Does the 482 Visa Need Sponsorship? costs, Timeline & Employer Obligations.

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What Employers Need to Know

The 482 Visa does require employer sponsorship and lets Australian employers quickly fill key roles with overseas talent. Employers must nominate a role from the Skilled Occupation List, offer fair wages, and meet training requirements. It’s a flexible option for short- to medium-term hiring, and it can even lead to permanent residency. Recently, 482 visa processing has sped up and more jobs have been added to meet workforce needs.

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What Is the 482 Visa?

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa is an employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia for up to four years. It is designed to help businesses address skill shortages by hiring qualified overseas talent in occupations listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.

Common Job Roles Sponsored Under This Visa

  • Healthcare & Nursing: Registered Nurse, Medical Practitioner, Aged Care Worker
  • Engineering & Construction: Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Project Manager
  • IT & Technology: Software Engineer, Systems Administrator, ICT Business Analyst
  • Hospitality & Trades: Chef, Cook, Automotive Technician, Carpenter
  • Education & Social Services: Early Childhood Teacher, Social Worker

Employer Sponsorship Requirements for 482 Visa

To sponsor a worker under the 482 visa, the employer must:

  • Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) with the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
  • Demonstrate a genuine need for the role, which must appear on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
  • Show evidence that salary and employment conditions meet market rates and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
  • Commit to meeting training obligations or paying the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.
  • Ensure compliance with workplace and immigration laws throughout the sponsorship period.

How Much Does it Cost to Sponsor 482 Visa?

Typical costs include:

Fee Type Cost (AUD)
Sponsorship application fee (employer) 420
Nomination fee (per nomination) 330
Visa application charge 1,455 (short-term) – 3,035 (medium-term)
SAF levy 1,200 per year (small business) or 1,800 per year (large business)

Employers often cover these costs, though arrangements may vary depending on company policy and employment agreements.

Estimated Timeline for Sponsoring 482 Visa

Processing times depend on the stream and occupation but are typically:

  • Short-term stream: 3–6 months
  • Medium-term stream: 4–8 months
  • Labor agreement stream: 6–9 months

Delays may occur if documentation is incomplete, health checks are pending, or employer approval is under review.

Alternative Hiring Solutions That Don't Require Visa Sponsorship

Sponsoring a 482 visa can be expensive, time-consuming, and full of compliance hurdles. Between government levies, paperwork, and long approval waits, it’s not always the most efficient way to bring in talent.

There is another way. With Playroll’s Employer of Record model, you can hire skilled professionals globally, without relocation or visa sponsorship. We handle compliant onboarding, payroll, taxes, benefits, and contracts in 180+ countries, helping you build global teams faster, easier, and more cost-effectively.

Hire Without Visa Hassles, Anywhere

01

Find Top Talent

Portugal, Italy, South Africa — hire your ideal candidate anywhere in the world.

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Contact Playroll

No local entity? No problem. We employ on your behalf in 180+ markets.

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Admin, Handled

From the contract to payroll and benefits, we handle it all, so you can focus on growth.

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Hands-On Help

From onboarding to offboarding, our team provides real human support along the way.

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