Please note that the information we provide in this article about the 482 visa checklist is current as of the date of publication, and the DHA regularly updates rules and regulations. Kindly ensure that you check the official updates before making any decisions, or speak with an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information, as laws and conditions are subject to change.
Why do you need a 482 visa checklist? Visa applications, particularly the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, involve various documents and specific requirements. Thus, a 482 visa checklist ensures you gather and submit all the necessary documents, reducing the risk of delays or rejection due to missing information.
482 Visa Streams
Before proceeding to the 482 visa checklist, let’s check out the four types of visa streams under the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (TSS visa):
- Short-term stream. This visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker. The validity of this visa stream is 2 to 4 years (if an International Trade Obligation applies). Cost of this visa is AUD 1,455 (as of time of writing).
- Medium-term stream. This stream has the same purpose as the short-stream visa. The difference is that the validity of this visa is 4 years and your occupation must either be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL). The cost of this visa is more expensive, AUD 3,035 (as of time of writing).
- Labour agreement stream. This visa is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement. It allows you to live and work in Australia on a temporary basis. Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department) and employers. The cost is also AUD 3,035.
- Subsequent entrant stream. This visa is for family members of subclass 457 and TSS visa holders who are applying separately for their TSS visa and wish to join the primary subclass 457 or TSS visa holder in Australia. The cost of this visa is AUD 1,455.
Now that you have an overview of the types of 482 visa streams, let’s proceed to the checklists.
The 482 Visa Checklist: Short-Term Stream
This is the 482 visa checklist for the short-term stream. To be eligible for this stream, you must comply with the following requirements:
- You must hold either:
- A substantive visa
- A Bridging visa A, B, or C.
- You must have substantially complied with any conditions that apply or applied to your last substantive visa or bridging visa held.
- You must be nominated by an approved sponsor.
- Your employer must have nominated you to fill in an occupation in the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
- You must be employed in your nominated occupation and in that business or an associated entity.
- If you are the primary visa applicant, you must demonstrate that you have the skills and experience necessary to perform the nominated occupation.
- If the nominated occupation is a medical practitioner, you must have your qualifications recognised by the relevant authority in Australia for the registration of medical practitioners as entitling you to practise as a medical practitioner.
- You must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.
- You must have a positive skills assessment.
- Health insurance
- You and any secondary applicants who apply for a TSS visa must meet the health requirement.
- You and family members aged 16 years and over who apply for the visa with you must meet our characterrequirements.
- You must be a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a short-term visa holder.
- Meet certain minimum standards of English language proficiency.
- You must not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused.
- You must have no debt to the Australian government.
- Sign the Australian Values Statement.
The 482 Visa Checklist: Medium-Term Stream
The requirements for the medium-term stream are almost the same as those with the short-term stream. The following list is specifically required for this stream:
- Your employer must have nominated you to fill an occupation specified on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Unlike the short-term stream, the DHA does not require that you must be a genuine applicant for entry and stay in Australia. This is only required for the short-term stream because, if you’re a short-term stream visa holder, you must show a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily and to comply with visa conditions attached to your visa.
The 482 Visa Checklist: Labour Agreement Stream
For the labour agreement stream, here are the requirements:
- You must be working under a labour agreement.
- You must have had at least 2 years of work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field unless varied by the terms of the labour agreement.
- A sponsor must nominate you.
- You must meet the health and character requirements. This means having adequate health cover
- You must have a level of English language suitable for your occupation.
- Sign the Australian Values Statement.
- Have adequate health insurance (see if your country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia).
- You have paid any debt to the Australian government.
- You must not have had a previously cancelled visa or a refused application.
The 482 Visa Checklist: Subsequent Entrant Stream
For this stream, the applicant must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- You must have a partner or parent who holds a subclass 482 or TSS.
- The sponsor with the most recent approved nomination in relation to the primary applicant (or visa holder), must agree (or have agreed) in writing to include you as a family member in the nomination.
- Health insurance
- Satisfy the health and character requirements.
- Comply with previous visa conditions.
- You must not have not contravened ‘paying for visa sponsorship’ legislative provisions.
- You must have no debt to the Australian government.
- You must not have had a visa cancelled or application refused.
- Sign the Australian Values Statement.
These are the basic concerns you must check before applying for any of the streams of the 482 Visa. To know more about these requirements, you may check the website of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) from time to time so you can be updated with the latest changes.
Additional Document Checklist
Here are some additional documents that you should also include in visa applications in general:
- Identity documents like your valid passport, marriage or divorce certificate, and birth certificate or your children’s birth certificates
- Evidence of intended study such as educational history, relevant qualification certificates, and transcript of records (for people opting for a student visa and application)
- Military service records or discharge papers
- Overseas police certificate
- Bank statements, tax records, and superannuation records
- Skills assessment
Streamline the Process with a Migration Attorney
Migration lawyers deal with complex visa regulations daily and ensure that the visa applications of their clients adhere to all requirements and maximising your approval chances. At JB Solicitors, we can tailor our approach to your unique circumstances, identifying potential issues and crafting compelling arguments for your case.
Contact us for more information about the 482 visa checklist or if you need help with your temporary or permanent visa application.
