subclass 482
Skills In Demand (SID) (subclass 482) Visa
Australia’s primary temporary employer sponsored visa. Three streams covering a broad range of occupations and salary levels — with a clear pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 186 after 2 to 3 years.
- Temporary
- Processing: 1–4 months
- SAF levy applies
- Pathway: → 186 ENS
What Is the Skills in Demand (482) Visa?
The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) is Australia’s main temporary employer sponsored visa, introduced in late 2023 to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. It allows Australian businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers for genuine positions that cannot be filled from the local labour market.
The 482 is structured across three streams to accommodate workers across a wide range of salary levels and occupation types — from frontline essential workers through to highly specialised senior professionals. For most employers, it is the starting point for bringing an overseas worker to Australia, with a well-established pathway to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after 2 to 3 years.
The Three Streams
Specialist Skills Stream
- For workers earning above the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
- No occupation list restriction — any occupation eligible if salary threshold is met
- Maximum 4-year visa duration
- Fastest pathway for highly paid professionals
- LMT may still apply in some cases
Core Skills Stream
- For workers earning above the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)
- Occupation must appear on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
- Maximum 4-year visa duration
- Labour Market Testing (LMT) required for most occupations
- Most 482 applications fall under this stream
Essential Skills Stream (Coming)
- Not yet open as of 2025 — expected to cover lower-paid essential workers
- Will likely require a sectoral agreement between employer and government
- Targeted at aged care, disability, hospitality and other sectors with chronic shortages
Employer Eligibility — What Your Business Needs
- Be an Approved Standard Business Sponsor (ASBS) or apply to become one simultaneously
- Be actively operating a lawful business in Australia
- Have a genuine need for the nominated position
- Pay the nominated worker at least the market salary rate for the occupation
- Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
- Complete Labour Market Testing for most Core Skills stream nominations
Worker Eligibility Requirements
- Have the nominated occupation as their primary role
- Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Meet skills, qualifications and registration requirements for the occupation
- Have competent English (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent, or higher for some occupations)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Be genuinely needed by the sponsor to fill the nominated position
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy
The SAF levy is a compulsory government charge paid by the employer at nomination stage. It is calculated per year of the visa duration:
| Business Size | Annual Turnover | SAF Levy Per Year | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Business | Under $10 million | $1,200 | $4,800 |
| Large Business | $10 million or more | $1,800 | $7,200 |
482 to Permanent Residence Pathway
482 Granted — Work for 2–3 Years
Worker commences with your business on the 482. The clock starts for the permanent residence pathway.
Eligibility for ENS 186 (TRT Stream)
After 2 years (Specialist Skills) or 3 years (Core Skills) with the same sponsor, worker is eligible for the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream — permanent residence.
Employer Nominates for 186
Employer lodges a new nomination under the 186. Worker lodges the permanent visa application. No LMT required for TRT stream.
Permanent Residence Granted
Worker becomes a permanent resident — free to work anywhere in Australia, with a pathway to citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions — 482 Visa
Can I bring my family to Australia on a 482 visa?
Yes. Eligible family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) can be included as secondary applicants and are granted the same visa duration with work and study rights.
Can my worker change jobs while on a 482?
The 482 visa is tied to the approved sponsor. If the worker wants to change employers, the new employer must go through the sponsorship and nomination process. We can transfer a 482 to a new sponsor efficiently — contact us when this situation arises.
What happens if my worker's occupation is not on the CSOL?
If the occupation is not on the Core Skills Occupation List but the worker earns above the Specialist Skills threshold, they may still qualify under the Specialist Skills stream. Alternatively, a Labour Agreement may provide access where standard sponsorship does not. We assess all available pathways.