Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482)
As of 7 December 2024, the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) has officially replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage Visa or TSS 482 Visa, revolutionising skilled migration to Australia. This new visa connects overseas talent with Australian businesses facing critical skill shortages. With the Skills in Demand Visa, you can enjoy three tailored streams to match occupations and annual incomes, simplified sponsorship, and a more straightforward pathway to permanent residency.
Ready to take the next step? Explore the complete requirements, costs, and application process today and unlock your potential with the Skills in Demand Visa!
What is Skills in Demand Visa Australia?
The Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) was introduced in the Australian Migration Strategy. It officially replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage or TSS 482 Visa on 7 December 2024.
The Skills in Demand Visa aims to address labour market shortages in Australia with significant changes for skilled workers, including:
- Three tailored streams are designed to match occupations and income levels, offering greater flexibility for applicants.
- Extended time to find a new sponsor when the previous sponsorship ceased, which is set to be 180 days.
- A faster and more straightforward route to PR with reduced work experience requirements.
Key Elements of Skills in Demand Visa
- Any time spent working for an approved employer qualifies toward the requirements for permanent residence.
- In addition to employer-sponsored paths, Skills in Demand Visa holders will have access to self-nominated independent permanent pathways.
- All streams provide a 4-year validity period.
- Median processing time of 21 days.
- Skills in Demand visa holders will be able to switch sponsors within 180 days to find a new one.
- The requirements for Labour Market Testing (LMT) have been simplified, and advertising in Workforce Australia is no longer necessary.
Benefits that the Skills in Demand Visa Offers to You
- 4-year stay period for all streams.
- Fast processing time may take only 7 days for the Specialist Skills stream.
- More extended period of 180 days is available to find a new sponsor when the previous one ceased.
- Clearer pathways to permanent residency for all streams.
- Focuses on critical skill shortages.
- Aligns with Australia’s wage standards.
Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) Streams
The Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) was introduced with a three-tiered system, including the Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills paths. However, following the announcement on 7 December 2024, only the Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Labour Agreement paths are currently available. There is no update yet on the Essential Skills path.
Specialist Skills Stream
The Specialist Skills stream requires you to have an occupation listed in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 with an annual income of at least AUD 135,000.
Core Skills Stream
The Core Skills stream requires you to have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) with a minimum salary threshold of AUD 73,150 indexed annually.
Labour Agreement Stream
There are no changes with the Labour Agreement stream under the Skills in Demand Visa framework.
Comparison Amongst Skills in Demand Visa Stream
| Specialist Skills Stream | Core Skills Stream | Labour Agreement Stream | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational List Used | Skilled Occupation List by Australian Department of Home Affairs | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) | Skilled Occupation List by Australian Department of Home Affairs and Labour Agreement |
| Is It Renewable? | Renewable onshore and unlimited times | Renewable onshore and unlimited times | Renewable onshore and unlimited times |
| Age Requirement | No Age Limit | No Age Limit | No Age Limit |
| English Proficiency Requirement | Depending on your occupation (whether it’s listed in STSOL, MLTSSL, or ROL) | Depending on your occupation (whether it’s listed in STSOL, MLTSSL, or ROL) | Depending on the Labour Agreement |
| Work Experience | 1 year of relevant work experience required | 1 year of relevant work experience required | 1 year of relevant work experience required |
| Labour Market Testing | Employer tests the Australian labour market before an application to sponsor (LMT) | Employer tests the Australian labour market before an application to sponsor (LMT) | Employer tests the Australian labour market before an application to sponsor (LMT) |
| Health and Character Requirements | Meet health and character requirements | Meet health and character requirements | Meet health and character requirements |
| Permanent Residency Possibility | Pathway to Permanent residency through the 186 Visa – Temporary Residence Transition stream | Pathway to Permanent residency through the 186 Visa – Temporary Residence Transition stream | Pathway to Permanent residency through the 186 Visa – Temporary Residence Transition stream |
Key Eligibility Skills in Demand Visa Requirements – for applicants
To be eligible for the Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482), you must meet the following requirements:
Occupation requirement
Depending on the stream, you must ensure that your occupation is:
- On ANZSCO Major Group 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 if applying for Specialist Skills stream;
- On Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) if applying for Core Skills stream;
- On Labour Agreement if applying for Labour Agreement stream.
English language requirement
The English requirement depends on whether your occupation is on STSOL or MLTSSL. For example, your occupation is Civil Engineer, which is listed on MLTSSL. In that case, you must meet the English language requirement specified for MLTSSL, as seen in the table below.
| Occupation List | Type of Test | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | OET | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Cambridge C1 Advanced Test | |
| STSOL | a minimum band score of 5.0 overall, with each exam component receiving a minimum score of 4.5. | At least a “B” in each of the four categories. | iBT test requires a total score of at least 35, with at least 3 scores in listening and reading, and 12 scores in speaking and writing. | A minimum overall band score of 36 with score of at least 30 for each test component. | A minimum total score of 154, with a minimum score of 147 for each test component. |
| MLTSSL | a minimum band score of 5.0 overall, with each exam component receiving a minimum score of 5. | At least a “B” in each of the four categories. | iBT test requires a total score of at least 35, with at least 4 scores in listening and reading, and 14 in speaking and writing. | A minimum overall band score of 36 with score of at least 36 for each test component. | A minimum total score of 154, with a minimum score of 154 for each test component. |
Work Experience requirement
You must have worked in the nominated position or another relevant role for at least one year. It must be gained while working in a specified occupation or performing tasks at a comparable skill level in a related field.
Work experience in a relevant field must include responsibilities that are the same or closely related to your nominated occupation as described in ANZSCO.
The work experience should have been full-time, part-time, or casual within the last five years. Part-time or casual work must be comparable to at least 12 months of full-time employment. The period of work does not have to be continuous.
