The TSS 482 is Australia's primary employer-sponsored temporary work visa. The employer must be an approved sponsor, and the nominated occupation must be on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The minimum salary threshold is the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of AUD 53,900, but most professional roles pay AUD 80,000–130,000. Short-term stream grants 2 years; long-term stream grants 4 years with pathway to PR via 186.
Before applying for most Australian work visas, Indian professionals need a skills assessment from the relevant authority. Engineers Australia, ACS (for IT), ANMAC (nursing), and AMC (medicine) are the main bodies. The skills assessment process takes 3–6 months and requires certified copies of degrees, transcripts, and employment references. Factor this into your timeline. English proficiency (IELTS 6.0–7.0 depending on occupation) is mandatory for most visa subclasses.
Indian students apply for Subclass 500 after receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution. A key requirement unique to Australia is the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement — you must demonstrate that study is your primary purpose and that you intend to return to India afterward (even if you later apply for post-study visas). OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory throughout your stay, costing approximately AUD 600–700/yr for singles.
After graduating, Indian students can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). The Graduate Work stream gives 18 months for occupations on the skilled list. The Post-Study Work stream provides 2–6 years depending on your qualification level and study location (regional study gets extra years). Melbourne and Sydney graduates get 2 years base; regional graduates get up to 6 years. Work rights during study: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks.
Australia's skilled migration uses a points-based SkillSelect system. The minimum threshold is 65 points, but due to high competition from Indian applicants, invitation rounds typically require 80–90+ points for Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent). Points are awarded for age (25–32 is peak), English (superior English = 20 pts), overseas skilled experience, Australian study, and partner skills. A 30-year-old with a Master's from Australia, 8 years experience, and superior IELTS can score 90–100 points.
The Subclass 186 grants permanent residency through employer sponsorship. The Temporary Residence Transition stream requires 3 years on TSS 482. The Direct Entry stream is for highly skilled workers not yet in Australia. The occupation must be on the MLTSSL. This is the most direct route from TSS to PR for Indian professionals already working in Australia under 482, bypassing the SkillSelect points queue entirely.
Indian passport holders require a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) — there is no Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) available for Indian citizens unlike for many Western passports. Applications are made online via the ImmiAccount portal. The fee is AUD 145. Processing time ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on completeness of documents and background checks. Multiple-entry visas valid for 12 months with stays of up to 3 or 6 months per visit are commonly granted for strong applicants.
Australia's tourist visa approval rates for Indians have improved significantly in recent years following the India-Australia bilateral agreements. Provide comprehensive documentation — partial applications cause delays. If visiting family who are Australian citizens or PRs, include their details and an invitation letter. Previous travel history to the US, UK, or Schengen countries strengthens your application considerably. Avoid applying during peak periods (October–January) when processing slows.