Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
Work in Australia with In-Demand Skills
ABOUT THE VISA
Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) is a temporary employer-sponsored visa that enables Australian business organizations to sponsor skilled foreigners in instances where appropriate qualified Australian laborers are not present. The visa is a replacement of the previous Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) as one of the immigration reforms in Australia, and exists to better aid alignment by skilled migration with the current needs of the labour market without undermining the protections provided to Australian workers.
SID visa assists in workforce shortages in a broad spectrum of industries and gives the eligible visa holders a chance to engage in working in Australia in an approved employer within a specified time. The visa also provides a good route to the permanent residence in most instances via employer sponsored permanent visas.
WHAT’S NEW (EFFECTIVE 7 DECEMBER 2024)
The Skills in Demand visa framework has brought a number of important changes:
A single SID model has substituted the former Short-Term, Medium-Term and Regional Occupation List (ROL) streams of the TSS visa.
Most of the applicants under the Core Skills Stream are currently governed by a new occupation list, the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Since 1 July 2024 the requirements with reference to salary and experience have been updated as follows:
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) was raised.
Most occupations had reduced the minimum work experience to 12 months full-time experience in the past 5 years.
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) has been broadened to allow eligible SID visa holders to gain access to permanent residency, under the condition of satisfying other requirements.
STREAMS OF THE VISA
The Skills in Demand visa has three major streams in operation at the moment
Core Skills Stream
The occupation chosen has to be included on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
The maximum number of years to be employed in Australia is 4.
There could be a road to permanent residence as far as qualified occupations and candidates are concerned.
Specialist Skills Stream
Developed to suit very professional or special jobs.
A larger pay rate, called Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) is used.
In some instances, stay periods can extend to 5 years even to the holders of Hong Kong passport.
Labour Agreement Stream
Open to labourers sponsored by a formal labour agreement between the employer and the department of labour affairs.
The terms of the specific labour agreement determine the conditions, occupations and the stay periods.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE APPLICANT
In all streams, the applicants are likely to
Have their sponsorship by an employer who is a Standard Business Sponsor or by a labour agreement.
Eligibility Be nominated in an eligible occupation, based on the selected stream.
Possess the necessary skills, qualifications and working experience and in most jobs, at least 12 months full time experience are needed within the past 5 years.
Pass tests in English language in line with stream and occupation.
Meet health and personality needs.
Hold a valid bridging visa or relevant visa in case one is within Australia.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE NOMINATING EMPLOYER
The employer sponsoring the employee should
Operate legally in Australia.
Be registered as a Standard Business Sponsor or be a labour-agent.
Suggest a job that is actually real and that is on the CSOL, Specialist Skills category or labour agreement.
Make all nomination and levy charges and all relevant sponsorship fees.
Meet employment law requirements, labour market testing (where necessary) and salary.
Operate legally in Australia.
Be registered as a Standard Business Sponsor or be a labour-agent.
Suggest a job that is actually real and that is on the CSOL, Specialist Skills category or labour agreement.
Make all nomination and levy charges and all relevant sponsorship fees.
Meet employment law requirements, labour market testing (where necessary) and salary.
FAMILY MEMBERS
The partners who are eligible (such as de facto partners) and children who are dependent may be incorporated in the visa application.
The family members can also be included as subsequent entrants after granting of visa, on the basis of meeting the health and character requirements.
ENGLISH, HEALTH AND CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS
English Language
There might be also health and character requirements of the non-migrating family members.
Health
Applicants and any of the family members must fulfil the health requirements of Australia such as medical examination where it is necessary.
Character
The applicants and the accompanying family members must have police certificates as well as undergo character checks.
PATHWAY TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY
Skills in Demand visa gives eligible applicants access to permanent residence under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
- Those in the Core Skills Stream or the Labour Agreement Stream can usually transition to the same employer after approximately 2 years of full time work.
- The eligibility is based on occupation and compliance on the part of the employer and individual cases.
VISA COST
Applicant Costs (from 1 July 2025)
Main applicant: AUD 3,210
Every dependent of 18 years and above: AUD 3,210.
Each dependent under 18: AUD 805
STAC AUD 700 can be charged as a subsequent temporary application charge in case application is submitted in Australia.
Employer Costs
Application in case of Standard Business Sponsorship: AUD 420.
Nomination fee: AUD 330
Skilling Australian Fund (SAF) Levy:
Companies whose annual turnover falls below AUD 10 million: AUD 1,200/per visa year
The companies whose turnover is AUD 10 million and above: AUD 1,800 per visa year.
Example: Small business funding a worker
Nomination fee: AUD 330
SAF levy: AUD 2,400
Total: AUD 2,730
