Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand (SID)

Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand (SID)

About the Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand (SID)

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482, formerly Temporary Skill Shortage) is an employer-sponsored temporary visa for skilled workers. It allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers where there is a demonstrated skills shortage.

The 482 visa has three streams: Short-term (up to 2 years), Medium-term (up to 4 years), and Labour Agreement (employer-specific). Medium-term stream holders can apply for permanent residence via subclass 186 after 3 years.

Three Streams

  • Short-term Stream: 2-year visa for occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Can be renewed once onshore. No direct PR pathway.
  • Medium-term Stream: 4-year visa for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Pathway to PR via subclass 186 after 3 years.
  • Labour Agreement Stream: For employers with labour agreements covering specific industries or occupations.

Eligibility

  • Sponsorship from an approved Australian employer
  • Nomination for an occupation on the relevant skilled list
  • At least 2 years of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation
  • Positive skills assessment (if applicable)
  • Competent English (IELTS 5.0 each band minimum, higher for some streams)
  • Meet health and character requirements
  • Employer must pay market salary (annual market salary rate)

Employer Obligations

The sponsoring employer must:

  • Be a lawfully operating Australian business
  • Pay the market salary rate (not below)
  • Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy (AUD 1,200-1,800 per year)
  • Comply with labour market testing (if applicable)
  • Provide genuine, full-time employment for the visa duration

Pathway to PR

Medium-term stream 482 holders can apply for the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme after 3 years. Requirements:

  • Have held 482 (or 457) for at least 3 of the last 4 years
  • Currently employed by your sponsoring employer
  • Employer willing to nominate you for PR
  • Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band)
  • Under 45 years of age

Processing Time and Fees

Current processing time for 482 is approximately 3-6 months for nomination and 3-6 months for the visa application. Visa application charges range from AUD 1,495 (Short-term) to AUD 3,210 (Medium-term).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change employers on a 482 visa?

No. You can only work for your sponsoring employer. To change, the new employer must lodge a new nomination and you must apply for a new 482 visa.

Can my family join me on 482?

Yes. Your spouse/partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants.

Apply for 482

Phone: +61 (03) 9670 7567