Australia Work Visa (Subclass 482)

Key Updates and Changes to the Subclass 482 Visa

The transition to the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa introduced several significant changes aimed at streamlining the skilled migration process and offering more flexibility to applicants.

• New Visa Name: The visa is no longer referred to as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa but as the Skills in Demand (SID) visa.
• Reduced Work Experience: The work experience requirement has been reduced from two years to just one year of relevant full-time experience in the nominated occupation. This change came into effect in late 2024.
• Clearer Pathways to Permanent Residency: All streams of the new SID visa now have a defined pathway to permanent residency, with the required time to transition reduced from three years to just two years of working for a sponsoring employer.
• Increased Worker Mobility: Visa holders now have a longer grace period of 180 days (increased from 60 days) to find a new sponsoring employer after their employment ceases without breaching their visa conditions.

The Three Streams of the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

The new SID visa framework is divided into three distinct streams, each with its own set of requirements and eligibility criteria.

1. Specialist Skills Stream

This stream is designed to attract highly skilled, top-tier professionals who can drive innovation and economic growth.

• Eligibility: For professionals (excluding trade workers, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers) with an occupation in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6.
• Salary Threshold: The nominated salary must be at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (A$141,210) as of July 1, 2025.
• Occupation List: This stream does not rely on a specific occupation list.
• Visa Duration: Up to 4 years.
• Processing Time: This is a priority stream with a target processing time of 7 days.

2. Core Skills Stream

This is the largest and most common stream, targeting the majority of skilled workers needed to address Australia’s labor shortages.

• Eligibility: For workers with an occupation on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
• Salary Threshold: The salary must be at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold (A$76,515) as of July 1, 2025.
• Visa Duration: Up to 4 years.
• Processing Time: The target processing time is around 21 days.

3. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for employers who have negotiated a formal labour agreement with the Australian government to sponsor overseas workers.

• Eligibility: For workers nominated by an employer with a specific labour agreement.
• Requirements: The requirements for this stream are defined by the terms of the specific labour agreement itself.
• Visa Duration: Up to 4 years.
• Processing Time: Varies depending on the specific agreement.

The Three-Step Application Process

The Subclass 482 visa application is a three-stage process, with responsibilities for both the employer and the visa applicant.

Step 1: Sponsorship Application

• An Australian employer must apply to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).
• The employer must meet specific criteria, including being a lawfully operating business and demonstrating a commitment to training local workers.

Step 2: Nomination Application

• The approved employer must nominate the position to be filled.
• This step requires the employer to prove a genuine need for the position and to demonstrate that they will pay the market salary rate, which must be at or above the relevant income threshold.

Step 3: Visa Application

• The visa applicant can then submit their visa application to the Department of Home Affairs.
• The applicant must provide evidence of their skills, qualifications, English language proficiency, and meet health and character requirements.

Required Documents and Visa Costs

To ensure a smooth application, it is crucial to prepare all necessary documents and understand the associated costs.

Note: The total cost includes the sponsorship application fee, the nomination fee, the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy paid by the employer, and the visa application charge paid by the applicant.