Subclass 482: Skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 482 – pathway to working and living in Australia, with a route to permanent residency.
What is the Skills in Demand Visa?
The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) is Australia’s temporary skilled worker visa, officially last updated 7 December 2024 to replace the previous Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa. It was redesigned to address critical labour shortages while offering greater flexibility to skilled workers.
This four-year temporary visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill positions where they cannot find suitably qualified Australian workers. The Skills in Demand visa offers improved mobility, faster processing times, and clearer pathways to permanent residency.
Three visa streams
The stream is set by the occupation, the salary and whether the employer holds a labour agreement. Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement are the three; family members apply separately as subsequent entrants.
Stream names, thresholds and stay periods checked against the Department of Home Affairs on 10 October 2026.
Specialist Skills stream
For highly paid workers in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 (trades, machinery operators and labourers are excluded).
Core Skills stream
For skilled workers in occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List.
Labour Agreement stream
For employers who hold a labour agreement with the Department, including employers endorsed under a DAMA. Occupation, salary, English and age terms are set by the agreement.
Eligibility Requirements for Skills in Demand Visa
1: Employer Sponsorship
You must be nominated and sponsored by an approved Australian employer who is willing to employ you in a designated role.
2: Occupation on Relevant List
Your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List, or be an ANZSCO occupation in Major Group 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 paid at or above the Specialist Skills Income Threshold, or be covered by your employer’s labour agreement.
3: Work Experience
At least 1 year of full-time equivalent work experience in the last 5 years in your nominated occupation or a closely related field
4: English Language Proficiency
Meet minimum English language requirements. Typically, IELTS 5.0 or equivalent is required; higher levels may be needed for some occupations.
5: Skills Assessment
Some occupations may require a formal skills assessment from a recognised assessing authority to verify your qualifications and experience.
6: Health & Character Requirements
Pass health checks and character assessments as required by Australian immigration authorities.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
With a reputation as trusted migration agents in Brisbane, we take the stress out of the immigration process.
Our expert team provides full-service support, including:
- Pre- Eligibility Assessments, Verify that your occupation is on the relevant occupation list and confirm you meet the basic requirements.
Check the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and confirm your employer is willing to sponsor you. - Employer Nomination, Your employer submits a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.
The employer must provide evidence of the position, salary, and why they cannot find an Australian worker. - Document Preparation – Compile all required documentation, with a focus on qualifications and work experience evidence.
- Visa Application Lodgement , Submit your complete visa application to the Department of Home Affairs through the online portal..
- Processing and Approval – The Department reviews your application; processing times vary by stream and occupation. You may be asked for additional information. Once approved, you’ll receive your visa grant notice.
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Key Benefits of skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa
Build your career and future in Australia
If you have the skills and experience an Australian business needs, this visa enables you to live and work in Australia for up to four years, with potential pathways to permanent residency.
4-Year Stay
- Live and work in Australia for up to four years, providing stability and time to build your career.
Fast Processing
- Processing times are set by the Department and vary by stream and occupation. See the Department’s visa processing time guide for current figures.
PR Pathway
- Clear, structured routes to Australian Permanent Residency for eligible visa holders.
Employer mobility
- 180 days to find a new sponsor if employment ends, offering greater job flexibility and security.
Diverse Occupations
- Access to the occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List, including accounting, engineering, healthcare, ICT, and various trades.
Reduced Experience
- Only 1 year of relevant work experience required (previously 2 years), opening doors to early-career professionals.
As experienced employer nomination visa migration agents in Brisbane, we streamline your application process, minimizing delays and ensuring compliance with Australian immigration laws.
Related pages
when the 482 visa list doesn’t cover your occupation | when the 482 salary threshold is the problem | visas for dental technicians | visas for early childhood educators | visas for machinists and CNC operators | visas for mechanics and automotive tradespeople | visas for metal fabricators and boilermakers | visas for engineers | visas for IT professionals | visas for accountants | visas for healthcare professionals
Migration experience you can trust
MigrationBuro are your trusted migration agents in Brisbane. Founded and led by Andrew Heathcote, we specialise in Australian immigration services. Registered since 2008, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN 0850840) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.
