Planning to move to Australia on the Skills in Demand Visa in 2027? If you have skills and experience that an Australian employer needs, the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) could be a pathway to living and working in Australia.
The 482 visa allows eligible Australian businesses to sponsor skilled workers for temporary employment, generally for up to four years. It can also provide a pathway to permanent residency for eligible applicants, making it an option worth exploring if you’re hoping to build a longer-term future in Australia.
However, securing a sponsored position involves more than finding a job and submitting a visa application. Your occupation, work experience, salary, English language ability and the employer’s eligibility can all influence the process.
If you’re considering a move in 2027, here’s what to know about the 482 Skills in Demand visa, how to prepare your application and what to consider when choosing where to live in Australia.
What is the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa?
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa, subclass 482, allows an approved Australian employer to sponsor a suitably skilled overseas worker for a position they need to fill.
It replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024. Under the current program, eligible applicants can be granted a visa for up to four years, depending on their circumstances and stream.
The visa is designed to help Australian businesses address skills shortages while allowing qualified overseas workers to contribute their experience.
There are three main streams:
- Core Skills stream: For nominated occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), subject to the applicable salary requirements.
- Specialist Skills stream: For eligible higher-paid skilled workers in specified ANZSCO major groups, subject to the relevant income threshold.
- Labour Agreement stream: For workers nominated by employers operating under an applicable labour agreement with the Australian Government.
The right stream depends on the position, occupation, salary and sponsorship arrangements. You cannot simply choose the stream that seems most appealing; the nomination must meet its specific requirements.
How do I move to Australia on a Skills in Demand visa in 2027?
The application process involves three key stages: employer sponsorship, position nomination and your visa application.
Step 1: Find an Australian employer willing to sponsor you
First, you need a genuine job opportunity with an Australian employer prepared to sponsor you.
Not every employer is an approved sponsor, and not every vacancy is suitable for sponsorship. When researching jobs, look for employers that explicitly mention visa sponsorship or have experience recruiting overseas workers.
You can start by checking company career pages, professional recruitment agencies, industry job boards and LinkedIn. It can also help to research employers in industries where your skills are in demand.
Before accepting an offer, ask whether the employer is already an approved Standard Business Sponsor or holds an appropriate labour agreement. If not, it may need to arrange the relevant sponsorship before proceeding.
Step 2: Your employer nominates the position
Once the sponsorship arrangements are in place, the employer must nominate the position you will fill.
This involves identifying an eligible occupation, providing information about the role and salary, and meeting the relevant nomination requirements.
For the Core Skills stream, the occupation must appear on the CSOL. For the Specialist Skills stream, the position must meet the stream’s occupation and salary criteria.
Employers must also generally demonstrate that the salary meets the applicable income threshold and the annual market salary rate. This means you should not be paid less than an equivalent Australian worker performing the same role.
Labour market testing is generally required unless an exemption applies. Where required, recruitment advertising must meet specific government requirements.
Step 3: Submit your visa application
After the nomination stage, you can lodge your visa application, providing evidence that you meet the relevant criteria.
Depending on your circumstances and occupation, this may include:
- Passport and identity documents.
- Qualifications and employment references.
- Evidence of at least 12 months of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field.
- English language test results, unless an exemption applies.
- Evidence of relevant registration or a skills assessment, if required.
- Health and character documents.
A job offer alone does not guarantee a visa grant. Your application and the employer’s sponsorship and nomination must satisfy the applicable requirements.
What salary do I need for a Skills in Demand visa in 2027?
Salary is one of the most important considerations when assessing whether a position can be sponsored.
As at October 2026, the relevant income thresholds are:
| Visa stream | Income threshold |
|---|---|
| Core Skills stream | AUD $79,423 per year |
| Specialist Skills stream | AUD $146,576 per year |
These thresholds may change from 1 July 2027, so anyone planning to apply later in the year should check the current requirements before proceeding.
Meeting the threshold does not automatically make a role eligible. The position must also satisfy the applicable occupation and market salary requirements.
