Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) vs Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Australia · TSS 482vs Australia · 485
The TSS 482 is the faster route (2–5 months), the 485 is cheaper on official fees ($1,140), 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 your current situation in Australia. The TSS 482 is built for skilled workers ready to work now with employer backing. The subclass 485 is designed for recent Australian graduates looking to gain work experience before pursuing permanent residency. Your path depends on whether you have a job offer lined up or fresh credentials from an Australian institution.
At a glance
Which one fits you?
- 01
You have a job offer
Pick TSS 482TSS 482 is your visa. It requires employer sponsorship and a confirmed role in a shortage occupation.
Pick 485485 doesn't require a job offer, so explore this if your offer fell through or timing is uncertain.
- 02
You just graduated from Australia
Pick TSS 482TSS 482 demands 2 years work experience minimum, so you'll need prior employment history.
Pick 485485 is built for you. Zero work experience required, and you gain 2-4 years of post-study rights.
- 03
Cost matters most
Pick TSS 482TSS 482 costs USD 2,770, roughly double the 485 fee.
Pick 485485 is cheaper at USD 1,140, easing financial strain early in your migration journey.
- 04
Speed to PR is critical
Pick TSS 482TSS 482 offers a faster path to permanent residency, roughly 3 years total.
Pick 485485 takes around 2 years to establish work history, but PR follows after via skilled migration pathways.
- 05
You're over 35 years old
Pick TSS 482TSS 482 has no age limit, so you're eligible regardless of age.
Pick 485485 caps applicants at age 35, so this option is closed to you.
Common questions
- Is the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) or the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) faster to get?
- The Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) (TSS 482) is typically faster, around 2–5 months, versus 3–9 months for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.
- Which costs more, the TSS 482 or the 485?
- The Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) (TSS 482) costs more, about $2,770 in official fees, versus $1,140 for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) (485). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.
- Can I get permanent residency with the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) or the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
- The TSS 482 leads to permanent residency in roughly 3 years, while the 485 leads to permanent residency in roughly 2 years. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.
- Does the TSS 482 or the 485 need a job offer?
- The Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) (TSS 482) requires a job offer or employer sponsor, while the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) (485) does not, you can apply on your own profile. That makes the 485 more accessible if you don't yet have an employer lined up.
Read the full pathway
Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa for skilled workers in shortage occupations. Bridge to permanent residency.
Full TSS 482 guideTemporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Post-study work rights for international graduates of Australian institutions. Two streams: Post-Vocational Education Work (18 months) and Post-Higher Education Work (2-4 years depending on degree level). Path to skilled migration.
Full 485 guideStill can't decide?
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