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Australia Temporary Work Visas: Skills in Demand (482) & More
Quick answer: Australia's main temporary work visa is the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), which replaced the TSS visa in December 2024. Other options include the 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, the 400 short-stay specialist visa and the 408 temporary activity visa. Many lead to PR through employer nomination.
Australia offers a range of temporary work visas for skilled workers, specialists, and individuals with specific skills that are in demand in the Australian labour market. These visas allow overseas workers to fill gaps in the local workforce while providing them with the opportunity to gain Australian work experience.
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) is the primary temporary work visa, allowing employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally. The TSS visa has two streams: the Short-Term stream (up to 2 years) and the Medium-Term stream (up to 4 years), with the latter offering a pathway to permanent residence.
The Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) caters to specific groups including Seasonal Worker Programme participants, Pacific Labour Scheme workers, and government-sponsored employees. The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) covers a range of short-term activities including entertainment, research, and religious work.
Australia also offers the Training visa (subclass 407) for those wishing to undertake occupational training or professional development in Australia, and the Pacific Engagement Visa for eligible Pacific Island nationals. Employers seeking to sponsor workers must generally be approved sponsors and demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to recruit locally before turning to overseas talent.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an employer to get an Australian work visa?
Yes for 482 and 494. You need an approved sponsoring employer and a nominated position.
Can a 482 visa lead to PR?
Yes, through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after meeting the work-experience requirement with your sponsor.
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