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Skills in Demand 482 Visa

Update: On December 7 2024, the Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa

The 482 visa is a temporary visa that will allow skilled workers to work for an approved sponsor for up to four years. The visa is designed to address labour shortages within Australia by allowing overseas skilled workers in eligible skilled occupations to work in a nominated position in Australia temporarily. If you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of being a part of the Australian labour market, including a high standard of living and working conditions. You and your family members may also have the opportunity to apply for a permanent visa by meeting the criteria for a further visa subclass.

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What Is a Skills in Demand visa?

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. The SID visa allows an approved sponsor to fill labour shortages in recognised occupations while providing foreign workers with a valuable opportunity to gain further work experience and a potential pathway to permanent residence. It is valid for up to four years and is split into three streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement.

The Specialist Skills stream is available for applicants in most occupations under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), excluding trade workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers. For the Core Skills stream, the applicant’s occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The Labour Agreement stream applies to employers who have entered into a work agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.

Eligibility Requirements for a Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa in Australia

Applications submitted before 7 December 2024 will be processed under the previous TSS visa rules, while applications after that date will be assessed under the new SID visa requirements. However, if your employer lodged a TSS nomination before 7 December 2024 but you have not applied for a TSS visa, your nomination and application can still be linked to an SID visa.

In order to be successful with an application for a 482 visa, primary SID visa applicants must fulfil the following requirements:

  • You must have an approved sponsor who has lodged a nomination for a skilled position
  • You must have a valid passport
  • You must have at least one year of relevant work experience
  • You must have all the necessary qualifications and/or licences required for the occupation
  • You must have a minimum salary of
    • $76,515 for the Core Skills stream ($73,150 for nomination applications lodged before 1 July 2025)
    • $141,210 for the Specialist Skills stream ($135,000 for nomination applications lodged before 1 July 2025)
  • You must meet the relevant English language requirements
  • You must meet the health and character requirements and must ensure that you maintain adequate health insurance while in Australia
  • Certain occupations must have a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
  • You must sign the Australian values statement
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Learn more about 482 visa requirements

Eligibility Requirements for a Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa in Australia

Applications submitted before 7 December 2024 will be processed under the previous TSS visa rules, while applications after that date will be assessed under the new SID visa requirements. However, if your employer lodged a TSS nomination before 7 December 2024 but you have not applied for a TSS visa, your nomination and application can still be linked to an SID visa.

In order to be successful with an application for a 482 visa, primary SID visa applicants must fulfil the following requirements:

  • You must have an approved sponsor who has lodged a nomination for a skilled position
  • You must have a valid passport
  • You must have at least one year of relevant work experience
  • You must have all the necessary qualifications and/or licences required for the occupation
  • You must have a minimum salary of
    • $76,515 for the Core Skills stream ($73,150 for nomination applications lodged before 1 July 2025)
    • $141,210 for the Specialist Skills stream ($135,000 for nomination applications lodged before 1 July 2025)
  • You must meet the relevant English language requirements
  • You must meet the health and character requirements and must ensure that you maintain adequate health insurance while in Australia
  • Certain occupations must have a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
  • You must sign the Australian values statement
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Learn more about 482 visa requirements

Benefits of the Skills in Demand 482 Visa

There are a number of benefits to the 482 visa, which can allow skilled foreign workers to earn a good income in Australia while expanding their skills and experience and gaining a pathway to permanent residency. It also greatly benefits employers in light of widespread labour shortages throughout Australia, who can address these shortages with highly skilled workers from overseas. Further benefits for SID visa holders include:

  • A minimum salary of $76,515 plus super
  • Access to the outstanding working and living conditions in Australia
  • A pathway to permanent residency after two years of full-time work in most cases
  • Relatively quick visa processing times
  • Networking and professional development opportunities in Australia
  • Unrestricted travel in and out of Australia
  • Study without restriction
  • The ability to include family members with full work and study rights
  • No age limit

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482 Visa Checklist

There are a number of technical aspects to the Skills in Demand visa subclass that may require additional evidence in certain circumstances. Some occupations can be difficult to match with previous work experience, or may have additional requirements, such as skills assessments, that must be addressed before an application can be made. Here is a snapshot of some of the documents that you will be asked to provide:

