How long does the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) take?

End to end, the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) typically takes 1 to 4 months. Preparing a complete application (5 stages) usually takes around 5 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down TSS 482 applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the TSS 482?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇦🇺 Australia · TSS 482

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 1–4 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

1–4 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 5 stages of a TSS 482 application

1
Employer Obtains Standard Business Sponsorship
≈ 28 days
The Australian employer must apply to become an approved standard business sponsor (if not already). Home Affairs assesses whether the business is lawfully operating and committed to non-discriminatory employment practices.
2
Employer Conducts Labour Market Testing and Lodges Nomination
≈ 42 days
The employer must demonstrate Labour Market Testing (LMT) — advertising the position for at least 28 days and being unable to find a suitable Australian candidate. The employer then lodges a nomination for the specific position and applicant.
3
Applicant Lodges Visa Application
≈ 7 days
After the nomination is lodged (can be concurrent), submit the Subclass 482 visa application in ImmiAccount. Upload all supporting documents and pay the application fee.
4
Health and Character Checks
≈ 21 days
Complete health examinations (may be waived for short-term stays) and provide police clearances as required.
5
Await Grant and Commence Work
≈ 45 days
Home Affairs processes the application. Once granted, commence work with the sponsoring employer. Medium-term stream holders should track their time towards eligibility for the Subclass 186 TRT stream after 2 years.

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The 5 stages of a TSS 482 application

Employer Obtains Standard Business Sponsorship

≈ 28 days

The Australian employer must apply to become an approved standard business sponsor (if not already). Home Affairs assesses whether the business is lawfully operating and committed to non-discriminatory employment practices.

Employer Conducts Labour Market Testing and Lodges Nomination

≈ 42 days

The employer must demonstrate Labour Market Testing (LMT) — advertising the position for at least 28 days and being unable to find a suitable Australian candidate. The employer then lodges a nomination for the specific position and applicant.

Applicant Lodges Visa Application

≈ 7 days

After the nomination is lodged (can be concurrent), submit the Subclass 482 visa application in ImmiAccount. Upload all supporting documents and pay the application fee.

Health and Character Checks

≈ 21 days

Complete health examinations (may be waived for short-term stays) and provide police clearances as required.

Await Grant and Commence Work

≈ 45 days

Home Affairs processes the application. Once granted, commence work with the sponsoring employer. Medium-term stream holders should track their time towards eligibility for the Subclass 186 TRT stream after 2 years.