The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) — formerly the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa — allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill genuine skill shortages. It’s the primary temporary work visa in Australia and a major stepping stone to permanent residency.
What is the Skills in Demand Visa?
Introduced in late 2024 to replace the TSS 482 visa, the Skills in Demand visa has three streams based on salary level and occupation. It allows approved employers to sponsor workers for up to 4 years (or longer for some streams), with multiple pathways to permanent residency.
💼Employer Sponsored
Sponsored by an approved Australian employer
🔄PR Pathway
Leads to Subclass 186 permanent visa
📅Up to 4 Years
Temporary visa valid for up to 4 years per grant
👨👩👧Family Included
Bring your partner and dependent children
Three Streams of the 482 Visa
Specialist Skills Stream
For highly paid workers earning above the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) — currently AUD $146,576+. No occupation list restriction. Visa valid up to 4 years.
Core Skills Stream
For workers in occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) earning above the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) — currently AUD $79,423+. Visa valid up to 4 years.
Essential Skills Stream
For lower-wage workers in specific industries facing genuine shortages. More restricted. Specific occupations and conditions apply.
General Eligibility Requirements
- ✅ Have a sponsoring Australian employer (standard business sponsor)
- ✅ Your occupation is on the relevant occupation list (Core Skills stream)
- ✅ Meet the minimum salary threshold for your stream
- ✅ Have the skills, qualifications, and experience for the nominated occupation
- ✅ Meet the applicable English language requirement, unless an exemption applies.
- ✅ Good health and character
Application Process
01
Employer Becomes Approved Sponsor
Your employer must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This takes 3–4 weeks typically.
02
Employer Nominates Your Position
The employer nominates the specific position (occupation, salary, duties) for the sponsorship. This is separate from your personal visa application.
03
You Lodge Your Visa Application
Submit your personal visa application with all supporting documents — qualifications, employment history, English test, health, and character.
04
Skills Assessment (if required)
Some occupations require a formal skills assessment. Others rely on your qualifications and employment history alone.
05
Health & Police Checks
Complete medical examination and provide police clearances.
06
Visa Granted
Upon grant, you can commence working for your sponsor in Australia.
Processing Time & Cost
Processing Time
75%: 1–3 months
90%: 3–6 months
Visa Fee (2024–25)
Primary: AUD $3,115–$6,870
(varies by stream and duration)
Sponsorship Levy (SSKL)
Employer pays Skilling Australians Fund levy per year of sponsorship
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change employers on a 482 visa?
Yes, but you need a new employer to become your approved sponsor and nominate you before you change jobs. You can lodge a new nomination and visa application while still working for your current employer. There is now more flexibility for workers to change sponsors compared to the old TSS visa.
Does the 482 visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes. After working for 2–3 years with your sponsor (depending on stream), you can apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) permanent visa via the Temporary Residence Transition stream. Some streams may require 3 years with the same employer.
What is the minimum salary for the 482 visa?
For the Core Skills stream, you must earn at least AUD $79,423 per year (CSIT as of 2024–25). For the Specialist Skills stream, the threshold is AUD $146,576+. Salaries are reviewed annually in July.
Can my family come to Australia on a 482 visa?
Yes. Your spouse/partner and dependent children can be included in your 482 visa application or apply separately. Family members get open work rights to work for any employer in Australia.
What happens if I lose my job while on a 482 visa?
If your employment ends, you typically have 60 days to find a new employer sponsor, change to another visa, or depart Australia. Immediately notify the Department of Home Affairs and begin exploring your options. Our migration agents can advise you urgently in this situation.
I already have a job offer in Australia — can I get a 482 quickly?
Yes, if your employer is already an approved sponsor, it can be relatively fast. The critical path is usually employer nomination (2–4 weeks) then your visa application (1–3 months). We can expedite the process significantly by handling all paperwork efficiently.
Have a Job Offer in Australia? Let’s Get You Sponsored
We work with both employers and employees to make the 482 sponsorship process smooth and compliant. Contact us today.
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