Skills Assessment requirement
The Skills Assessment is mandatory for some Skills in Demand Visa applicants. If it’s mandatory, you must have commenced before submitting your visa application, or the application will be invalid. Hence, you must provide a skills assessment reference number when completing your application form.
The Skills Assessment must have been completed three years before the application submission date.
Age requirement
There is no age requirement for a 482 Visa.
Key Eligibility Skills in Demand Visa Requirements – for sponsor (Australian business)
The Australian business must meet specific requirements to sponsor a skilled worker, including:
General requirement
Businesses who wish to sponsor a skilled worker under the Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) must:
- Hold a valid Standard Business Sponsor (SBS),
- Be unable to find a local employee,
- Have a genuine position available,
- Provide a written employment contract for the candidate,
- Not engage in discriminatory practices,
- Have the employment conditions equivalent to Australian workers.
The government suggests their applicant consider applying for another visa that is approximately more expensive but shorter.
Labour Market Testing (LMT)
Labour Market Testing aims to assess whether businesses or employers are making genuine efforts to recruit local candidates but fail to find one, so requiring overseas talent is necessary.
Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
Employers must pay the salary according to the minimum income threshold for each stream:
- Specialist Skills Stream: AUD 135,000
- Core Skills Stream: AUD 73,150 (indexed annually)
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy
Employers must pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, a nomination training contribution charge. Its purpose is to encourage employers to contribute to Australians’ overall skill development.
Sponsor Obligation
Employers must demonstrate financial viability and ability to meet the market wage rates throughout the nomination period.
TSS 482 Visa to SID Transitional Arrangements
- Nominations lodged before 7 December 2024 without a visa application will be linked to a Skills in Demand Visa.
- Visa applications submitted before 7 December 2024 will be processed under the previous TSS visa requirements.
- Visa applications submitted after 7 December 2024 will be processed under the current Skills in Demand Visa requirements.
SID Pathway to Permanent Residency
The permanent Residency pathway is available through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) – Temporary Residence Transition stream with requirements as follows:
- You must have completed two years of full-time employment in the same occupation in Australia during the last three years on a 457, 482 (TSS), or 482 (SID) visa.
- The employment can be with numerous sponsors as long as the total employment period is continuous (excluding unpaid leave).
Skills in Demand Visa Cost
The Skills in Demand Visa costs are as follows:
- Main applicant: AUD 3,115
- Additional applicants above 18 years old: AUD 3,115
- Additional applicants under 18 years old: AUD 780
The above cost is as of July 2024. The fee may change every July after the opening of the financial year.
Can I Bring Family on My SID Visa?
Yes, you can bring your family members on your Skills in Demand Visa. For your family member to be granted the visa, they must either be included in your nomination or show in written form that your sponsor agrees with your family member’s status as a secondary sponsored person.
When applying for a visa, your family member must fulfil the requirements for character and health.
After submitting your visa application, you cannot add more family members. Alternatively, if your 482 visa has been approved, your family members may apply to enter Australia after you. Explore the visa options for your family member here.
How to Apply for Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482)
Step 1: Check your eligibility and visa requirements
You must confirm your eligibility and have fulfilled all application requirements before applying for a visa. It also applies to your employer. To nominate you for a Skills in Demand Visa, your company must fulfil all requirements mentioned above.
Note that the three streams have different requirements. Verify that your employer is qualified to nominate you and that they have nominated you for the appropriate visa stream.
Step 2: Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Application
Once your employer has confirmed that they are qualified to nominate you, they need to submit an application for a Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS). SBS is a contract with the Australian government that allows your company to hire foreign nationals for highly qualified positions. It lasts for five years.
Your employer can omit this step if they have already hosted an SBS.
Step 3: Nomination and Skill In Demand Visa Application
After obtaining the SBS, your employer may submit an application for nomination. Your company may submit both the nomination and the Skills in Demand Visa application simultaneously. Both applications must be submitted using IMMIAccount.
Step 4: Nomination and Skill In Demand Visa Outcome
Usually, the results of your nomination application will be sent to you first. The same will probably happen to your Skills in Demand visa application if the Department of Home Affairs accepts your candidacy.
Frequently Asked Question
ONEderland Consulting managing director and registered migration agent Indah Melindasari, B.Com (MARN 0961 448), is here to answer your 482 Visa Australia questions!
- What is the Skills in Demand Visa Australia?
- The Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) was introduced in the Australian Migration Strategy and officially replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) Visa on 7 December 2024.
- The Skills in Demand Visa aims to address labour market shortages in Australia with significant changes for skilled workers.
- Who can apply for a Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), and how long can you stay?
- Eligible candidates may apply for a Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482). A Skills in Demand Visa allows you to stay for up to four years.
- I am over 45 years old. Can I still apply for a Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)?
- Yes, you can. There is no age limit for this visa.
- Is skill assessment mandatory for a Skills in Demand visa in Australia?
- A positive skill assessment is mandatory for certain candidates with specific occupations. Depending on your nominated occupation, you need to have a skill assessment by an authorised assessing authority. The skill assessment should be done prior to lodging your visa or during the sponsorship and nomination process.
- Can I include my family members in my application for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)?
- Yes. Spouses/Partners and dependent children can be included in the Skills in Demand visa application as dependent family members. These family members will also have unrestricted work and study rights.
- Can I renew my Skills in Demand Visa Australia once it is due to expire?
- Yes, you can renew your Skills in Demand Visa. You must submit a new nomination and visa application before the expiry date.
- What is the English requirement for a Skills in Demand Visa?
- The English requirement depends on your occupation. If your occupation is listed on MLTSSL, you must meet the English requirement set for occupations on MLTSSL, as seen here.
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