Chemical Plant Operator — Subclass 482 Pathway
Skills in Demand visa · 1-4 years (Specialist Skills, Core Skills, or Essential Skills stream)
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $1,455 short-term / from $3,035 medium-term (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~1-4 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Chemical Plant Operator for migration purposes is handled by: TRA.
Skills assessment is only required for some occupation/passport combinations — the assessing body is the same one listed for the ANZSCO code.
Chemical Plant Operator × Subclass 482 — pathway overview
Chemical Plant Operator (ANZSCO 399211) is listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and qualifies for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa under the Core Skills stream. This temporary employer-sponsored visa allows Australian businesses to fill skill shortages with overseas workers where no suitable local candidate is available. Chemical Plant Operators monitor and control equipment and processes used in the production of chemicals, petrochemicals, and related industrial products. They work in refineries, processing plants, and manufacturing facilities managing safety-critical equipment including reactors, distillation columns, and pipelines. The visa requires an approved business sponsor and a signed labour agreement or standard business sponsorship arrangement. Applicants must hold at least Vocational English and meet a minimum annual salary of the Core Skills Income Threshold (AUD 73,150 or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher). A skills assessment from TRA is required. The visa is typically granted for up to four years. The Subclass 482 application fee is approximately AUD 3,115, with processing typically taking four to eight months. Holders may be eligible to transition to permanent residence through the Subclass 186 ENS visa after satisfying work experience and sponsorship requirements. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 482. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Nominated by an approved Australian sponsor
- Position pays at least the relevant Core Skills Income Threshold
- At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Positive skills assessment if required for the occupation/passport combination
- Vocational English (IELTS 5.0 in each component or equivalent)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Chemical Plant Operator
State nominations for Chemical Plant Operator
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.