For example, a position paying above the Core Skills threshold may still be unsuitable if the occupation or other nomination criteria do not qualify. Equally, a high salary does not remove the need to meet the visa applicant’s requirements.
If you’re comparing job offers, consider the full employment package, location, living costs and whether the position genuinely matches your skills and experience.
How much does a Skills in Demand visa cost?
The total cost depends on the visa stream, the number of applicants, the sponsorship arrangements and any additional requirements.
Based on the government fees supplied for this guide, the following amounts apply as at 1 July 2026:
| Application component | Government fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Business Sponsorship | $420 |
| Nomination | $330 |
| Main visa applicant | $4,015 |
| Dependent applicant aged 18 or over | $4,015 each |
| Dependent applicant under 18 | $1,005 each |
| Subsequent Temporary Application Charge | $700, where applicable |
A labour agreement application has no government application fee under the supplied fee schedule. Employers may also need to pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which is generally $1,200 or $1,800 per year depending on the business’s turnover and the applicable rules.
These are government charges, not a complete estimate of the cost of moving. You may also need to budget for English testing, medical examinations, document certification or translation, travel, accommodation and other relocation expenses.
Importantly, sponsorship and nomination costs, including the SAF levy, generally need to be paid by the employer where required by law. Employers cannot simply pass prohibited sponsorship costs on to the sponsored worker.
Before making financial commitments, check the current government fee schedule and clarify which relocation expenses your employer will cover.
How long does it take to process a Skills in Demand visa in 2027?
There is no single processing timeframe that applies to every 482 application.
The Department of Home Affairs prioritises applications according to Ministerial Direction 121, which took effect on 19 September 2026. Under the current priorities, applications connected with construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, resources, law enforcement and defence interests receive the highest priority. Specialist Skills stream applications come next, followed by other categories.
Priority does not guarantee a particular decision date. Processing can depend on application completeness, the information provided, checks that need to be completed and changes in government priorities.
If you’re planning to relocate in 2027, avoid booking non-refundable flights or making major financial commitments based on an assumed visa approval date. Check the processing time guide and allow flexibility in your plans.
Can I get permanent residency after a 482 visa?
For many applicants, one of the major attractions of the 482 visa is the potential pathway to permanent residency.
Eligible 482 visa holders may be able to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), including the Temporary Residence Transition stream, once the relevant requirements are met.
The pathway is not automatic. Eligibility depends on factors such as your employment history, nominated occupation, employer nomination and the criteria in place when you apply.
If permanent residency is your long-term goal, discuss this with your employer before accepting a sponsored role. Ask whether the business may be willing and able to support a future permanent visa application, but remember that future sponsorship cannot be guaranteed.
It is also worth considering how the role fits into your broader career plans. A position that offers useful experience, professional development and a realistic long-term employment opportunity may be more valuable than one chosen solely because it offers sponsorship.
Which Australian city should I move to on a Skills in Demand visa in 2027?
Your employer and job location will probably influence where you settle, but it’s worth researching the city before you commit. Australia is a large country, and life in one city can feel very different from life in another.
Sydney: Big-city opportunities and coastal living
Sydney is known for its harbour, beaches, major employers and busy professional environment. It can suit people who want access to a large job market, a wide range of services and a vibrant social scene.
The trade-off is housing affordability. Rent and transport can take a substantial share of your budget, particularly if you want to live close to the city centre or popular coastal areas.
If your job is in Sydney, compare suburbs based on your workplace, public transport connections and realistic rental budget rather than choosing an area based on holiday photos alone.
Melbourne: Culture, sport and varied neighbourhoods
Melbourne offers a strong mix of professional industries, restaurants, arts, sport and distinct neighbourhoods. It may appeal to people who enjoy a busy cultural calendar and want access to both inner-city living and quieter suburban areas.
The weather is famously changeable, so don’t be surprised if you experience several seasons in one day. Getting around can be straightforward in areas well served by trains, trams and buses, but your commute will depend heavily on where you live and work.
Explore neighbourhoods in person if possible, and factor in commuting time as well as rent.
