Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) is a temporary Australian visa that allows an approved Australian employer to sponsor a suitably skilled overseas worker for a nominated position where they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

The Skills in Demand visa replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) on 7 December 2024. The current SID 482 program includes three streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills and Labour Agreement.

Each stream has different requirements relating to the nominated occupation, salary, skills, work experience and other eligibility criteria. The visa can generally allow an eligible worker to live and work in Australia for up to four years, subject to the applicable stream and visa conditions.

Depending on your circumstances, an SID 482 visa may also provide a pathway towards permanent residence through an eligible permanent visa. However, holding a Skills in Demand visa does not automatically result in permanent residency. You must satisfy the requirements of the relevant permanent visa when you apply.

What Is the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)?

The Skills in Demand visa is designed to help Australian employers address genuine skilled workforce needs by sponsoring overseas workers for eligible skilled positions.

To qualify, applicants generally need to:

• Be nominated by an approved Australian sponsor

• Have the skills and experience required for the nominated occupation

• Meet the applicable English language requirements, unless an exemption applies

• Meet the relevant salary requirements

• Meet health and character requirements

• Satisfy the requirements of the applicable SID 482 stream

• Meet any registration, licensing or skills assessment requirements that apply to the nominated occupation

The exact requirements depend on the stream, occupation, employer and individual circumstances.

SID 482 Visa Streams

The Skills in Demand visa currently has three streams:

1. Specialist Skills Stream

The Specialist Skills stream is designed for highly skilled workers in eligible occupations who meet the applicable income threshold and other visa requirements.

For the Specialist Skills stream, the nominated occupation must be an ANZSCO occupation in Major Group 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, and the nominated salary must meet the applicable Specialist Skills Income Threshold.

2. Core Skills Stream

The Core Skills stream allows approved Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers where they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

The nominated occupation must be included on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the position must satisfy the applicable salary and nomination requirements.

3. Labour Agreement Stream

The Labour Agreement stream is available where an Australian employer has an applicable Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.

Labour Agreements can provide arrangements for employers to sponsor overseas workers where standard visa arrangements may not adequately address their workforce requirements. The terms and eligibility requirements depend on the relevant Labour Agreement.

Specialist Skills Stream

The Specialist Skills stream is intended for highly skilled workers whose nominated positions meet the applicable occupation and income requirements.

Key requirements include:

• The nominated position must be in an eligible ANZSCO occupation.

• The occupation must fall within ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6.

• The nominated salary must meet the applicable Specialist Skills Income Threshold.

• The employer must meet the relevant sponsorship and nomination requirements.

• The applicant must have the skills and experience required for the nominated occupation.

• English, health, character and other visa requirements must also be satisfied where applicable.

For applications from 1 July 2026, the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is AUD $146,717, subject to the applicable rules and annual indexation.

Salary requirements can change, so applicants and employers should confirm the current threshold before lodging a nomination or visa application.

Core Skills Stream

The Core Skills stream is one of the main pathways under the Skills in Demand visa program.

An employer may use this stream to sponsor an overseas worker where the nominated occupation is included on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the other visa and nomination requirements are satisfied.

Core Skills requirements may include:

• An approved Australian employer sponsor

• A nominated occupation included on the CSOL

• Appropriate skills and experience

• Compliance with the applicable salary requirements

• Meeting the Annual Market Salary Rate requirements

• Meeting English language requirements, unless exempt

• Meeting health and character requirements

• Any required registration, licensing or skills assessment requirements

The Core Skills Income Threshold from 1 July 2026 is AUD $79,499, subject to annual indexation and the applicable rules.

The salary paid must also satisfy the applicable market salary requirements. Meeting the income threshold alone does not necessarily mean that a nomination will satisfy all salary requirements.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) identifies occupations that may be eligible for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa, subject to the applicable requirements.

The occupation list can change over time. The Australian Government uses the relevant legislative instruments and occupation settings to determine eligibility.

The Department of Home Affairs currently uses ANZSCO 2022 for the Skills in Demand visa. Applicants should ensure that the nominated occupation accurately reflects the actual duties and responsibilities of the position.

Important

Being listed on the CSOL does not by itself guarantee eligibility for a Skills in Demand visa. Applicants and employers must also satisfy the relevant occupation, salary, sponsorship, nomination and visa requirements.

View our Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) guide to learn more about eligible occupations and applicable requirements.

Specialist Skills – Eligible Occupations

Unlike the Core Skills stream, the Specialist Skills stream does not rely on the CSOL in the same way.

