Skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 482
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024. It allows an approved employer to sponsor a suitably skilled worker for a temporary role in Australia.
There are three streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement. The Core Skills Occupation List applies to the Core Skills stream; other streams have different occupation and nomination requirements.
Applicants need an eligible employer nomination, relevant skills and work experience, and must meet the applicable English, health and character requirements. Requirements and exemptions depend on the stream and individual circumstances.
Visa Streams
Main Requirements
Be nominated by an eligible employer for the relevant stream. The Core Skills Occupation List applies to the Core Skills stream.
Have relevant skills and qualifications, and at least one year of relevant work experience where required by the stream.
Meet the English language requirements for the relevant stream, unless an exemption applies.
Hold adequate health insurance.
Satisfy health and character requirements.
Meet the annual market salary rate and the applicable income threshold for the nominated stream. Thresholds are indexed annually; concessions may apply.
Processing Times
Processing times vary by stream, application completeness and individual circumstances. Check the Department of Home Affairs visa processing times guide for recent estimates. Published estimates are a guide and do not guarantee a decision date.
Costs & Fees
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Main applicant
Check the current Home Affairs visa application charge; concessions may apply.
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Additional applicant (18 + years)
An additional applicant charge applies. Confirm the current amount before lodgement.
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Additional applicant (under 18)
A separate child applicant charge applies. Confirm the current amount before lodgement.
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Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
Employers must pay the applicable SAF levy when nominating a worker. This cost cannot be passed on to the worker or their family.
Key Benefits
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Work in Australia in an eligible sponsored role.
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Stay up to four years, or up to five years for eligible Hong Kong passport holders.
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Include eligible family members, subject to visa requirements.
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Change sponsors subject to nomination approval and visa conditions.
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May qualify for employer-nominated permanent residence if separate requirements are met.
Process
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Employer obtains the sponsorship approval or labour agreement required for the stream.
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Employer nominates an eligible position and meets the nomination requirements.
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Applicant prepares evidence of identity, skills, experience and English proficiency.
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Lodge the visa application and complete requested health and character checks.
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If granted, check the visa conditions before starting or changing employment.
Common Scenarios & Q&A
01. How long can I stay on the Skills in Demand visa?
Up to 4 years, Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years.
02. Can I change employers under this visa?
You may change employers subject to visa conditions and nomination approval. If sponsored employment ends, time limits apply to finding another sponsor, applying for another visa or leaving Australia. Check your conditions before changing work.
03. Will it lead to permanent residency?
Permanent residence is not automatic. Eligible workers may qualify for an employer-nominated permanent visa, subject to a separate nomination, application and the requirements of that visa.
04. What happens to existing 482 visa holders?
The Skills in Demand visa replaced TSS on 7 December 2024. Existing TSS holders must continue to comply with their visa conditions. Any further visa application must meet the applicable requirements; transition is not automatic.
05. How does this differ from the previous TSS visa?
Skills in Demand remains subclass 482, with Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement streams. Occupation, salary and nomination rules depend on the stream. Check the current Home Affairs requirements before applying.
