482 Visa Australia: Step-by-step guide to submitting and what you need to prepare
Looking to advance your career and live in Australia? The 482 visa Australia, now known as the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, is your primary pathway. This employer-sponsored visa is crucial for filling Australia’s skills shortages and offers a clear route to permanent residency. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about applying for the 482 visa Australia, from the new streams and reduced requirements to the application process and costs.
Overview of 482 Visa Australia – Skill in Demand
What is the 482 Visa Australia and who is it for?
The Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa is a temporary work visa that allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers for a position they can’t fill with a local resident. It’s for skilled workers who have a confirmed job offer from an approved sponsor in Australia and possess the necessary qualifications and experience for that role.
482 visa Australia changes
Since December 7, 2024, the Australian Government has officially replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa with the 482 Skill in Demand visa, accompanied by a range of policy changes aimed at addressing Australia’s labor market needs. Beyond tackling workforce shortages, the reforms introduced through the Skill in Demand visa also signal positive opportunities for foreign workers—opening broader pathways to live and work in Australia, and eventually to obtain permanent residency.
The key changes to the 482 Skill in Demand visa include:
- Three specific streams based on the applicant’s salary and occupation: Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreements.
- Pathway to permanent residency: A clearer and more direct route to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – subclass 186, after holding the 482 Skill in Demand visa and working for the same employer for two years.
- Occupation list: Replaced by the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which will be reviewed every six months.
- 482 visa duration: The 482 SID visa will now have a maximum duration of four years for all occupations.
- Employer sponsorship: To become an approved sponsor, employers must meet stricter eligibility requirements.
Key differences between the 482 SID Visa and the 482 TSS Visa
Here are some of the most notable changes to the Australia 482 Skill in Demand visa compared to the former 482 TSS visa:
| Feature | Old 482 TSS Visa | New 482 SID Visa |
| Streams | Divided into Short-Term, Medium-Term and Labour Agreement streams with varying visa lengths and access to PR. | Consists of three distinct streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, Labour Agreement |
| PR Pathway | Limited (Medium-Term only after 3 years) | Available to ALL streams after 2 years of employment |
| Work Experience | Minimum 2 years | Minimum 1 year (Core & Specialist Streams) |
| Job Mobility | 60 days to find a new sponsor | 180 days to find a new sponsor |
| Salary Threshold | Single TSMIT (currently $73,150) | Tiered: AUD 76,550 (Core Skills) and AUD 141,210 (Specialist Skills) |
Streams under the 482 visa Australia (Skill in demand visa)
The 482 SID visa features a new three-stream structure designed to streamline processing based on skill level and salary.
Specialist Skills Stream – for highly skilled professionals
Specialist Skills is designed for highly skilled workers with a minimum annual income of AUD 141,210. Additionally, the Specialist Skills stream of the 482 Skill in Demand visa has no age limit, offering significant opportunities for high-skilled individuals with attractive earnings.
Each year, 3,000 482 visas are allocated for the Specialist Skills stream. Unlike the Core Skills stream, this pathway does not require the applicant’s occupation to be on a specific list, but it excludes certain job categories, such as tradespeople, unskilled labor, drivers, or machinery operators.
To apply under the Specialist Skills stream, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Salary Threshold: Must be paid at least $141,210 AUD per annum.
- Occupation: Open to most occupations (excluding trades workers, machinery operators, and labourers).
- Processing: This stream is designed for fast-tracked processing (with a planned median service standard of 7 days).
Core Skills Stream – covering essential occupations
The Core Skills Stream is the primary pathway for the majority of skilled workers. With the Core Skills 482 visa, applicants must lodge their visa applications based on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which is managed and maintained by Job and Skills Australia. Although the processing time for this stream is generally longer than that of the Specialist Skills stream, it still ensures that Australia’s workforce needs are met in a timely manner.
- Salary Threshold: Must be paid at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently $73,150 AUD per annum.
- Occupation: The occupation must be on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- Applicants must have a sponsoring employer in Australia, and the job must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- Processing: A service standard of 21 days is planned.
- Minimum 1 year work experience required.
Labour Agreement Stream – for employers under formal agreements
This stream is for workers sponsored by employers who have a formal Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. It’s typically used for niche occupations or where unique circumstances warrant a tailored approach to addressing skills shortages. The Labour Agreements stream of the 482 visa requires applicants to meet the following basic conditions:
- At least 1 year of work experience.
- The worker must be nominated for a specific position by a legitimate Australian employer. The sponsoring employer must hold a valid foreign labor sponsorship license and be recognized by the Australian Department of Home Affairs under a Labour Agreement.
- An income below AUD 76,515 per year, which is the current TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold).
