Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand Visa

The 482 SID visa is a temporary work visa allowing Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers. The visa has three streams:

Streams

• Specialist Skills stream — for occupations on the Specialist Skills Occupation List (SSOL), typically high-skilled professional roles
• Core Skills stream — for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), typically skilled trades and professional roles
• Essential Skills stream — for occupations on the Essential Skills Occupation List (ESOL), typically lower-skilled essential roles

To be eligible for the 482 visa:

• Have an occupation on one of the three occupation lists (SSOL, CSOL, ESOL)
• Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
• Meet English language requirements (usually IELTS 5.0+)
• Be nominated by an approved Australian employer (Standard Business Sponsorship)
• Meet health and character requirements
• Have appropriate skills assessment (if required for your occupation)

Employer requirements

• Be a Standard Business Sponsor (approved by DHA)
• Lodge a nomination application for the specific position
• Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
• Demonstrate genuine need for the position

The 482 SID visa provides a clear pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa.

Pathway requirements

• Hold the 482 for at least 2 years (Specialist Skills) or 3 years (Core Skills)
• Work in the nominated occupation for the nominating employer
• Have an employer willing to nominate you for the 186 ENS
• Meet the 186 age (under 45) and English requirements
• Have appropriate skills assessment

Primary applicant fees (approximate):

• SID Specialist Skills: AUD 3,210
• SID Core Skills: AUD 3,210
• SID Essential Skills: AUD 1,510

Employer pays: SAF levy (AUD 1,200–1,800 per year per worker depending on business size).

482 processing times vary by stream:

• Specialist Skills: typically 1–3 months
• Core Skills: typically 2–4 months
• Essential Skills: typically 2–4 months

Do I need a job offer for the 482?
Yes, you must have an approved Australian employer willing to sponsor you.

How long is the 482 visa?
Up to 4 years, depending on the stream and employment contract.

Can I include family members?
Yes, spouse/de facto partner and dependent children.

Can I switch employers on the 482?
Yes, but the new employer must lodge a new nomination. Some streams allow 60 days to find a new sponsor.

Does the 482 lead to PR?
Yes, via the 186 ENS after 2–3 years (depending on stream).

• Free 30-minute eligibility assessment
• Employer sponsorship guidance
• Skills assessment coordination
• Nomination application preparation
• Visa application lodgement
• Post-482 PR pathway planning (186 ENS)