Skills In Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

On 7 December 2024, Australia introduced the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482), replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482). This employer-sponsored temporary visa sits within the national Employer Sponsored Visas framework and supports Australian businesses to address ongoing skill shortages where suitably qualified local workers are not available. The program operates under the Migration Act and is administered by the Department of Home Affairs. Policy settings remain subject to legislative instruments and Ministerial directions in force at the time of application.

Features of the Skills in Demand 482 Visa

1. Validity Period:

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) allows approved temporary residence and work rights in Australia for up to four years, depending on the nominated stream and occupation. This provides continuity for both employers and sponsored workers within the employer-sponsored migration system.

2. Pathway to Permanent Residency:

All streams under the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) allow access to permanent residence pathways through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), including the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) and Direct Entry (DE) streams, subject to meeting the relevant legislative criteria in force at the time of application. Periods of employment with different approved sponsors may count towards permanent residence eligibility, provided all sponsorship and visa conditions are met.

3. Flexibility in Employment:

• Visa holders may change approved sponsors and are generally provided a 180-day period to secure a new sponsoring employer without breaching visa conditions, subject to ongoing compliance requirements.

• A publicly available register of approved business sponsors supports transparency and assists visa holders in identifying eligible employers within the Employer Sponsored Visas program.

Streams Under the SID 482 Visa

1. Specialist Skills Stream

• Eligibility: Intended for highly skilled workers with guaranteed annual earnings of AUD141,210 or above, subject to indexation and legislative settings.

• Occupational Scope: Generally available to most professional and highly skilled occupations, excluding trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and labourer's, as determined by legislative instruments.

• Processing Time: Priority processing applies. Median processing times are published by the Department of Home Affairs and may vary depending on application volumes and integrity checks.

2. Core Skills Stream

Eligibility: Available to applicants nominated in occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), as determined by the Australian Government.
Occupational List: Applicants must satisfy the skill, qualification, and employment requirements applicable to the nominated CSOL occupation.
Salary Threshold: Sponsored workers must receive guaranteed annual earnings at or above the Core Skills Threshold (CST), currently AUD76,515 and indexed annually. This threshold aligns with the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold framework, subject to legislative change.
Processing Time: Processing timeframes are indicative only and depend on individual case factors and departmental priorities.

3. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream applies to skilled workers nominated by employers operating under an approved Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.
Eligibility: Designed for occupations and industries with demonstrated workforce shortages not adequately covered by standard skilled occupation lists, including parts of the care and support economy, subject to agreement terms.
Salary Consideration: Salary requirements may differ from standard thresholds where concessions are specified in an approved Labour Agreement, while still meeting Australian labour market and Fair Work requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for the SID 482 Visa

To qualify for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), applicants must meet the following legislative criteria:

Employer Sponsorship: The sponsoring employer must be an approved business sponsor and generally demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit suitably qualified Australian workers, unless exemptions apply under international trade obligations or specific policy settings.
Salary Conditions: Sponsored workers must be paid at least the Australian Market Salary Rate and meet the applicable visa salary threshold for the nominated stream.
Work Experience: Applicants must demonstrate at least 12 months of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related role. Experience may be accumulated through full-time, part-time, or casual employment, subject to policy interpretation.
English Proficiency: Applicants must meet the prescribed English language requirements unless an exemption applies under migration regulations.
Character Assessment: Applicants must satisfy character requirements, including providing police clearances for countries where they have resided for a cumulative period of 12 months or more over the past 10 years.

482 Visa English Requirements

The English language requirement for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is set out in legislative instruments and may vary depending on the date the English test was taken. Requirements remain subject to policy updates.

Test Taken on or After 13 September 2025

IELTS: Minimum score of 5.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
CELPIP General: 5.0 in each band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Listening: 41
- Reading: 44
- Writing: 45
- Speaking: 54
MET:
- Listening: 49
- Reading: 47
- Writing: 45
- Speaking: 38
OET:
- Listening: 220
- Reading: 240
- Writing: 200
- Speaking: 270
PTE Academic:
- Listening: 33
- Reading: 36
- Writing: 29
- Speaking: 24
TOEFL iBT:
- Listening: 8
- Reading: 8
- Writing: 9
- Speaking: 14

Test Taken on or Before 13 September 2025

IELTS: Minimum score of 5.0 overall and in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
CELPIP General: Minimum score of 5.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
C1: Minimum score of 154 overall and in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
OET: Minimum score of ‘B’ in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 36 overall and in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 35, with at least 4 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)

Why the Skills In Demand 482 Visa Matters

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) forms a core part of Australia’s employer-sponsored migration framework. It supports workforce needs across multiple sectors while maintaining safeguards for local employment conditions. The visa also provides structured pathways from temporary residence to permanent residence through the Skilled Migration program, including the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), where eligibility criteria are met.

Applicants considering the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) should assess their occupation, salary level, work experience, and English proficiency against the relevant stream requirements and current migration legislation. Eligibility and pathways to permanent residency remain subject to policy settings in force at the time of application, including those applying to Labour Agreement visas and other employer-sponsored arrangements.

If you’re considering applying for the SID 482 visa, ensure your qualifications and experience align with the stream requirements and consult with an expert for guidance.

Unsure of whether you are eligible based on the above information - or keen to figure out your specific pathway to a Skills in Demand Visa 482?

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