Eligibility Requirements for the 482 Visa Australia
For the 482 Skill in Demand visa, both employees and employers must meet certain basic requirements:
Criteria for 482 Visa Australia employees – what you need to qualify
If you are the applicant, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be Nominated: Be nominated for a position by an approved Standard Business Sponsor.
- Have Relevant Experience: Have at least 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) relevant work experience in the nominated occupation within the last five years (for Core and Specialist streams). In certain cases, applicants are required to undergo a skills assessment as part of the visa application process.
- Meet English Requirements: Achieve the minimum English language score (generally IELTS 5.0 overall with no band score below 5.0, or equivalent).
- Meet the health requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and maintain mandatory health insurance.
- Character requirements: Applicants must have no criminal record, no previous visa cancellations or refusals in Australia, and must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government (or have repaid any existing debts in full).
- Have Adequate Health Insurance: Maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay (unless a reciprocal healthcare agreement applies).
Criteria for 482 Visa Australia employers – responsibilities and obligations
Here are some 482 visa requirements that employers must meet:
- Legitimate business operation: To sponsor a worker, the employer must prove that they are a legally established and operating business. This includes providing business registration details, financial statements, business activity reports, and tax documents.
- Lodging a nomination: The sponsoring employer must nominate a position for a foreign worker to fill within their organization.
- Paying market salary: Employers must ensure that the worker is paid a market-rate salary for the nominated occupation. The salary cannot be lower than the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of AUD 76,515 per year, including superannuation.
Pay the SAF Levy: Employers must contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF). The payment depends on business turnover:- Small business (turnover < $10M): $1,200 per year of the visa.
- Large business (turnover ≥ $10M): $1,800 per year of the visa.
- Labour Market Testing (LMT): Employers must demonstrate that the nominated position was advertised locally and that no suitable Australian worker could be found.
Required Documents for a 482 Visa Application
Having a complete 482 visa Australia application is a crucial factor that makes the SID visa application process easier. To help us assess your eligibility accurately, please provide the following documents:
Required Documents for Workers (Applicants)
| Document category | Details |
| Personal documents |
|
| English proficiency certificate | English proficiency certificate as required (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, etc.), dated within the last 3 years, unless exempt. |
| Skilled assessment documents | Results of the skills assessment according to the requirements (or equivalent vocational certificates) that are still valid |
| Health & character documents | Medical examination results must comply with the Department of Home Affairs’ standards, and police clearance certificates are required from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years (since turning 16). |
| Skills & Experience | CV/Resume, certified copies of qualifications and academic transcripts, employment reference letters, skill assessment (if mandatory for your occupation). |
| Dependents | Marriage certificate or evidence of de facto relationship (e.g., joint bank statements), birth certificates for dependent children. |
Required Documents for employers (Visa sponsor)
| Document category | Details |
| Business registration proof | Australian Business Number (ABN) registration.
ACN (Australian Company Number), if applicable. |
| Operational documents | Proof of active operations (e.g., invoices, contracts, employee list) |
| Financial documents |
|
| Industry licenses/authorizations | if required for your industry |
| 482 visa nomination applicant form (IMMI 482) | completed online via the Department of Home Affairs portal. |
| Position details |
|
| Labour market testing evidence (if required) |
|
| Evidence of training expenditure (if required) | Payslips, training invoices, or receipts |
| Workplace compliance statements |
|
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the 482 SID Visa
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure that both the worker and the employer fully meet the requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Step 2: Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)
The employer applies to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor (if they aren’t one already).
Step 3: Nomination Application
- The employer nominates the position for the skilled worker, confirming the salary, duties, and necessity of the role. They pay the SAF levy at this stage.
Step 4: Visa Application
- The employee (the primary applicant) lodges the 482 visa application via the ImmiAccount portal.
- They attach all required personal, skill, English, health, and character documents.
- They include any family members (spouse/partner and dependent children).
Step 5: Visa Grant
- If approved, the Department of Home Affairs will notify you via email, providing the visa grant number, conditions, and start date.If denied, the applicant will receive an explanation and details on the appeal process.
If you encounter difficulties in preparing your application or have any questions regarding the 482 Visa process, contact HTE Law Group – our team will assist you in completing all procedures efficiently and swiftly, ensuring compliance with 482 visa requirements!
How long does it take to process an Australia 482 visa application?
Processing times for the 482 visa Australia – Skill in Demand are generally faster than the previous TSS visa.
| Visa Stream | Planned Median Processing Time |
| Specialist Skills Stream | 7 days |
| Core Skills Stream | 21 days |
| Labour Agreement Stream | Varies widely based on the complexity of the agreement. |
The most common reasons for delays in processing your 482 visa Australia application are incomplete documentation, slow responses from the employer, and late completion of mandatory skills assessments or health checks. The key to saving time in processing your 482 visa is to carefully review the requirements and prepare a complete application.