Brisbane: A warmer climate and a growing city
Brisbane’s warmer weather and outdoor lifestyle appeal to many new arrivals. The city has a mix of professional opportunities, riverfront areas and access to beaches and hinterland destinations in the wider region.
Summers can be hot and humid, and severe weather can affect parts of Queensland. When choosing accommodation, check transport options and local flood information rather than relying on distance from work alone.
Perth: Space, beaches and a more isolated location
Perth offers beaches, sunshine and a more relaxed pace in many neighbourhoods. It can be an attractive option for people whose work opportunities are based in Western Australia.
However, Perth is geographically separated from Australia’s eastern capitals, so interstate trips can be longer and more expensive than you might expect. Consider your family connections, travel plans and local job opportunities before deciding whether the distance suits you.
Adelaide: A smaller-city feel
Adelaide may suit people who prefer a less sprawling urban environment, with cultural events, parks and access to wine regions and coastal areas.
Housing costs and commute times vary by suburb, and your experience will depend on where your employer is based. Research your specific industry and role rather than assuming a smaller city will automatically offer more affordable living.
The best city is usually the one that works for your job, budget and lifestyle. Before moving, compare rental prices, transport, healthcare access, schools if you’re relocating with children, and the distance to your workplace.
What should I organise before arriving in Australia?
Once your visa is granted, you’ll have plenty to think about beyond packing your bags.
Start by confirming your employment start date, relocation support and temporary accommodation arrangements with your employer. If you’re moving with family, plan for school enrolments, childcare and any additional health or insurance requirements.
You should also consider:
- Accommodation: Research rental applications, bond payments and the documents landlords or agents may request.
- Banking and tax: Find out what you need to open an Australian bank account and arrange your tax file number.
- Healthcare: Check your visa’s health insurance requirements and what healthcare services you can access.
- Transport: Research public transport, driving rules and whether you’ll need a car for your commute.
- Phone and internet: Arrange a local mobile service and internet access for your new home.
- Professional requirements: Check whether your occupation requires Australian registration, licensing or further checks before you can start work.
Australian rental markets can be competitive in some areas, so having a temporary accommodation plan can give you time to inspect properties and understand the local market before signing a longer lease.
And one small cultural adjustment? Australia may be familiar if you speak English, but workplace communication, local expressions and social habits can still take some getting used to. Give yourself time to settle in, meet people and explore your new neighbourhood.
How can I prepare for a Skills in Demand visa move in 2027?
The earlier you start preparing, the more time you’ll have to check your eligibility, gather documents and find an employer whose needs align with your experience.
Begin by researching eligible occupations and sponsorship opportunities in your industry. Keep your CV current, collect employment references and qualifications, and check whether your occupation requires a skills assessment or professional registration.
If you already have a job offer, confirm which visa stream may apply, whether the salary meets the relevant threshold and what your employer needs to do before you lodge your application.
Finally, remember that immigration settings can change. The income thresholds, fees, processing priorities and other requirements that apply in October 2026 may not remain the same throughout 2027. Always confirm the current rules before lodging an application.
How can AVIE help with your 482 visa plans?
Moving to Australia on a Skills in Demand visa involves coordinated steps for both the employer and the worker. Understanding those requirements early can help you identify potential issues before they cause unnecessary delays.
AVIE’s corporate immigration team assists businesses with sponsorship, nomination and visa processes, helping employers navigate their obligations and overseas workers understand the requirements relevant to their circumstances.
Whether you’re an employer considering sponsoring an overseas candidate or a skilled professional exploring an Australian job offer, getting advice specific to your situation can help you understand the available options.
Planning to move to Australia on a Skills in Demand visa in 2027? Contact AVIE to discuss your circumstances and the steps involved in pursuing a Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa.
This article is general information only and reflects selected requirements and fees as at October 2026. Immigration rules, fees and processing priorities may change. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances, the nominated position and the relevant requirements at the time of application. Seek personalised advice from a registered migration agent or qualified Australian immigration lawyer before making decisions about a visa application.