  • Additional requirements
  • Passport
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of name change (if applicable)
  • National identity card (if applicable)
  • Birth certificate (for applicants under 18)
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Divorce/death certificate for previous spouse (if applicable)
  • Current CV or resume
  • Evidence of relevant qualifications
  • Skills assessment outcome (if applicable)
  • Evidence of registration or licencing (if applicable)
  • Reference letters from former employers
  • Signed employment contract
  • Position details
  • Evidence of Labour Market Testing
  • Salary details
  • Military service record or discharge papers (if applicable)
  • Medical checks
  • Police clearance certificates from former countries of residence
  • Character documents (if applicable)
  • English test results or evidence of an exemption
  • Evidence of adequate health insurance

How the Skills in Demand 482 Visa Works

The SID visa involves a three-stage process as outlined below.

Stage 1: Standard Business Sponsor Application (SBS)

In order to nominate workers on an SID visa, an employer must first apply to become a standard business sponsor. The main criteria for the approval of an SBS application include that the applicant business:

  • Is lawfully running a business
  • Is committed to hiring Australian workers where possible
  • Will not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices

Stage 2: Nomination

The second stage of the process is also completed by the employer and involves nominating a position within their business to be filled by an overseas worker. Each worker will need to have an approved nomination to work in an occupation listed on the skilled occupation lists.

Stage 3: Visa Application

The visa application involves an assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the nominated role, including:

  • The applicant’s previous work experience
  • The applicant’s qualifications and licencing/registration
  • The applicant’s English skills, health, and character

Australian Migration Lawyers can help both visa applicants and sponsoring employers prepare thorough applications to ensure that you have the best chance of success at all stages.

Future Visa Pathways After Your Skills in Demand 482 Visa

Once you have been granted the SID visa, you have a direct pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa.

It is also possible for SID holders to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa, which does not require sponsorship by an employer, or Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visas, subject to meeting the criteria for those applications. Further information can be found on our website for those visa subclasses.

If you are successful in obtaining permanent residency after your SID visa, you may eventually be eligible to apply for Citizenship upon meeting the general residence requirements, which will provide benefits including:

  • Consular services and support while overseas
  • Visa-free travel to over 100 countries on an Australian passport
  • Access to Australian government jobs
  • No issues relating to visa cancellation

Benefits of Using an Immigration Lawyer for Your 482 Visa

There are requirements for the SID visa that, while they may appear simple on the surface, are greatly influenced by the Department of Home Affairs policy. These policies can change frequently and with minimal warning and are not always clear to independent applicants or employers looking to benefit from the SID programme.

At Australian Migration Lawyers, we provide valuable guidance and support to make the entire process as seamless as possible. We have a high success rate with our applications and have dealt with a wide array of complex occupations and situations.

  • Our team of qualified Australian lawyers draw on their knowledge of legislation, case law, and policy to give clear and accurate advice on all requirements and strategies relevant to your matter.
  • As lawyers, we have an obligation to ensure that your application meets all legislative requirements, which greatly improves your chance of success.
  • We assist in all stages of the process, including the preparation of all necessary applications, all the way through to the grant of the visa, including working with you to action any additional requests from the Department of Home Affairs.

482 Skills in Demand Visa Costs

There are two main costs associated with an SID visa application.

Professional fees payable to Australian Migration Lawyers to prepare the application

Our fees will vary depending on the circumstances of your application. Some applications will be more complex than others, so our fees will be quoted accordingly. We work on a fixed-fee basis rather than billing hourly to provide our clients with certainty about the total costs associated with their visa application. We strive to be flexible, so we offer payment plans based on financial need.

Book a consultation with one of our qualified lawyers to get a quote.

Department fees

The relevant fees for the Department of Home Affairs in relation to an SID application are as follows:

  • Standard Business Sponsorship: $420
  • Visa application – Primary: $4,910
  • Visa application – Secondary(> 18 y/o): $2,455
  • Visa application – Secondary(< 18 y/o): $1,230
  • SAF Levy (< $10 million business turnover): $1,200 per year
  • SAF Levy (> $10 million business turnover): $1,800 per year

Alternatively, you can use our online Fee Calculator for an instant estimate: click here

Visa application process

Applying for a visa to Australia can be complex. With help from an Australian Migration Lawyer, we can untangle this complexity, and help you apply for the right visa.

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482 Visa Processing Times

The processing time for an SID visa can take between one month and three months, subject to the approval of the sponsorship and nomination. Processing times are subject to the complexity of the case, the completeness of your application, and the caseload being processed by the Department.