Cost of the 482 Visa Australia – Skill in Demand
According to the latest update from the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the application fee for the 482 visa is AUD 3,210 for the primary applicant. For accompanying dependents, the additional fees are AUD 3,210 per person for those aged 18 and over, and AUD 805 per person for those under 18.
In addition to the application fee, you should also budget for potential additional costs, such as English language tests, medical examinations, skills assessments, police certificates, and biometrics.
Benefits and restrictions of the 482 visa Australia
482 visa benefits
- Pathway to permanent residency: After working in Australia for two years on the 482 Skill in Demand visa, you will have a guaranteed pathway to permanent residency across all streams.
- Flexibility to change employers: You will have 180 days to find a new sponsor if you decide to leave your current job.
- Longer stay period: The 482 visa Australia allows a maximum stay of up to 4 years, and Hong Kong passport holders may extend this to 5 years.
- Include your family: You can include your spouse or partner (who will have full work rights) and dependent children (who will have study rights) in your application.
482 visa restrictions
- Dependents and sponsoring employer: You cannot change your job or employer without having a new approved nomination. If you leave your job, you may be required to leave Australia if you do not secure a new sponsor within 180 days.
- Occupation limitations: The visa only applies to occupations listed on the approved skilled occupation list. If your occupation is removed from the list, it may affect your pathway to permanent residency or visa renewal.
- Limited benefits: Visa holders and their dependents are not entitled to full benefits such as allowances, tuition concessions, or Medicare, unless additional entitlements apply.
- Risks if the employer changes: If your sponsoring company ceases operations, loses sponsorship approval, or has its license revoked, you must quickly find another approved sponsor.
Frequently asked questions about 482 visa Australia (FAQs)
Who is eligible for a 482 visa in Australia?
You must be over 18 years old and nominated by an employer for a position on the eligible skilled occupation list. You are required to have at least one year of relevant work experience and qualifications in the nominated occupation. Additionally, you must meet other requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, such as English language proficiency, health, and character.
Can a 482 visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes, a 482 Skill in Demand visa can lead to permanent residency. After working in Australia for two years on this visa with the same employer, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), provided you continue to meet the requirements for your occupation and employer nomination.
Is it hard to get a 482 visa in Australia?
Applying for a 482 visa in Australia can be challenging but manageable if you meet all the eligibility criteria, and timely cooperation with your employer is crucial for a smooth application process.
What jobs are on a 482 visa in Australia?
The 482 visa in Australia covers occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) for the Core Skills stream, and other approved occupations for the Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement streams.The exact list is updated regularly by the Department of Home Affairs, so applicants must check that their occupation is currently eligible before applying.
Can i change employers while on a 482 visa Skill in demand?
Yes, you can change employers while on a 482 Skill in Demand visa. You have 180 days to find a new sponsoring employer for each change. All full-time work, including the period during which you change employers, counts towards the requirements for permanent residency.
How long does it take to get a 482 visa or Skills in Demand visa approved?
The 482 visa processing time ranges from 2 to 6 months. The processing time for a 482 visa (Skill in Demand) can vary depending on the stream and the complexity of the application. To speed up your 482 visa application, contact HTE Law Group—our experienced team can quickly help you resolve common issues encountered during the visa process.
Can I add my family to my 482 visa?
Yes, you can include your family on your 482 visa. This includes:
- Spouse or de facto partner – who will have full work rights in Australia.
- Dependent children – who will have study rights in Australia.
Adding your family members allows them to live, work, and study in Australia for the duration of your visa.
What is the English requirement for a 482 visa?
The English requirement for a visa 482 Australia depends on the visa stream, it is generally an IELTS score of at least 5.0 is needed in all areas with no score below 5.0 (or the equivalent in other accepted tests such as PTE, TOEFL, etc.).
Can I travel overseas on 482 visa?
Yes, you can travel overseas while holding a 482 visa. However, you need to plan your trip carefully to avoid affecting your visa conditions or future permanent residency application.
Are 482 visa holders eligible for medicare?
No, generally they are not. You must maintain adequate private health insurance for yourself and all family members included in the visa application for the entire duration of your stay. (A few countries have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia that may grant temporary access).
In summary, the 482 visa Australia (Skill in Demand) offers a valuable pathway for skilled workers to live and work in Australia, with potential opportunities for permanent residency. Navigating the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and employer sponsorship can be complex, so seeking professional guidance is highly recommended. HTE Law Group provides experienced support to help you understand your options and ensure your application is prepared accurately and efficiently.
Disclaimer: The information we share in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every situation is unique, so please seek out a legal professional for the best assistance.