Australia’s subclass 400 vs 482 TSS visa

The Subclass 400 temporary work visa and the new 482 TSS visa are two of the most popular temporary work visas. To understand and compare these 2 VisaEnvoy has prepared a comparison summary table.

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

Features

This visa, referred to as the TSS visa, enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers where they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian. It facilitates targeted use of overseas workers to address temporary skill shortages, while ensuring that Australian workers get priority. TSS visa holders can work in Australia in their nominated occupation for their approved sponsor under one of three streams:

• the Short-Term stream
• the Medium-Term stream
• the Labour Agreement stream.

Eligibility

You must have the skills to fill a position nominated by an approved business for an approved occupation.

Length of stay

One to four years – depending on your nominated occupation, the visa stream and your circumstances

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Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)

Features

This visa is for people who want to travel to Australia to:

• do short-term, highly specialised, non-ongoing work
• in limited circumstances, participate in an activity or work relating to Australia’s interests. ​

Generally the stay period allowed is up to three months but up to six months may be considered in limited circumstances if supported by a strong business case.

Eligibility

You must:

• be invited, or supported, by the organisation you will be working for
• have specialist skills, knowledge or experience that is needed but cannot be found in Australia

Length of stay

Up to 3 months (6 months in limited circumstances)

Comparative summary table – Subclass 400 visa or subclass 482 TSS visa
	Subclass 400 visa up to 3 months cumulative stay in any 12 month period	Subclass 400 visa 3 to 6 months cumulative stay in any 12 month period	Subclass 482 visa Short Term Stream 2+2 years	Subclass 482 visa Medium Term Stream 4 years- Pathway to PR
Type of work allowed	Highly specialised and non-ongoing Typically management, professional and technicians and trades occupations	Highly specialised and non-ongoing Typically management, professional and technicians and trades occupations	Ongoing skilled work Management, professional technicians and trades occupations plus selected service, clerical and sales occupations	Ongoing skilled work Management, professional technicians and trades occupations
TSMIT earnings at least $53,900 p.a.	Not required	Effectively required under policy	Legal requirement	Legal requirement
Market salary	Not required	Effectively required under policy	Legal requirement unless earnings are $180,000 or over	Legal requirement unless earnings are $180,000 or over
Labour Market Testing	Not required	Effectively required under policy	Legal requirement for all occupations unless earnings above $142,000	Legal requirement for all occupations unless earnings above $142,000
Sponsorship obligations	Not applicable	Not applicable	Applicable	Applicable
English language testing	Not required	Not required	Required unless: – base salary over $96,400 – native English speaker, or – 5 years continuous education in English	Required unless: – base salary over $96,400 – native English speaker, or – 5 years continuous education in English
Strong business case	Not required	Required	Not required	Not required
Application charges	$280	$280	From $1,150 depending on family size	From $2,400
Processing time	5 days to 4 weeks	5 days to 4 weeks	5 to 8 months	5 to 8 months
Location	Outside Australia	Outside Australia	Outside or inside Australia	Outside or inside Australia
Health examination	Not required	May be required depending on risk level	Likely to be required depending on risk level	Likely to be required depending on risk level
Evidence of funds to support trip	Required	Required	Not required	Not required
Licensing and registration	Required before work can commence	Required before work can commence	Required before work can commence	Required before work can commence
Health insurance	Not required	Not required	Legal requirement	Legal requirement
Further application	Subject to scrutiny Cumulative stay in previous 12 month period will be considered	Subject to rigorous scrutiny Cumulative stay in previous 12 month period will be considered	Can apply twice onshore, each for 2 years Previous stays in Australia not considered	Can apply multiple times and pathway available to Permanent visas
Travel facility	Single entry unless business need for multiple entry demonstrated	Single entry unless business need for multiple entry demonstrated	Multiple entry	Multiple entry
Work condition Main applicant	Work in the activity for which the visa was granted	Work in the activity for which the visa was granted	Work in the position for which the visa was granted	Work in the position for which the visa was granted
Work condition Family	No work	No work	Unlimited work and study	Unlimited work and study

This assessment tool is a guide only to be discussed with your VisaEnvoy advisor taking into account your business’ needs.