The current Specialist Skills stream applies to eligible occupations within ANZSCO Major Groups:

• Major Group 1 – Managers

• Major Group 2 – Professionals

• Major Group 4 – Community and Personal Service Workers

• Major Group 5 – Clerical and Administrative Workers

• Major Group 6 – Sales Workers

The nominated salary must also satisfy the applicable Specialist Skills Income Threshold and market salary requirements.

Occupation eligibility should always be checked against the current legislative requirements before applying.

SID 482 Salary Requirements

Salary is an important part of the Skills in Demand visa nomination process.

For the current 2026–27 period:

The relevant salary requirements may include both the applicable income threshold and the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR).

Employers must generally ensure that the nominated worker's salary complies with the applicable requirements.

Important

Salary thresholds are subject to change and annual indexation. Always confirm the applicable threshold at the time of nomination and visa application.

Australian Market Salary Rate

The Australian Market Salary Rate is an important consideration when an employer nominates an overseas worker.

The employer may need to demonstrate that the nominated salary is consistent with what an Australian worker would be paid for the same or equivalent position.

The salary must also meet any applicable income threshold for the relevant SID 482 stream.

This means an employer should not rely only on the published Core Skills or Specialist Skills income threshold when determining the salary for a nominated position.

SID 482 Work Experience Requirement

Applicants generally need to have at least 12 months of work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field, subject to the specific requirements that apply to the visa application.

The applicant must also demonstrate that they have the skills and experience necessary to perform the nominated occupation.

Depending on the occupation, additional requirements such as registration, licensing, professional membership or a skills assessment may apply.

English Language Requirements

Primary applicants for the Skills in Demand visa generally need to demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency unless an exemption applies.

The applicable English requirement depends on the visa rules, approved test and circumstances of the applicant.

Approved English tests may include options such as:

• IELTS

• PTE Academic

• TOEFL iBT

• OET

• Other approved tests where applicable

Applicants should check the current Department of Home Affairs English requirements before taking a test or lodging an application because approved tests, scores and validity rules can change.

SID 482 Visa Costs

The current government visa application charge for the Skills in Demand visa starts from:

AUD $4,015

This is the visa application charge for the primary applicant in the standard circumstances specified by Home Affairs. Concessions may apply in limited circumstances.

Additional costs may apply depending on the application, including:

• Additional applicant charges

• Health examinations

• Police certificates

• English language testing

• Biometrics, where required

• Skills assessments, where applicable

• Registration or licensing costs

• Professional migration agent fees

• Other third-party costs

The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is generally an employer-side cost and should be considered separately from the applicant's visa application charge.

Government visa charges can change. Applicants should use the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator to confirm the applicable government charges before applying.

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy

Employers sponsoring workers under applicable skilled visa programs may need to pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

The SAF levy is separate from the applicant's visa application charge and is generally an employer cost associated with sponsorship and nomination.

The amount can depend on factors including the type and duration of the nomination.

Employers should check the current Department of Home Affairs requirements when preparing a nomination.

How Long Can You Stay on a SID 482 Visa?

The Skills in Demand visa can generally allow eligible visa holders to remain in Australia for up to four years.

Hong Kong passport holders may be eligible for a stay of up to five years, subject to the applicable requirements. The Labour Agreement stream can have a maximum stay determined by the terms of the relevant Labour Agreement.

The actual visa period granted depends on the applicable visa requirements and circumstances.

Changing Employers on a SID 482 Visa

The Skills in Demand visa provides greater flexibility for workers who need to change employment, but visa holders must continue to comply with their visa conditions.

If a sponsored worker stops working for their sponsoring employer, they may have a period of up to 180 days to find another sponsor, apply for another visa or make arrangements to leave Australia, subject to the applicable requirements and conditions.

Workers should obtain appropriate migration advice before changing employment because changing employers can affect sponsorship, nomination and visa compliance.

SID 482 to Permanent Residency

A Skills in Demand visa does not automatically convert into permanent residency.

However, eligible SID 482 visa holders may be able to pursue permanent residence through an applicable pathway.

One important pathway is the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186).

The subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream is available to eligible SID visa holders, subject to the requirements that apply at the time of application. Home Affairs identifies the TRT stream as a permanent pathway for eligible SID visa holders across occupations.

