We understand how frustrating it can be when you're waiting on a visa decision. Many applicants expect a quick turnaround after submitting their 482 Visa application, only to find themselves waiting months with little to no updates.
In this blog, we’ll break down the current processing times for both the older Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa and the new Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa.
We’ll also explain what might be causing delays, how priority processing works, and what steps you can take if your visa is taking longer than expected.
Which type of 482 Visa have you applied for?
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa was accepting applications up until 6 December 2024 after which it closed. The new Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa opened on 7 December 2024.
Therefore, applicants who applied before 7 December 2024 are awaiting a decision on the old TSS 482 Visa, while those who applied on or after 7 December 2024 are waiting for a decision on the SID 482 Visa.
Processing times for old TSS 482 Visa applications are longer
The standard processing times for the TSS 482 Visa for the Medium- and Short-Term Streams are currently, at the time of writing, as follows:
- 50% processed in 5 months
- 90% processed in 9 months
Processing times for Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa applications are shorter
Processing times for the Skills in Demand 482 Visa are currently reported by the Department of Home Affairs as:
Core Skills Stream
- 50% processed in 51 days
- 90% processed in 3 months
This means that 10% of applications are taking longer than 3 months—sometimes much longer.
Specialist Skills Stream
- 50% processed in 8 days
- 90% processed in 67 days
482 Visa priority processing times
There are also several other considerations that affect 482 Visa processing times, such as the occupation you’ve applied for. Under Direction 105, processing priorities are assigned as follows:
Priority 1: Employer-sponsored visas for occupations to be carried out in a designated regional area
Priority 2: Visas related to healthcare or teaching occupations
Priority 3: Employer-sponsored visas where the applicant is nominated by an approved sponsor with Accredited Status
Priority 4: Permanent and temporary visa subclasses that count towards the migration program, excluding the Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa
Priority 5: All other visa applications
If you fall under Priority 5, your application may take longer to be processed.
Accredited sponsors
Nominations and visa applications from accredited sponsors are generally processed faster. From an employer’s perspective, applying to become an accredited sponsor can significantly reduce processing times.
Long processing times may lead to refusals
If your application is taking significantly longer than the standard processing times, it may be undergoing additional checks. Depending on the findings by the Department of Home Affairs, there may be further information requests—or in some cases, the application may be refused.
Make sure all required information has been provided, and that your medical examinations and character requirements have been completed, as these are crucial to visa processing.
What can I do if my 482 Visa is taking longer than standard processing times?
You may wish to follow up with your Registered Migration Agent (RMA) or Immigration Lawyer for an update.
Contact us if you need any assistance.
Sources
Visa Processing Times: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times
Direction 105: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/skilled-visa-processing-priorities
