482 Employer Sponsored Visas
Subclass 482 visas are temporary work visas which, depending on your occupation, can be granted for up to an initial 4-year period of entry. You must remain full-time employed with your nominated employer only at all times. You can change employers, but the new employer will need to transfer your visa over to them at a cost to the new business.
We work with employers in across Australia, some offering Employer sponsorship to suitable candidates. See these jobs on the DUC Employment & Relocation Hub.
Please note: Depending on your country of passport and occupation, you may need to complete the required skills assessment to apply for an employer sponsored visa.
How quick they can be?
Pre Covid, Subclass 482 wait times have always fluctuated depending on the department’s workload. The average time was around 2 months so they can be very quick. During Covid we have generally only had movement of Subclass 482 visas where the occupation featured on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL). We are hoping that when the borders reopen to all occupations and temporary work holders they will start to move quickly again as they are related to jobs and business that need workers urgently.
How they lead to Permanent Residency?
If your occupation is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), after 3 years working with the one employer, your employer can nominate you for the Subclass 186 3-year Temporary Transition Stream which is a permanent visa. If you have a positive skills assessment and 3 years’ experience, you could approach an employer earlier and ask that they nominate you for the Subclass 186 Direct Entry route which is also permanent.
(Licenced trades will need to obtain the state requirement for licencing to be eligible for the 186 pathways)
Is this for me?
Everyone’s situation is different and unique to them. Employer sponsored visas are very different to points-based visas and it all depends on what your current situation and priorities are. You may look to continue points-based options onshore on your Subclass 482, but this would need to be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
If you have school children, be sure to look into schooling costs for Subclass 482 visa holders in the area you are looking to migrate as it varies from state to state. Check out this free source on finding schools in Australia.
If you have already lodged a visa for another subclass, then these funds will not be refunded by Immigration if you decide to go down the Subclass 482 route. The Subclass 482 comes with its own associated costs, and it will usually be expected that the migrant covers their share.
Brid Sutherland
Australian Registered Migration Agent
MARA Number – 1683343