Skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 482
The Skills in Demand Visa is the new temporary work visa designed to replace the existing Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa. It aims to give Australian businesses faster access to skilled workers while offering employees greater job mobility and a clearer pathway to permanent residency.
This visa targets genuinely skilled workers whose occupations are in demand in Australia, as identified through the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
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​You may be eligible if you:
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Have a sponsoring employer approved under the Skills in Demand program.
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Are nominated for an occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List.
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Possess the qualifications, skills, and work experience relevant to the nominated role.
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Meet English language, health, and character requirements.
Visa Streams
Main Requirements
Be nominated by an approved employer for an eligible occupation under the Core Skills Occupation List.
Possess relevant qualifications and at least 1 years of full-time work experience.
Meet English language standards (expected minimum IELTS overall 5.0).
Hold adequate health insurance.
Satisfy health and character requirements.
Earn a salary at or above the CSIT — currently AUD 76,515 per year (as of July 2024).​​
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Processing Times
Processing will prioritise Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams, with median times expected to be between 4 – 8 weeks for complete applications. Applications with full documentation and clear employment contracts will be processed faster under the government’s streamlined digital lodgement system.
Costs & Fees
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Main applicant
AUD3,210
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Additional applicant (18 + years)
AUD3,210
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Additional applicant (under 18)
AUD805
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Skills in Demand Employer Contribution Levy
Replaces SAF levy – employers contribute to a national training fund for Australian workers.
Key Benefits
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Faster processing and simpler sponsorship requirements for employers.
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Portable sponsorship: workers can move between approved sponsors without needing a new visa.
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Pathway to permanent residency after 2 years of eligible employment.
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Greater job security and improved worker protections.
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Includes family members who can work and study in Australia.
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Supports Australia’s long-term workforce needs through sector-based planning.​
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Process
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Employer applies to become an approved Standard Business sponsor (if not already approved).
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Employer nominates a position under the Core Skills or Specialist Skills pathway.
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Worker prepares and lodges the visa application via the online system with supporting documents.
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Provide documents – passport, qualifications, work evidence, English test results, health and character checks.
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Application is assessed under priority settings by stream.
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Visa granted – commence employment with the approved sponsor in Australia.
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?
Yes. The new design introduces 'portable sponsorship,' allowing workers to change employers within 180 days while remaining lawful on the same visa.
03. Will it lead to permanent residency?
Yes. All streams will have clear pathways to permanent residency after a period of continuous skilled employment.
04. What happens to existing 482 visa holders?
Current TSS (482) visa holders can continue under their existing conditions and may transition to the new system once implemented.
05.What are the main differences from the 482 visa?
The Skills in Demand visa focuses on job mobility, reduced red tape for employers, and more transparent permanent residency pathways. It also introduces new occupation categories and sector-based lists.
