About the 482 Visa
The 482 visa is a temporary work visa sponsored by an Approved Work Sponsor.
482 Visa holder’s can live and work in Australia for up to 4 years, or up to 5 years if they are a Hong Kong passport holder.
There is no age restriction for the 482 visa, and applications can be made to renew a 482 visa indefinitely.
482 Visa – For Employers
Who can sponsor a worker
To sponsor a worker for a 482 visa employers must be a Standard Business Sponsor (Approved Work Sponsor) or have applied to be a Standard Business Sponsor, or a be a party to a work agreement.
Who can be a Standard Business Sponsor
To become a standard business sponsor, your business must be legally established and currently operating.
- Your business can be inside or outside of Australia.
- The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs must not be aware of any adverse information about you or anyone associated with you that affects your suitability as a sponsor.
Additional requirements for businesses in Australia:-
- You should have a strong record of, or a demonstrated commitment to, employing local labour.
- You must declare that you will not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices.
How long does a Standard Business Sponsorship last
The standard business sponsorship is valid for five years from the date it is approved.
Standard Business Sponsor’s can:
Australian Employers that are approved as a Standard Business Sponsor’s can nominate and sponsor someone for a 482 visa and a 494 visa.
There are three streams available under the 482 Visa:
The Specialist Skills Stream
The Specialist Skills Stream is for employers to source skilled overseas workers who are nominated in a 6 digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) 2022 occupation in Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, and earn at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold of AUD $141,210 for Nomination applications lodged on and between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
The Core Skills Stream
The Core Skills Stream is for employers to source skilled overseas workers who are nominated in an occupation specified in the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and earn at least the Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD $76,515 for Nomination applications lodged on and between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
The core skills stream is perfect for Australian employers that want to hire trades people such as Heavy Equipment Technicians for large surface mining equipment which is covered by ANZSCO 321212 Diesel Motor Mechanic.
The Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement Stream is utilised where an employer has executed a labour agreement with the Commonwealth to source skilled overseas workers because there is a demonstrated need that cannot be met in the Australian labour market.
There are five types of labour agreements:
Company Specific labour agreements
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
Global Talent Employer Sponsored (GTES) agreements
Industry labour agreements
Project agreements
Standard Business Sponsors that are eligible can apply to become an Accredited Sponsor.
An accredited sponsor receives priority for 482 and 494 nomination and visa applications.
Applicants who are sponsored by an accredited sponsor, are not required to obtain police certificates from countries other than Australia, provided they attach a written reference from their accredited sponsor confirming that they are of good character and have not been convicted of any criminal offences.
456 Different Occupations Can Be Nominated
Standard Business Sponsorship Application Charge
The current Australian Department of Home Affairs Standard Business Sponsor application fee is $420. A payment surcharge may also be applied, with the percentage rate dependent on the method of payment. 01/09/2025
Nominate a Position
The second stage of sponsoring a worker for a 482 visa is the Nomination of a Position, which is the process of identifying a position to be filled by an overseas skilled worker in a business.
Before you submit a nomination you must conduct labour market testing and meet salary and employment requirements.
Apply for a 482 Visa
The final stage of sponsoring a worker for a 482 visa is to apply for a 482 visa.
A 482 visa application must be linked to a nomination.
A 482 Visa is usually valid for up to 4 years, or up to 5 years if the applicant is a Hong Kong passport holder.
The 482 visa application charge and any associated migration agents fees can be paid for by the Standard Business Sponsor or by the visa applicant.
482 Visa – For Applicants
Who Can Apply For a 482 Visa
The 482 visa does not have an upper age limit.
Usually, applicants for Australian work and permanent residency visas must have not turned 45 at time of application.
Before applying for a 482 visa, the proposed employer will need to submit a nomination application.
The primary visa applicant must demonstrate they have the relevant skills, qualifications and employment background necessary to perform the nominated occupation.
A skills assessment may be required to be undertaken by some applicants.
If it is not mandatory for an applicant to undertake a skills assessment, the applicant is still required to provide other evidence to demonstrate they meet the requirements.
The primary applicant and any secondary applicants who apply for a 482 visa must meet the health requirement.
The primary applicant and any eligible family members aged 16 years and over who apply for a 482 visa must meet the character requirement.
Primary visa applicants must meet certain minimum standards of English language proficiency unless exemptions apply.
Primary visa applicants and any secondary applicants 18 years of age or older, must confirm they will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws and agree to or sign an Australian Values Statement.
How Long is a 482 Visa Valid For
482 Visa holders can usually live and work in Australia for up to 4 years depending upon the duration of the nomination, or up to 5 years if they are a Hong Kong passport holder.
Can a 482 Visa Include Family Members
482 Visa Holders can with the approval of the sponsoring employer make visa applications for eligible Members of the Family Unit.
482 Visa Application Charge
The Australian Department of Home Affairs 482 visa application charge and any associated migration agents fees can be paid for by the Standard Business Sponsor or by the visa applicant.
- The primary applicant Australian Department of Home Affairs visa application charge is AUD $3210
- The subsequent applicant Australian Department of Home Affairs visa application charge (Partner) is AUD $3210
- For each additional applicant that is aged 18 and over the Australian Department of Home Affairs visa application charge is AUD $3210
- For each additional applicant that is aged under 18 the Australian Department of Home Affairs visa application charge is AUD $805