Eligibility can depend on factors such as:

• Your current and previous visa history

• Your nominated occupation

• Your employment history

• Your sponsoring employer

• The length and nature of qualifying employment

• Age requirements

• English language requirements

• Health and character requirements

• Employer nomination requirements

• Other subclass 186 criteria

Important

There is no automatic guarantee of permanent residency simply because you hold a SID 482 visa or have worked in Australia for a particular period.

Your eligibility should be assessed against the requirements of the permanent visa you intend to apply for.

Read our SID 482 to Permanent Residency guide for more information.

SID 482 Visa Application Process

The general process may involve the following stages:

Step 1 – Employer Sponsorship

The Australian employer must meet the relevant requirements to sponsor overseas workers.

Step 2 – Position and Nomination

The employer nominates an eligible position and overseas worker under the appropriate SID 482 stream.

Step 3 – Applicant Eligibility

The applicant must demonstrate that they satisfy the applicable visa requirements, including skills, experience, English and other criteria.

Step 4 – Prepare Supporting Documents

Supporting documents may include:

• Passport

• Employment references

• Qualifications

• Skills assessment, where applicable

• English test results, where required

• Registration or licensing evidence

• Identity documents

• Police certificates

• Health examination information

• Employment and salary evidence

• Other documents relevant to the nominated occupation and application

Step 5 – Lodge the Visa Application

The visa application is lodged through the appropriate Department of Home Affairs process.

Step 6 – Respond to Requests

The Department may request additional information, health examinations, police certificates or other supporting evidence.

Step 7 – Visa Decision

The Department assesses the application against the applicable legislation and requirements before making a decision.

Labour Market Testing

Where required, employers must meet the applicable Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirements before nominating an overseas worker.

LMT is designed to demonstrate that the employer has made genuine efforts to recruit appropriately skilled Australian workers before sponsoring an overseas worker, subject to applicable exemptions.

The requirements can depend on the nominated position and circumstances of the employer.

Because LMT rules can change, employers should check the current Department of Home Affairs requirements before advertising a position or lodging a nomination.

SID 482 Processing Times

Processing times are not guaranteed.

The Department of Home Affairs provides a processing-time guide based on recently decided applications. Processing can vary depending on factors such as:

• The visa stream

• Completeness of the application

• Supporting documentation

• Health and character checks

• Requests for additional information

• Application volumes

• Government processing priorities

From 25 July 2026, Ministerial Direction 119 applies to relevant skilled visa processing priorities, including the Skills in Demand subclass 482 program. Current priorities take account of factors including occupation and the applicant's location at the time of application.

For this reason, we recommend checking the current Department of Home Affairs processing information rather than relying on a fixed processing-time promise.

Current SID 482 Processing Priorities

Under the current processing arrangements, certain occupations receive higher priority.

The Department of Home Affairs states that occupations supporting Australia's law enforcement and defence interests receive the highest priority, followed by occupations in areas including:

• Construction

• Healthcare

• Teaching

Other applications are processed according to the applicable priority arrangements and applicant location.

Processing priorities are separate from eligibility requirements. Meeting a priority category does not guarantee visa approval or a particular processing timeframe.

Family Members

Eligible family members may be able to accompany or subsequently join a primary SID 482 visa holder, subject to the applicable requirements.

Family members applying separately may need to meet their own visa requirements.

The Department of Home Affairs provides a subsequent entrant pathway for eligible family members of subclass 482 and certain subclass 457 visa holders.

SID 482 Visa Conditions

SID 482 visa holders must comply with the conditions attached to their visa.

Depending on the circumstances, this can include requirements relating to:

• Working for the sponsoring employer

• Working in the nominated occupation

• Maintaining lawful status in Australia

• Complying with Australian laws

• Notifying the Department of relevant changes

• Meeting any additional conditions attached to the visa

Some occupations may have specific exemptions from particular employment restrictions. Applicants should check their individual visa conditions rather than relying on general information.

ANZSCO and Occupation Requirements

The Department of Home Affairs currently uses ANZSCO 2022 for the Skills in Demand subclass 482 program.

An occupation title alone does not determine whether a position qualifies.

The nominated occupation should accurately reflect the actual duties, responsibilities, skills and experience associated with the position.

Employers and applicants should carefully consider the applicable ANZSCO occupation code and any caveats or requirements associated with it.

Skills Assessment and Registration

A formal skills assessment is not automatically required for every SID 482 applicant.

