482 Visa processing time: What you need to know?

The short-term stream 482 visa, also known as the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, is a visa category that allows an Australian employer to sponsor skilled professionals from different countries to fill the country's labor shortage.

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa subclass 482 visa allows an applicant to live and work in the country for up to four years, depending on their qualifications for an accepted sponsor. There are three categories under the temporary skill shortage visa such as:

• Short-term stream
• Medium-term stream
• Labor agreement stream

*Want to apply for a Subclass 482 visa? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

 

Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) Visa Processing Times by Stream

The Department of Home Affairs publishes indicative processing times for the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which replaced the TSS 482 in December 2024. Timeframes vary depending on the stream and whether the application is decision-ready (all required documents, health, and character checks lodged upfront).

The processing time for Short-Term Stream 482 Visa varies for different applicants, such as:

Stream	Median Processing Time	Notes
Specialist Skills (SID 482)	Around 7 business days (decision-ready)	Fast-tracked due to priority for high-earning specialist roles.
Core Skills (SID 482)	Around 21 business days (decision-ready)	Applies to most skilled roles; priority given to healthcare and teaching.
Labour Agreement (SID 482)	Not separately published	Case-by-case; check the monthly Processing Times Guide.
TSS 482 – Short-term (legacy)	Closed to new applicants	Pre–7 Dec 2024 lodgements still processed under TSS rules.
TSS 482 – Medium-term (legacy)	Closed to new applicants	Pre–7 Dec 2024 lodgements still processed under TSS rules.

 

Processing Time under Medium-Term Skill Shortage Temporary 482 Visa Stream

The processing time for Medium-Term Skill Shortage Temporary 482 visa stream is:

Percentage of applicants	Number of days
For 25% of applications	5 days
For 50% of applications	14 days
For 75% of applications	39 days
For 90% of applicants	70 days

 

 Labour Agreement Stream Processing Time

The processing time for the Labour Agreement Stream is:

Percentage of applicants	Number of days
For 25% of applications	10 days
For 50% of applications	41 days
For 75% of applications	83 days
For 90% of applicants	6 days

 

Factors That Affect 482 Visa Processing Times

Processing times for the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa can vary depending on several factors. The Department of Home Affairs highlights the following considerations that may speed up or slow down your application:

• Completeness of your application

Applications that are “decision-ready” — with all required documents, health checks, and character checks submitted upfront — are generally processed faster. Missing or unclear information can cause delays.

• Employer nomination details

If your sponsoring employer is an accredited sponsor or if the role is in a priority occupation (such as healthcare or teaching), your application may be processed more quickly. Incorrect or incomplete nominations can slow the process.

• Peak periods and caseloads

Processing times fluctuate depending on the volume of applications. During high-demand periods, such as peak migration seasons, applications may take longer to finalize. The Department updates its processing time guide monthly to reflect these changes.

How to Expedite Your 482 Visa Application?

While you cannot pay extra to fast-track the 482 visa, the Department of Home Affairs highlights several steps that can help ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible:

• Submit a decision-ready application

Lodge your application with all required documents, health assessments, and character checks completed. Incomplete or unclear applications are the most common cause of delays.

• Ensure accurate employer nomination

Your sponsoring employer must provide correct and complete details in the nomination. Employers with accredited sponsor status and roles listed in priority occupations (such as healthcare and teaching) may benefit from faster processing.

• Respond promptly to requests

If Home Affairs asks for further information or documents, provide them without delay. Timely responses help keep your application moving.

• Plan around peak periods

Visa processing times can be longer during peak lodgement periods. Applying early and avoiding last-minute submissions reduces the chance of delays.

• Check processing time updates

Home Affairs updates its processing time guide monthly. Monitoring these updates helps set realistic expectations and plan your travel or employment start dates accordingly.

New Rules for 482 visa to Permanent Residency

Australia has introduced important updates to the Subclass 482 visa framework, now operating under the Skills in Demand (SID) visa model. Here are the key changes:

• Introduction of the Skills in Demand Visa
  From 7 December 2024, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa. All new applications now fall under this updated framework.

• Streams under the SID Visa
  The visa now operates with Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement streams, designed to address workforce shortages more effectively.

• Faster Processing Times
  Decision-ready applications are processed faster, with median times of around 7 business days for Specialist Skills and 21 business days for Core Skills. Labour Agreement stream times vary case by case.

• Pathways to Permanent Residency
  The updated rules make it easier for 482/SID visa holders to transition to permanent residency through employer-sponsored programs such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS 186).

• Reduced Work Experience Requirement for PR
  The required period of employment with the sponsoring employer for permanent residency has been reduced from three years to two years.

• Eligibility Extended Across Streams
  Previously, only certain streams led to permanent residency. Now, both Core Skills and Specialist Skills stream holders may access PR pathways if they meet the requirements.

• Labour Agreement Flexibility
  The Labour Agreement stream provides tailored concessions on skills, English language, and qualifications in industries with critical shortages, such as aged care.

• Continuity for Legacy Applicants
  Applicants who lodged under the former TSS 482 visa before December 2024 will continue to be processed under the old rules to ensure consistency.

 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to migrate to Australia? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Australia.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the success rate of a subclass 482 visa?

The Subclass 482 visa, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, has a high success rate of 98%, making it a reliable option for skilled workers.

 

2. What is the 482 visa processing time?

If an applicant provides all the required documents and follows the instructions, 75% of short-term visa applications are processed within 36 days, and 90% within 61 days. The medium-term stream processing time is lesser, with 75% of applications processed within 33 days and 90% within 49 days.

3. What is the latest news for Subclass 482 visa?

From July 1, 2024, the primary sponsored worker on 457,482 or 494 will have up to 180 days to find a new employer after leaving their sponsor. At that time, the skilled workers can work in any occupation.

 

4. What is the 482 visa to PR age limit?

There is no age limit to apply for 482 visas but to apply for PR through the Employer-nominated program's temporary residence transition stream; you must be under 45 years old.

 

5. Is it easy to get 482 visas?

No, getting a Subclass 482 visa is difficult as the application process is quite detailed and requires meeting the eligible criteria. This visa allows Australian employers to recruit skilled overseas workers who can address labor shortages.