According to recent government data, 90% of SID applications under the Core Skills and Labour Agreement streams were processed in four months, while 90% of Specialist Skills applications were processed in 65 days.

At Australian Migration Lawyers, we aim to submit high-standard, comprehensive applications that are as complete as possible to help reduce delays and seek a successful outcome.

Skills in Demand Visa Subclass Considerations

Our legal team at Australian Migration Lawyers is skilled in Australian migration law.

As lawyers, we cannot issue guarantees that your SID visa will be granted. The decision rests with the Department of Home Affairs, not any one representative, lawyer, or migration agent. However, our sound understanding of the law means that we are able to put the best case forward to seek a successful outcome.

We strive to make ourselves as accessible as possible to you

  • You can have a consultation with us from anywhere in Australia, as our consultations are online
  • We can assist you regardless of where you are in the SID visa process
  • We assist with all stages of the process, including the sponsorship, nomination, and visa applications
  • We can work with both you and your sponsor to ensure consistency and quality throughout the application process.

Meet your Australian Migration Lawyer

We’re a diverse team of professionals with decades of combined experience. We care about your situation and will make sure you always get the support and advice you need.

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We offer professional migration advice and support, no matter where you are based. Those located in Australia have the choice of meeting with us at one of our offices or online, and for those offshore, we are available to you online.

Frequently asked questions

Read our most commonly asked questions about the subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa.

Can a 482 visa lead to PR?

Most SID visa holders, including any secondary applicants, will have a direct pathway to PR through the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa. Previously, this pathway was only available to some TSS visa holders. However, under the new SID visa, all holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency after two years, provided they meet the eligibility criteria under the employer-sponsored programme.

Subclass 482 visa holders can also apply for permanent residency under the subclass 189 skilled independent or subclass 190 skilled nominated visas, subject to meeting the relevant criteria.

Please contact us to see how we can outline your pathway to PR and your options as an SID visa holder.

Is the 482 Skills in Demand visa for 2 years?

The 482 visa can be granted for up to four years or up to five years for Hong Kong passport holders. You can apply for another 482 visa after it expires, but most visa holders will be eligible for permanent residency at the end of their SID visa.

What happens if you quit your job while on a 482 visa?

When an employment relationship ends, the employer is obligated to inform the Department. An SID visa holder then has a period of 180 days to find a new employer and arrange for a nomination transfer. This involves an approved sponsor lodging a new nomination for the same occupation in relation to the existing visa. Once the nomination is approved, the SID visa will continue for the remainder of the original period.

Unlike the previous TSS system, changing employers on an SID visa will not reset the time counted towards your eligibility for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (186 visa). This means you can change jobs and still count the time you worked for your previous employer on a 482 visa towards your two or three years of experience required for the 186 visa.

If you cannot find a new employer before the completion of the 180-day period, you will need to leave Australia to avoid becoming an unlawful non-citizen. Please contact us for further assistance if you have ceased employment with your original sponsor.

Can you do other work while on a 482 visa?

Subclass 482 visa holders are not permitted to perform any work for another employer or in an occupation other than that which was listed in the nomination. Doing so may result in your visa being cancelled. Work is defined in the legislation as any activity that would normally attract remuneration, so some types of volunteer work may be permitted. However, we recommend that you contact us to ensure that you are not breaching any of your visa conditions.

Which occupations can I sponsor for an SID?

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) has replaced the previous occupation lists in the TSS visa. Employers can sponsor any occupation on this list for the SID’s Core Skills stream. For the Specialist Skills stream, the applicant must be a high-earning professional. Trade workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers cannot be sponsored for this stream. Applicants must also meet the minimum salary threshold. The requirements for the Labour Agreement stream are unchanged from the previous framework. A full list of the relevant occupations can be found in legislative instrument LIN 24/089.

How much does it cost to nominate an SID worker?

The costs for nominating a worker will vary depending on the duration of the visa and the turnover of the business. For all nominations, there is a fee of $330. There is also a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which will be charged as follows:

  • $1,200 per year for businesses with a turnover below $10m
  • $1,800 per year for businesses with a turnover above $10m

About the content author

Perry Q Wood
Partner - Principal Migration Lawyer

Perry Q Wood is Immediate Past President of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law and one of Australia’s leading administrative, immigration and human rights lawyers.

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