What are the main differences between the short-term and medium-term streams of the 482 visa?

The Subclass 482 Visa has two primary streams: Short-term and Medium-term, each with distinct features.

Duration

- Short-term Stream: Allows work for up to **2 years**, extendable to **4 years** under certain conditions (e.g., International Trade Obligations).

- Medium-term Stream: Allows work for up to **4 years** with the possibility of applying for permanent residency after three years.

Occupation Lists

- Short-term Stream: Requires nomination from the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

- Medium-term Stream: Requires nomination from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

English Language Requirements

- Short-term Stream: Generally lower English proficiency requirements.

- Medium-term Stream: Higher English proficiency standards, such as an overall IELTS score of at least 5.0.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

- Short-term Stream: Limited pathways; typically does not lead to permanent residency.

- Medium-term Stream: Provides a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) after meeting specific criteria.

These differences significantly impact eligibility and long-term residency options in Australia.

Citations:

[1] Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa - Subclass 482 https://visaguide.world/australia-visa/work/temporary-skill-shortage-visa-482/

[2] Medium TSS 482 Visa vs Short TSS 482 Visa - Work Visa Lawyers https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/medium-tss-482-visa-vs-short-tss-482-visa-what-s-the-difference.html

[3] 482 Visa - Temporary Skill Shortage visa https://www.idp.com/australia/study-to-migrate/482-visa-temporary-skill-shortage-visa-australia-requirements-processing-time/

[4] 482 Visa TSS (Temporary Skill Shortage) | ASM https://www.australianskilledmigration.com.au/482-visa-tss/

[5] Short And Medium Term Stream Visas - PAX Migration Agent Adelaide https://paxmigration.com.au/migration-info-centre/short-and-medium-term-stream-visas/

[6] 482 Visa - Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS) https://pathwaytoaus.com/visa/employer-sponsored-482-visa/

[7] 482 Visa | Temporary Skill Shortage Visa – Migration Downunder https://migrationdownunder.com/australian-visas/corporate-visas/482visa-tss/

[8] 482 Visa Document Checklist | MJ Legal https://mjlegal.com.au/blog/482-visa-document-checklist