However, a skills assessment, professional registration or occupational licensing may be required depending on:

• The nominated occupation

• The visa stream

• The applicant's circumstances

• The relevant professional or regulatory requirements

Certain occupations may require registration or licensing before the applicant can lawfully perform the nominated work in Australia.

Applicants should check the specific requirements for their occupation before lodging an application.

SID 482 Visa – Important Things to Know

Before applying, applicants and employers should consider:

• The nominated occupation must meet the applicable requirements.

• The correct SID 482 stream must be selected.

• The salary must satisfy both the relevant income threshold and applicable market salary requirements.

• The applicant must have the required skills and experience.

• English requirements may apply.

• Health and character requirements apply.

• Employer sponsorship and nomination requirements must be satisfied.

• Labour Market Testing may be required.

• Registration or licensing may be required for certain occupations.

• Visa processing times can vary.

• Government fees can change.

• Permanent residence is not automatic.

Common SID 482 Visa Mistakes

Some common issues that can create problems include:

Choosing the wrong occupation

The nominated occupation should accurately reflect the actual duties performed in the position.

Using outdated salary information

Income thresholds are indexed and can change. Always check the current threshold.

Assuming CSOL automatically means approval

Being on the CSOL does not guarantee that an applicant satisfies all SID 482 requirements.

Treating 482 as an automatic PR visa

The SID 482 visa is temporary. A separate permanent visa application and eligibility assessment may be required.

Using outdated TSS information

TSS 482 was replaced by the Skills in Demand visa on 7 December 2024. Current applicants should refer to the SID 482 requirements.

Relying on old processing-time promises

Processing times can change and are affected by government priorities and individual circumstances.

SID 482 Visa FAQs

What is the Skills in Demand visa?

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is a temporary Australian visa that allows an approved employer to sponsor a suitably skilled overseas worker for an eligible nominated position.

When did the Skills in Demand visa replace TSS 482?

The Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024.

What are the current SID 482 streams?

The current streams are:

• Specialist Skills stream

• Core Skills stream

• Labour Agreement stream

What is the Core Skills Occupation List?

The CSOL is the occupation list used for the Core Skills stream of the SID 482 visa. Occupation eligibility and requirements should be checked against the current official settings.

What is the Specialist Skills stream?

The Specialist Skills stream is for eligible highly skilled workers whose nominated occupation falls within the applicable ANZSCO major groups and whose salary satisfies the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.

How much does a SID 482 visa cost?

The standard government visa application charge currently starts from AUD $4,015, although the total cost can vary depending on the applicant and circumstances.

How long can I stay on a SID 482 visa?

The SID 482 visa can generally allow an eligible applicant to stay for up to four years. Certain Hong Kong passport holders may be eligible for up to five years.

Can SID 482 lead to permanent residency?

An eligible SID 482 visa holder may have a pathway towards permanent residence, including through an applicable subclass 186 pathway. However, permanent residence is not automatic and all relevant requirements must be satisfied.

Do I need an English test for SID 482?

Primary applicants generally need to meet the required English standard unless an exemption applies. The applicable requirements depend on the circumstances and current visa rules.

Do I need a skills assessment?

Not necessarily. A skills assessment may be required depending on the occupation, visa requirements and applicant circumstances.

Can I change employers on a SID 482 visa?

SID visa holders have greater flexibility if their employment ends, but they must comply with their visa conditions and applicable requirements. A visa holder may have up to 180 days to find another employer, arrange another visa or leave Australia, subject to the applicable rules.

Is the Essential Skills pathway currently available?

The proposed Essential Skills pathway should not be presented as a current SID 482 stream. The current operational SID 482 program has the Specialist Skills, Core Skills and Labour Agreement streams. Any future Essential Skills arrangements should be clearly identified as proposed or under development.

Need Help With a Skills in Demand Visa?

Choosing the correct SID 482 stream, occupation and sponsorship pathway can be complex. Requirements can vary depending on the applicant, employer, occupation, salary and visa pathway.

At The Visa and Education Services Pty Ltd, our Registered Migration Agent can help you understand your potential Australian visa options and prepare for the application process.

We can assist with:

• SID 482 visa eligibility

• Core Skills stream

• Core Skills Occupation List

• Specialist Skills stream

• Employer sponsorship

• Nomination requirements

• Salary requirements

• SID 482 to permanent residency pathways

• Supporting documentation

• Visa application preparation

• Complex migration matters

Book a Consultation

Get professional guidance tailored to your circumstances before making important migration decisions.

Registered Migration Agent: Navneet Kaur
MARN: 2318181