Understanding Your Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) SC482 Visa Conditions

If you hold a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa, it is important to understand your obligations to avoid breaching your visa conditions. This may lead to potential visa cancellation and impact future applications, including for permanent residency (PR). Make sure you read through and understand the key SC482 visa conditions. 
 

1. Health Insurance Requirements For TSS Visa Holder

  • Financial Responsibility: You are responsible for any health debts incurred in Australia. It is necessary for you and any dependent family members to maintain appropriate health insurance. 

  • Medicare Coverage: If you are eligible and have successfully applied for Medicare, you may not need private health insurance. However, this coverage is only available to nationals from certain countries, including Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

For further details on health insurance requirements, refer to: 

2. Nominated Occupation Work Requirements for Subclass 482 Visa Holder

  • Work Restrictions: You may only work for your sponsoring employer or an associated entity in your approved nominated occupation. Review your visa approval letter for the specific occupation details. 

  • Role Changes: If your employer wishes to change your role or if you receive a promotion, consult your Migration Agent or Lawyer to ensure compliance with visa conditions. Temporary changes in duties lasting up to 60 consecutive days are permitted. However, it is advisable to confirm this with your Migration Representative
     

3. Unpaid Leave for a TSS (SC482) Visa Holder

  • Leave Policies: TSS (Subclass 482) visa holders can take unpaid leave (e.g., maternity, sick leave) without breaching visa conditions, provided it doesn’t exceed 3 months unless specified otherwise under workplace laws or in exceptional circumstances.

  • Company Agreements: If you are employed under a Company-Specific or On-Hire Labour Agreement, review the terms regarding unpaid leave. 

4. TSS Visa Holder Working Overseas

  • Overseas Employment: TSS visa (SC482) holders may work outside Australia if it’s in the normal course of business and they remain employees of the Australian firm. However, significant overseas employment could raise concerns about the genuineness of the nominated position

5. Terminating Employment

  • Employment Cessation: You can cease employment with your sponsor for up to 180 consecutive days without breaching your visa conditions or a total of 365 days over the visa’s duration. During this period, you can work for any employer in any occupation, even if it’s not listed as eligible under Australia’s sponsored visa program. 

6. Second Job or Volunteer Work

  • Second Employment: Primary TSS visa holders are typically not permitted to undertake a second job, though exceptions exist for certain occupations, such as General Medical Practitioners (GPs) and CEOs/General Managers. 

  • Voluntary Work: Unpaid volunteer work, typically with charitable or not-for-profit organizations, may be allowed on a case-by-case basis. 

7. Work-Related Conditions For Subclass 482 TSS Visa Holders

  • Key Deadlines for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa Holders

    • You must start work within 90 days of your visa being granted if you are in Australia. 

    • If you are overseas, you must commence work within 90 days of arriving in Australia. 

  • Employment Duration: You must not cease employment for more than 60 consecutive days

  • Licenses and Registrations: Ensure you hold any required work-related licenses, registrations, or memberships as applicable. 

Understanding and adhering to the conditions of your TSS 482 visa is essential for maintaining your visa status and eligibility for future applications. If you have any questions or concerns about your visa conditions, consult with a Migration Agent or Lawyer for personalised guidance. 

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

Understanding and adhering to TSS Subclass 482 visa conditions can assist in maintaining your visa status and eligibility for future applications. Contact us at Agape Henry Crux, our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law and our team of immigration lawyers are specialised in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.  

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.  

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.