Work Visa

Australian Work Visas (482 & 186)

Australia offers great opportunities for skilled professionals to live and work. If you have the right skills and an Australian employer ready to sponsor you, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482 or the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186 could be your pathway to a career and permanent residency in Australia.

Work Visa Options

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482

• Allows overseas workers to fill labor shortages in Australia.

• Requires an approved Australian employer to sponsor you.

• Streams available:

  • Short-Term Stream: up to 2 years (renewable once).

  • Medium-Term Stream: up to 4 years, pathway to PR.

  • Labour Agreement Stream: if employer has special agreement with the government.

2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186

• A permanent residency visa.

• Employer must nominate you for a skilled occupation.

• Streams available:

  • Direct Entry Stream: For applicants with skills/qualifications assessed.

  • Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: For those who held a 482 visa and worked 2–3 years with the same employer.

  • Labour Agreement Stream: Through employer agreement with the government.

Eligibility Criteria

For Subclass 482 (TSS):

• Have a job offer from an approved Australian employer.

• Occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List.

• Meet English language requirements.

• Have relevant skills and qualifications.

• Satisfy health & character requirements.

For Subclass 186 (ENS):

• Must be nominated by an employer.

• Occupation on the relevant skilled list.

• At least 3 years of skilled work experience (in most cases).

• Must meet age requirements (usually under 45, exemptions apply).

• English, health & character requirements.

Required Documents

• Passport & ID documents.

• Employer nomination approval.

• Skills assessment (if required).

• Employment references & contracts.

• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.).

• Health and police clearance certificates.

Processing Times

• Subclass 482 (TSS): 6 – 12 months on average.

• Subclass 186 (ENS): 8 – 15 months, depending on stream.

Costs

• Subclass 482: From AUD $1,330 to $2,770 (depending on stream) + employer sponsorship fees.

• Subclass 186: AUD $4,640 per main applicant.

• Extra costs: Skills assessments, medicals, English tests, translations.

Benefits of Work Visas

• Subclass 482:

  • Live and work in Australia temporarily.

  • Bring eligible family members.

  • Pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 186.

• Subclass 186:

  • Permanent residency from the start.

  • Work, study, and live in Australia indefinitely.

  • Access Medicare (public healthcare).

  • Pathway to Australian citizenship.

How We Can Help

Navigating employer-sponsored visas can be complex. Our registered migration agents can:

• Assess which visa (482 or 186) suits your situation best.

• Work with your employer to prepare nomination documents.

• Ensure your skills, English, and experience meet requirements.

• Avoid costly mistakes and delays in applications.

• Support you from temporary to permanent residency.

Want to work in Australia and build your future?
Book a consultation today to explore your options under the 482 and 186 visas.