Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

Last reviewed: 26 October 2026. The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) is Australia’s current employer-sponsored temporary skilled work visa. It replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. Existing TSS applications lodged before that date are subject to transitional arrangements. New prospective applicants should assess the SID rules, not the closed TSS program.

Advice is provided by Sunil Choudhary, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418425), A2MS – Aussie Academics and Migration Services®.

Subclass 482 lets an approved Australian employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker where a qualifying position cannot be filled locally. It is a temporary visa, generally providing a stay of up to four years (with particular provisions for some Hong Kong passport holders). A genuine position, eligible occupation, correct salary arrangements and valid nomination are fundamental.

Depending on the applicable pathway and eligibility, subclass 482 may also support a subsequent application for permanent residence, including the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). Permanent residence is not automatic.

• Core Skills stream: generally involves a nominated occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, payment at or above applicable market salary and the Core Skills Income Threshold, and the individual applicant criteria.
• Specialist Skills stream: applies to specified high-remuneration skilled occupations in eligible ANZSCO major groups, with the applicable Specialist Skills Income Threshold and other criteria.
• Labour Agreement stream: for qualifying workers nominated under the terms of an approved labour agreement.

Income thresholds are subject to indexation, including changes from 1 July 2026. Avoid relying on an older fixed salary threshold without checking the date and relevant instrument.

• Nomination in an eligible occupation by an approved sponsor or qualifying business.
• Relevant skills, qualifications and work experience—often at least 12 months of relevant full-time work or equivalent, although exceptions and labour agreement provisions may apply.
• Relevant English language proficiency and any applicable skills assessment, licensing or professional registration.
• Health, character and other visa criteria, including eligibility to apply from the person’s current immigration status.
• Compliance with sponsor, nominated-occupation and other visa conditions after grant.

The rules differ between streams and individual circumstances. Work experience alone does not guarantee eligibility.

The business may need to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor, identify an eligible genuine position, satisfy salary and employment requirements, lodge a suitable nomination and meet ongoing sponsorship duties. Labour market testing or exemptions may apply depending on the visa and nomination circumstances. A2MS can review the employer’s readiness and the proposed worker’s situation together.

Explore Employer-Sponsored Visa Services, Corporate Migration Assistance, and Labour Agreements & DAMA.

Visa charges, nomination and sponsorship charges, possible levy obligations and professional fees are separate components. Government prices and processing estimates can change and may vary by the applicant’s circumstances. Check the Home Affairs pricing estimator for the correct stream and lodgement date before budgeting.

Employees should understand conditions attached to the grant, including the nominated occupation, employer and work arrangements. Employers must meet their statutory obligations throughout the sponsorship period. Changing employers or occupations requires individual assessment.

Home Affairs confirms that TSS applications and nominations lodged before 7 December 2024 are generally handled under the former rules or the relevant transitional provisions. Employers or applicants with an existing TSS-related application should obtain advice specific to its application history rather than assuming the new SID criteria apply retrospectively.

1. Eligibility assessment: sponsorship history, business structure, occupation, remuneration, skills, work history and immigration status.
2. Planning: relevant SID stream, documentation, risks, financial obligations and timing.
3. Applications: preparation of sponsor, nomination and visa stages as applicable.
4. After lodgement: evidence requests, changes in circumstances, employer duties and future pathways.

Arrange a confidential consultation: Book an appointment or call 08 7094 8094.

• Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
• Compare sponsored worker visas
• Former TSS visa and transition

Disclaimer: This is general information current to 26 October 2026, not legal advice for a particular matter. Visa eligibility, charges, sponsorship obligations and procedures are subject to Australian law and individual facts.