Is the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) faster to get?

The Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) (TSS 482) is typically faster, around 2–5 months, versus 6–18 months for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

Which costs more, the SC 189 or the TSS 482?

The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (SC 189) costs more, about $3,035 in official fees, versus $2,770 for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) (TSS 482). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)?

The SC 189 offers a direct path to permanent residency, while the TSS 482 leads to permanent residency in roughly 3 years. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Does the SC 189 or the TSS 482 need a job offer?

The Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) (TSS 482) requires a job offer or employer sponsor, while the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (SC 189) does not, you can apply on your own profile. That makes the SC 189 more accessible if you don't yet have an employer lined up.

Skilled Independent (subclass 189) vs Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)

Australia · SC 189vs Australia · TSS 482

Quick answerUpdated 2026-05-02

The TSS 482 is the faster route (2–5 months), the TSS 482 is cheaper on official fees ($2,770), both lead to permanent residency. Which fits depends on your nationality, profession, and whether you already have a job offer, the breakdown below maps each visa to a profile.

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to whether you have an employer lined up. SC 189 is points-based and independent, requiring no job offer or sponsorship. SC 482 needs an employer to sponsor you, but gets you working faster. Both lead to permanent residency, but they demand different circumstances.

Further reading: Australia 189 visa guide

Section 01

At a glance

SC 189

TSS 482

Processing time

6–18 months

2–5 months

Application fee

$3,035

$2,770

Initial validity

5 yrs

4 yrs

Path to PR

Yes

Yes, ~3 yrs

Points-based

Yes

Employer sponsor

Not required

Required

Minimum salary

—

Language test

Required

Verified

2026-05-02

Section 02

Which one fits you?

01
Job offer status
Pick SC 189
Pick SC 189 if you don't have an employer sponsor or prefer independence.
Pick TSS 482
Pick SC 482 if you already have a job offer from an Australian employer.
02
Speed to work
Pick SC 189
Pick SC 189 if you can wait 6-18 months before starting work in Australia.
Pick TSS 482
Pick SC 482 if you need to begin working within 2-5 months.
03
Path to PR speed
Pick SC 189
Pick SC 189 if you want permanent residency immediately upon approval.
Pick TSS 482
Pick SC 482 if you're willing to work 3 years before applying for permanent residency.
04
Age flexibility
Pick SC 189
Pick SC 189 only if you're under 45 (maximum age is 44).
Pick TSS 482
Pick SC 482 if you're over 44, as there's no age limit.
05
Application cost
Pick SC 189
Pick SC 189 if you prefer paying USD 3,035 upfront.
Pick TSS 482
Pick SC 482 if you want to save USD 265 with a lower USD 2,770 fee.

Section 03

Common questions

Is the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) faster to get?: The Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) (TSS 482) is typically faster, around 2–5 months, versus 6–18 months for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.
Which costs more, the SC 189 or the TSS 482?: The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (SC 189) costs more, about $3,035 in official fees, versus $2,770 for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) (TSS 482). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.
Can I get permanent residency with the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)?: The SC 189 offers a direct path to permanent residency, while the TSS 482 leads to permanent residency in roughly 3 years. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.
Does the SC 189 or the TSS 482 need a job offer?: The Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) (TSS 482) requires a job offer or employer sponsor, while the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (SC 189) does not, you can apply on your own profile. That makes the SC 189 more accessible if you don't yet have an employer lined up.

Section 04

Read the full pathway