482 Visa Success Rate 2026: Approval Rates, Refusal Risks and What Really Matters
Searches for the “482 visa success rate” are common, but a single percentage can be misleading. A 482 outcome depends on three linked components: sponsor eligibility, nomination approval and the worker’s visa eligibility. The useful question is not the headline percentage—it is where a particular case can fail.
Why a single 482 success rate can mislead
Published approval statistics, where available, can mix different streams, occupations, industries, nationalities and case types. A high aggregate grant rate does not mean a weak nomination is safe, and a low historical figure does not predict an individual application.
The nomination is often the pressure point
Common nomination risks include an occupation mismatch, weak genuine-position evidence, inadequate Labour Market Testing, salary or AMSR issues, business-capacity concerns and inconsistencies between the employment contract and organisational structure.
Applicant-side refusal risks
The worker must satisfy the current skills, work experience, English, health and character requirements. Mandatory skills assessments, licensing or registration can also be decisive.
Consistency across sponsor, nomination and visa
The strongest cases tell one coherent story. The business need, position duties, salary, applicant CV, reference letters and occupation classification should align. Contradictions can create concerns even where each document looks acceptable in isolation.
What to do if a 482 is refused
Review rights depend on the decision and circumstances. Some refusals may be reviewable in the Administrative Review Tribunal, while other cases may be better addressed through a new sponsorship, nomination or visa strategy.
Claim your consultation
Tell us the occupation, sponsor, current visa status and the specific 482 issue you need advice about.
The Emigrate Lawyers difference
We assess sponsorship, nomination and visa criteria as one connected matter.
Our work includes refusals, sponsor changes, ART review, health, character and compliance issues.
We test the position, salary, employer material and applicant history for inconsistencies before lodgement.
Employers and workers across Australia and overseas can instruct us by video and electronic case management.
Related 482 resources
Madhab Kharel — Principal Lawyer
Madhab Kharel is the Principal Lawyer and Director of Emigrate Lawyers. His migration law practice includes Subclass 482 and 186 employer-sponsored visas, nomination refusals, ART review, sponsor compliance and complex visa matters.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official 482 approval percentage for my occupation?
There is no single percentage that reliably predicts an individual case. Occupation and case-specific evidence matter more.
Does nomination approval guarantee visa approval?
No. The visa applicant must still satisfy the personal visa criteria.
Can a strong applicant overcome a weak employer nomination?
No. The sponsor, nomination and visa are connected but each must satisfy its own requirements.
Should I relodge after refusal?
Only after identifying the refusal reason, current visa status, review rights and whether the underlying defect can be corrected.
Speak with a 482 visa lawyer
Contact Emigrate Lawyers for advice about Skills in Demand sponsorship, nomination or visa strategy.
Legal review: Madhab Kharel, Principal Lawyer. Reviewed 26 September 2026. General information only and not legal advice.
