482 Medium Term Visa: A Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia

The 482 Medium Term Visa can be your pathway to permanent residency in Australia. Imagine this: you’re a skilled worker with a bright future ahead of you. You’ve got the talent, the drive, and the experience to make a real difference in your field.

Australia is a land of opportunity, with a booming economy and a growing demand for skilled workers. However, getting a visa to live and work there permanently can be challenging. That’s where the 482 medium-term visa comes in.

What Is the 482 Medium-Term Visa? 

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa subclass 482 is a temporary visa that allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill positions they cannot find suitable Australian workers to fill. The TSS visa has the following streams:

1. The short-term stream 
2. The medium-term stream
3. Labour agreement stream

The medium-term stream of the TSS visa allows skilled workers to stay in Australia for up to four to five years if they are Hong Kong passport holders. During this time, they can work for their sponsor and study in Australia (although they will not be eligible for government assistance). 

They can also travel to and from Australia as often as they want while their visa is valid. Moreover, your occupation must be listed in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List for this visa stream.

One of the benefits of the TSS visa medium-term stream is that it offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. After three years of working in Australia on a TSS visa, skilled workers may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) or the Regional Skilled Migration (RSM) visa.

Who Is Eligible for the 482 Medium Term Visa? 

To be eligible for the TSS visa medium-term stream, skilled workers must meet the following requirements:

1. There is no age requirement for this visa.
2. The applicant must hold any of the following visas if they are applying in Australia:
   • A substantive visa 
   • Bridging Visa A, B, or C.
3. The applicant must have substantially complied with any conditions that apply or applied to their last substantive visa or bridging visa held.
4. The proposed employer must lodge a nomination application for the applicant.
5. The applicant must have a skills assessment for an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or on the Regional Occupation List (ROL)
6. The applicant must not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused.
7. The applicant must work for their nominating employer.
8. The applicant must have relevant skills, qualifications, and employment background to perform the occupation.
9. The applicant must have worked in their nominated occupation or a related field for at least two years.
10. The applicant must have a positive skills assessment.
11. The applicant must have health insurance.
12. The applicant must meet the health requirements.
13. The applicant must have no debt to the Australian government.
14. They must meet the English language requirements.
15. They must pass a character test.
16. The applicant must sign the Australian Values Statement.

What Are the Benefits of the 482 Medium-Term Visa? 

Here are some of the benefits of the 482 medium-term visa:

• Allows you to stay in Australia for up to four years. This gives you plenty of time to experience the Australian lifestyle, build your career, and make a home for yourself in the country. This is true if the International Trade Obligation applies.
• Allows you to work for your approved sponsor, study in Australia, and travel to and from the country as often as you want. This flexibility allows you to explore your career options, further your education, and visit friends and family back home.
• May lead to permanent residency after three years. If you meet certain requirements, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Australia after three years of working in the country on a 482 visa. This would allow you to stay in Australia permanently and enjoy all the benefits of being an Australian citizen.
• It is relatively easy to apply for. The application process for the 482 medium-term visa application process is not as complex as some other visa types. This makes it a good option for skilled workers looking for a relatively straightforward way to live and work in Australia.

Overall, the 482 medium-term visa is an excellent option for skilled workers looking for a long-term opportunity to live and work in Australia. It offers many benefits, including the chance to stay in the country for up to four years, the possibility of applying for permanent residency, and a relatively straightforward application process.

How to Apply for the 482 Medium-Term Visa? 

Here is a step-by-step process on how to apply for the 482 medium-term visa:

1. Find an Australian employer who is willing to sponsor you. The employer must be an approved sponsor and must be able to demonstrate that they are unable to find a suitable Australian worker for the position. The position must have also gone through labour market testing.
2. Obtain a skills assessment. You must have a skills assessment for an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The skills assessment will confirm that you have the skills and experience necessary to work in the occupation in Australia.
3. Meet the health and character requirements. You must meet the health and character requirements for the visa. This includes providing a medical certificate and passing a character test.
4. Apply for the visa online. You can apply for the visa online through the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to create an ImmiAccount and submit an application form and supporting documents.
5. Pay the application fee. The application fee for the 482 medium-term visa costs AUD 3,035 (as of July 2023). For more details about the payment, read here.
6. Wait for a decision. The processing time for the 482 medium-term visa can take up to 60 days. You will be notified of the decision by email.

If your application is approved, you will be granted a visa to stay in Australia for up to four years. Moreover, you can work for your sponsor and study in Australia during this time. Also, you can travel to and from Australia as often as you want.

Some Additional Tips for Applying for the 482 Medium-Term Visa

• Start the application process early. The processing time for the visa can take up to 60 days, so starting the application process early is crucial, especially if you are applying during peak times.
• Gather all of your supporting documents early. You must provide several supporting documents with your application, such as your passport, skills assessment, and medical certificate. It is essential to gather all of these documents early so that you can submit your application as soon as possible.
• Get help from a registered migration agent. If you need help with applying for the visa or help gathering your supporting documents, you can get help from a registered migration agent. A registered migration agent can help you understand the visa requirements and submit a complete and accurate application.

Seeking Legal Advice for Obtaining the 482 Medium Term Visa

If you are a skilled worker who is interested in working in Australia on a TSS visa medium-term stream, we encourage you to do your research and contact an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent to discuss your options.

An immigration lawyer can provide valuable assistance throughout the 482 medium-term visa application process. Our JB Solicitors team can help you understand the requirements, gather the necessary documents, and submit a complete and accurate application. We can also represent you at an interview or appeal a visa decision. 

Contact us today.