The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is Australia’s primary temporary employer-sponsored visa, introduced on 7 December 2024 to replace the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. It enables Australian businesses to address genuine labour shortages by sponsoring qualified overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally — across a wide range of industries and skill levels.
If you need help with a subclass 482 application, find a registered migration agent near you who specialises in employer-sponsored visas.
What is the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)?
The subclass 482 is a temporary visa that allows an approved Australian employer to sponsor a skilled overseas worker to fill a position they cannot source locally. Depending on the stream, visa holders may remain in Australia for between 2 and 5 years, with a potential pathway to permanent residence in certain circumstances.
The subclass 482 replaced the TSS visa (subclass 482) on 7 December 2024. All TSS nominations and applications lodged before that date continue to be assessed under the requirements that applied at the time of lodgement.
The three streams of the subclass 482 visa
The Skills in Demand visa has three distinct streams, each designed for different types of workers and employment arrangements.
Specialist Skills stream
The Specialist Skills stream is for workers filling highly specialised, high-salary roles that are critical to the sponsoring employer’s operations. It is designed for positions where the employer cannot source the required expertise domestically, typically in senior technical or leadership capacities.
Core Skills stream
The Core Skills stream covers workers in skilled occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). It allows employers to fill broader skilled workforce gaps across a wide range of industries where suitably qualified Australian workers are unavailable.
Labour Agreement stream
The Labour Agreement stream applies to workers nominated by employers who hold a formal Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. These agreements are negotiated between the government and individual employers or industry groups, and apply in limited or exceptional circumstances where standard visa programs do not meet the employer’s specific workforce needs.
Key eligibility requirements for the subclass 482
Requirements for employers (sponsors)
To sponsor a worker under the subclass 482, employers must:
- Be an approved standard business sponsor in good standing with the Department of Home Affairs
- Demonstrate they have been unable to source a suitably skilled Australian worker for the position — labour market testing requirements apply in most cases
- Pay the sponsored worker at least the applicable minimum salary threshold for the stream and occupation
- Meet their obligations under the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
Requirements for applicants (workers)
To be eligible for the subclass 482, workers must:
- Be nominated for a position by an approved Australian sponsor
- Hold the relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience for the nominated occupation
- Meet English language proficiency requirements (some exemptions apply — see below)
- Satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements
- Generally work directly for the nominating employer, with limited exceptions for certain exempt occupations
English language requirements for the subclass 482
Primary subclass 482 applicants must demonstrate minimum English language proficiency through a recognised test, unless an exemption applies. Accepted tests include:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- OET (Occupational English Test)
Specific minimum scores vary by stream and occupation. A registered migration agent can advise on the exact English requirement that applies to your situation.
Pathway to permanent residence from the subclass 482
The subclass 482 can lead to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, provided the applicant has:
- Worked for their nominating employer for at least two years in the nominated occupation
- Met all other subclass 186 eligibility criteria at the time of application
This makes the subclass 482 not just a temporary work visa, but a potential stepping stone toward permanent residency in Australia.
Subclass 482 processing times
The Skills in Demand visa is not subject to Ministerial Direction No. 105, unlike most other skilled visas. For decision-ready applications, published median processing times are:
| Stream | Median processing time |
|---|---|
| Specialist Skills stream | 7 business days |
| Core Skills stream | 21 business days |
Submitting a complete application — including all supporting documents, health examinations, and character clearances — is the most effective way to avoid unnecessary delays.
Get expert help with your subclass 482 application
The subclass 482 process involves multiple steps and legal obligations for both employers and workers. An error or omission at any stage can result in delays or refusal.
Immigration AU makes it easy to find and connect with an OMARA-registered migration agent who specialises in employer-sponsored visas — in your city and in your language.
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DISCLAIMER: This disclaimer applies to all content published on immigrationau.com.au and its associated social media channels. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon for making any visa or migration decisions. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change, and the material may not reflect the most current regulations. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please consult a Registered Migration Agent (MARA) or a qualified Australian lawyer before submitting any applications.
Frequently Asked Questions - Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) replaced the TSS visa on 7 December 2024. TSS nominations and visa applications lodged before that date continue to be processed under the requirements that applied at the time they were submitted.
The length of stay depends on the stream. Subclass 482 visa holders may stay between 2 and 5 years depending on the stream and the terms of their nomination.
Generally, subclass 482 holders must work for the employer who sponsored them. If you change employers, a new nomination — and potentially a new visa application — will be required. Limited exceptions apply for certain exempt occupations. Seek advice from a registered migration agent before making any changes to your employment.
Yes, in certain circumstances. The subclass 482 can provide a pathway to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) via the Temporary Residence Transition stream, after at least two years of employment with the sponsoring employer.
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is the list of eligible occupations for the Core Skills stream of the subclass 482 visa. If your occupation appears on the CSOL, your employer may be able to nominate you under this stream. A migration agent can help you confirm whether your occupation qualifies.
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is a mandatory charge paid by sponsoring employers when nominating a worker for a subclass 482 visa. The levy funds vocational education and training for Australians. The amount varies based on the employer's turnover and the length of the nomination.
