What is a Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa?
The 482 Visa (also known as a ‘SID’ visa) allows businesses to meet workforce needs by sponsoring skilled workers for up to 4 years. The application process is split into three steps:
- Business becomes a Standard Business Sponsor or Labour Agreement holder (Overseas businesses can become Standard Business Sponsors in certain situations).
- Employer Nominates a position, setting out the tasks and duties of the role, salary, and candidate
- Candidate lodges a Visa application demonstrating they have the skills for the role.
A pathway to permanent residency is available to most 482 visa holders.
Timeline of key changes – 482 Visa
13 September 2025
- New English language tests accepted for 482 visa applications
- English language test scores aligned with the Skilled Migration program
1 July 2025
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) increased to $76,515 per annum
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) increased to $141,210 per annum
7 December 2024
- Changed from Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa to the Skills in Demand visa
- All visas valid for up to 4 years
- Introduction of new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) specifically for the 482 program. The Short-Term (STSOL) and Medium-Term (MLTSSL) occupation lists no longer apply.
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) replaced by Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) at $73,150 and Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) of $135,000
1 July 2024
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) increased from $70,000 to $73,150
- Work experience required reduced to 12 months in the last 5 years
- Work limitations amended to allow greater flexibility, with 180 day ‘grace period’ between employer sponsors
25 November 2023
- Pathway to permanent residency under the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa opened to all 482 visa holders with an occupation in ANZSCO
- Transition period reduced to 2 years working on 482 visa
1 July 2023
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) increased from $53,900 to $70,000
18 March 2018
- 457 Temporary Work visa replaced with the 482 Temporary Skills Shortage visa
- Introduction of Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Visa validity period tied to the occupation list used – 4 years for MLTSSL and 2 years for STSOL
- 2 years of work experience required within the last 5 years
- Pathway to permanent residency limited to those with MLTSSL occupation
Requirements for a 482 Sponsorship
Standard Business Sponsorship
The business must demonstrate that it is actively and lawfully operating. Overseas businesses must also demonstrate contractual arrangements for work in Australia or expansion plans to open an Australian branch of the business.
Labour Agreement
This is a negotiation with the Department of Home Affairs to bring in skilled and semi-skilled workers where it can be demonstrated that worker shortages exist. Templated (pre-negotiated) agreements for the Aged Care, Fishing, Horticulture, Dairy, and Meat industries are available. The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is also a type of Labour Agreement.
Requirements for a 482 Nomination
The employer is required to identify an occupation that aligns with the role on offer. This will determine the application stream:
- Core Skills Stream – occupation appears on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and the salary is above the Core Skills Income Threshold of $76,515 per annum
- Specialist Skills Stream – occupation not on the CSOL, but appears in ANZSCO (2022 version) and salary is above the Specialist Skills Income Threshold of $141,210 per annum. Does not include Major Groups 3, 7, or 8 in the ANZSCO.
Regardless of the application stream, the role must also attract a ‘market rate’ salary. This means that the nominee must be offered a salary that is no less than what is offered to an equivalent Australian worker.
Labour Market Testing (LMT) is mandatory unless an exemption applies. If LMT advertising is needed, it must meet Immigration’s strict requirements in order to be accepted for Nomination purposes.
Subclass 482 Visa holders can be moved to a new employer by lodging a Nomination transfer application. This does not change the validity period of the existing visa.
Requirements for a 482 Visa Application
To qualify for the 482 Skills In Demand Visa, candidates must:
- Meet the skill requirement for their nominated occupation as set out in the ANZSCO. Note that certain occupations require a formal skill assessment.
- Evidence at least 12 months of full-time (or part-time/casual equivalent) work experience in their occupation, completed within the 5 years immediately before applying
- Demonstrate Vocational level English ability
- Meet health and character requirements
482 visa holders can include family members in their application, and most have a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa after certain requirements are met.
How much does a 482 visa application cost?
As of 1 July 2025, the government application fees are as follows:
Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) – $420
Labour Agreement – nil
Nomination – $330
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy – $1200 or $1800 per year, depending on turnover
Visa Application – Main Applicant – $3,120
Visa Application – Dependent Applicant over 18yrs of age (each) – $3,120
Visa Application – Dependent Applicant under 18yrs of age (each) – $805
Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC) – in certain circumstances only – $700
How long does a 482 take to process?
As of 29 July 2025, Immigration advises the current processing times are as follows:
| Application Type | 50% processed within | 90% processed within |
| SBS | 39 days | 5 months |
| Labour Agreement (note that Agreements under a DAMA are much faster) | 10 months | 14 months |
| Nomination | 38 days | 8 months |
| Core Skills Visa | 79 days | 4 months |
| Specialist Skills Visa | 29 days | 65 days |
| Labour Agreement Visa | 90 days | 4 months |
Benefits of working with Corporate Immigration Experts
Simplify the Process – We know employers and HR teams are time-poor, so we streamline the immigration process to make it as straightforward and hassle-free as possible.
Expert Problem-Solving – Our team has extensive experience handling complex visa situations and finding tailored solutions to meet business needs.
Avoid Mistakes – Avoid costly delays and reapplications—our expertise ensures visa applications are done right the first time.
Compliance Support – We help businesses stay compliant with evolving immigration laws, reducing the risk of penalties or sponsorship issues.
Related News
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Increase to minimum salary requirements for employer-sponsored visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I hold a 482 Temporary Skills Shortage visa and my occupation is not on the CSOL. Can I change employer?
If your occupation is not on the CSOL, then you will not be able to move an existing 482 TSS visa to a new employer sponsor. You would need to consider a new occupation and an entirely new SID visa. Please contact an AVIE agent for advice.
Can 482 TSS holders still get PR?
Yes, provided you meet the requirements for a Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa through the Temporary Residence Transitional stream.
Note that this stream does not have an occupation list, so any occupation in ANZSCO is acceptable.
The two years of work experience can be with any approved sponsor, provided it is in your nominated occupation and undertaken while you hold a 482 visa (or Bridging Visa between applications).
What happened to the Short Term and Medium-Long Term Streams and occupation lists?
All 482 Skills in Demand visas can be granted for periods up to 4 years.
The STSOL, MLTSSL, and ROL no longer apply to the Subclass 482 program.
These alternate lists continue to be used for General Skilled Migration and the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa.
I hold a 482 visa. Can I add family to my visa?
Yes, via a Subsequent Entrant 482 visa application.
It is possible to add a de facto partner, spouse, and/or dependent children to an existing 482 visa, provided the sponsor has given written consent that they are willing to extend sponsor obligations.
The subsequent entrant visas would have same expiry date as primary visa holder. There are no work or study limitations for dependents.