NIL Visa Application Charge for Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482)

Pursuant to the Legislative Instrument 21/006 that came into force on 27 February 2021, certain former temporary skilled visa holders can apply for a new Subclass 482 visa without having to pay a visa application charge (VAC), provided that their travel to, or stay in, Australia has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The instrument provides that former Subclasses 482 and 457 holders are entitled to apply for a Subclass 482 visa for free. The applicants will have to fit within the specified circumstances in the instrument as below:

  • A primary applicant for a Subclass 482 visa can obtain the benefit of nil VAC while offshore between 27 February 2021 and 31 December 2022 if they had a Subclass 482 or 457 before and the visa expired between 1 February 2020 and 31 December 2021;

  • Additional applicant that makes a combined application with the primary applicant who fits the specified circumstances as described above is also entitled to nil VAC.