holders may enjoy a longer stay of up to 5 years.

Additional Information:

• For the latest updates on visa options for Hong Kong or British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders, please refer to the "Visa options for Hong Kong - update" resource.

Stay longer

Renewing Your Visa:

• If your visa is nearing expiration and you wish to continue working for your current employer in Australia:
  • Your employer will need to submit a new nomination for you.
  • You must apply for a new temporary skilled visa.

Pathways to Permanent Residency:

• Your employer may also consider sponsoring you for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
• Explore other skilled work visa options using the visa finder tool.

Hong Kong Passport Holders:

• If you're a Hong Kong passport holder with a current temporary skilled visa, you're eligible for a 5-year extension starting from July 9, 2020.
• Both current and future Hong Kong temporary skilled visa holders can apply for permanent residency after completing 5 years in Australia.

Include other family members

• You have the option to include eligible family members, known as "secondary applicants," in your visa application.
• The specific family members you can add will depend on whether you currently hold a subclass 457 or TSS visa.
  You have not previously held a subclass 457 or TSS visa
  If you've never held a subclass 457 or TSS visa, you can only include family members who are part of your immediate family unit in your visa application. You currently hold a subclass 457 or TSS visa If you currently hold a subclass 457 or TSS visa and are applying for another TSS visa, you can include the following family members as secondary applicants:
• Immediate family members (spouse, de facto partner, dependent children).
• Individuals who previously held a subclass 457 or TSS visa based on their family relationship and are now:
  • Your spouse or de facto partner.
  • Your or your partner's unmarried, unengaged, dependent child under 23.
  • Your or your partner's disabled child aged 23 or older who relies on you financially.
  • A dependent child of your or your partner's child or step-child.

Secondary applicants must be included in your nomination or have written consent from the sponsoring employer.

All secondary applicants must meet health and character requirements.

Important:

• You cannot add family members after submitting your visa application.
• If your visa is already being processed, family members can apply separately as "subsequent entrants."
• If you've already received the visa, family members can apply to join you later as "subsequent entrants."

Cost

Visa Fees:

• The visa fee for the main applicant is AUD3,115.00.
• Each dependent aged 18 or older will also incur a fee of AUD3,115.00.
• Dependents under 18 years old have a fee of AUD780.00 each.

Additional Costs:

• Remember to factor in additional expenses for English language tests, health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.

Visa Pricing Estimator:

• Use the visa pricing estimator to calculate your estimated visa costs. Please note that the estimator does not include these additional fees.

Apply from

Application Location:

• Generally, you can apply for this visa from within or outside Australia, even during the visa decision process. However, you cannot be in immigration clearance at the time of application or decision.

Requirements for Australian Applicants:

• If you're applying from within Australia, you must hold one of the following visas:
  • Substantive visa
  • Bridging Visa A, B, or C

Processing times

Visa Processing Times:

• To get an estimate of processing times, use the visa processing time guide tool. This tool shows recent processing times for similar applications. Please note that these times are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.

Factors Affecting Processing Time:

• Your applications will be evaluated on individual basis and hence, the processing times can vary due to:
  • Completeness of your application, including all required documents.
  • Your responsiveness to requests for additional information.
  • The time needed to verify the supporting documents you provide.
  • The time it takes to receive information from external agencies, like those involved in health, character, or national security checks.

Decision Making:

Additional information may be requested at any time. However, there is no obligation to do so, and a decision may be made based on the information currently available.

Your obligations

Visa Conditions and Australian Laws:

• You and your family must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.

Starting Employment:

• You must commence your employment within 90 days of:
  • Arriving in Australia if you're granted the visa while outside the country.
  • The visa grant date if you're already in Australia when the visa is approved.

Visa Conditions:

• Review the potential visa conditions associated with this visa.

Travel

Travel Flexibility:

• Enjoy unlimited travel to and from Australia during the validity of your visa.

No Extension for Overseas Travel:

• Please note that spending time outside Australia will not extend your visa's validity.

Visa label

Digital Visa Linkage:

• Your visa will be electronically linked to your passport. There will be no physical label in your passport.
• Use this number to access your visa details and conditions through the VEVO online portal.

Visa Grant Notification:

• Upon visa approval, you will receive a grant notification letter containing your visa grant number.

Work

This visa requires you to work exclusively in the nominated occupation and only for the sponsoring employer who has a labour agreement with the Commonwealth government.

For a complete list of potential visa conditions, refer to this.

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.

Work under a labour agreement:

The nominated occupation must be covered by a labour agreement between the Commonwealth and your sponsoring employer. Refer to the specific labour agreement for more details.

Have 2 years of experience:

You need at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field, unless specified otherwise in the labour agreement.

Nomination:

Your sponsoring employer must nominate you for the visa.

You and any accompanying family members must meet the health requirements.

Health Requirements:

You and any accompanying family members must meet the health requirements.

Character Requirement:

Demonstrate English language skills appropriate for your nominated occupation.

You and any family members aged 16 or older must meet the character requirements.

English Language Proficiency:

Generally, English language requirements equivalent to the short-term stream of the TSS visa apply, unless the labour agreement specifies an English language exemption

Australian Values Statement:

If you are 18 or older, you must agree to or sign the Australian Values Statement , confirming your commitment to respecting Australian values and laws.

Health Insurance:

• • You are responsible for your own healthcare costs while in Australia. Medical insurance can help protect you financially.
  • To obtain this visa, you must have adequate health insurance coverage for your entire stay. This coverage should include medically necessary treatment and transportation.
  • Refer to the guidelines for what is considered adequate health insurance.
  • Learn more about health insurance options for overseas visitors.

Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements:

• Some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia. Check with Services Australia for details on these agreements.

Debt Repayment:

You and any family members (including those not applying for the visa) must have repaid or made arrangements to repay any debts owed to the Australian government.

Visa Cancellation or Refusal:

• Your immigration history will be considered while assessing your application. A previous visa cancellation or refusal may affect your eligibility for this visa.
• In certain cases, you might still be able to apply for a permanent visa despite a previous cancellation or refusal. Refer to "Limitations on applications in Australia" for more information.
• If applying from outside Australia, consult "Can I go to Australia."
• For immigration assistance, refer to "Who can help with your visa application."

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.

Before you apply
Before submitting your application, you may need to organize several items. These could involve completing a skills evaluation, taking an English language proficiency test, or undergoing a health assessment. Additionally, seeking assistance with your application might be beneficial.

Gather your documents
To verify your personal information, you might need to present papers that demonstrate your identity, character, abilities, professional background, health status, and proficiency in the English language.

Apply for the visa
You apply for this visa online.

After you apply
You will be informed about your application and accompanying documents. Please review the necessary steps you can and are required to take following your application submission.

Visa outcome
The decision on your visa application can be made whether you're inside or outside Australia. Before a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is granted, your employer's nomination must be approved. You'll be informed in writing about the outcome, including visa details if approved, or reasons for refusal and potential review rights if denied. The application fee is non-refundable in case of refusal.

For a detailed, step-by-step guide to the application process, please contact ISEMS.

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.

Arriving in Australia
Before You Depart

Ensure you have the following:

• • A valid visa for entry into Australia
  • A valid passport or other acceptable travel document

At the Border

Upon arrival in Australia:

You must complete the Incoming Passenger Card , which will be provided to you onboard.
We offer an automated process using facial recognition technology and ePassport through SmartGate, which may expedite your exit from the airport.

What you can do when you have this visa

• Work for your sponsor for up to four years in Australia.
• Study (without support from the state)
• While the visa is in effect, you are free to travel to and from Australia as often as you like.

What you must do on this visa

Visa Conditions and Australian Laws:

You and your family members are required to comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. Review your visa grant letter or check VEVO for a complete list of your specific visa conditions.

Tell us if things change

Please inform us about the following updates:

• Updates to your phone number, email, address, or passport
• Change of employer
• Ceasing employment with the employer who nominated you
• Birth of a child
• Desire to withdraw your application

See how long you can stay

This is a temporary visa. Your permitted stay in Australia is specified in your visa grant letter.
Use VEVO to access your visa details and determine your departure date.

Staying longer

If you wish to continue working for your employer in Australia after your visa expires:

• You must apply for a new visa
• Your employer must submit a new nomination.

Your employer may also be able to sponsor you for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). You could qualify for other skilled work visas as well. Use our visa finder to explore your work visa options.

Traveling on Your Visa

This visa allows for multiple entries, so you can leave Australia and return as often as you like while the visa remains valid.

Proving Your Visa​

To confirm your visa status and view your conditions, use VEVO. For proof of your international travel records, request your movement history.

Working

You are required to work exclusively for the business that sponsored or nominated you.
To view your work conditions, use VEVO.
You are safeguarded by Australian workplace laws. Review your workplace rights and entitlements.

Options if you have lost your job

If you have been laid off and are now unemployed, you have up to 180 days to secure a new employer or make plans to leave Australia.

Leaving Australia

Before Departure

Ensure your travel documents are in order:

• You must possess a valid passport or an acceptable travel document to depart Australia and return.

At the Border

Fast Exit Option

An automated process that utilizes facial recognition technology and your ePassport is available. Using SmartGate could expedite your exit from the airport.

After you leave​​

Claiming Your Superannuation (if leaving Australia permanently)

If you are leaving Australia with no plans to return, you may be eligible to claim your superannuation.

You likely have funds in a superannuation account if you:

• Are 18 years old or older
• Earned AUD 450 or more before tax in a month while working in Australia

Learn how to access your superannuation.

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.