Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa: Work and Live in Australia Through Employer Sponsorship

The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa is a temporary visa that enables Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers when they can’t find suitable local candidates. It is one of the most direct migration pathways for skilled professionals seeking to work and live in Australia and to eventually gain permanent residency.

What Is the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa?

The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) Visa allows skilled foreign workers to work in Australia for up to 4 years (or 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders) after being nominated by an approved employer. This visa replaces the older Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) system and reflects the Australian Government’s updated Skills in Demand policy.

Applicants must meet occupation, salary, experience, and skills assessment requirements. For many, this visa serves as a stepping stone to PR through subclass 186 or other permanent options.

Streams Under the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa

There are three main visa streams, along with a separate application path for dependents.

Core Skills Stream

This is the most commonly used stream, targeting occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

Key Features:

• Duration: Up to 4 years (5 for Hong Kong citizens)

• Salary Requirement: Must meet both the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

• Experience: At least 1 year of relevant work experience

• Skills Assessment: Required for certain occupations

• English: Minimum standards apply unless exempt

• Permanent Residency Pathway: Eligible for transition to subclass 186

Specialist Skills Stream

Designed for high-value roles with elevated salary levels, this stream applies to occupations listed under ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6.

Key Features:

• Duration: Up to 4 years (5 for Hong Kong citizens)

• Eligibility: Occupation must meet income threshold and classification requirements

• Salary: Must meet Specialist Skills Income Threshold

• Experience: At least 1 year in a related field

• Skills Assessment: Required if applicable

• Permanent Residency: Some roles may offer a PR pathway

Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for skilled workers sponsored under a Labour Agreement between an employer and the Australian Government. It can cover niche occupations or lower-skilled roles not typically approved under standard visa programs.

Key Features:

• Duration: Up to 4 years (5 for Hong Kong citizens), depending on the agreement

• Eligibility: Occupation must be included in the labour agreement

• Experience: Minimum 12 months full-time work experience (or equivalent)

• PR Pathway: May lead to Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186

Subsequent Entrant

This application path allows family members (spouse, de facto partner, dependent children) of primary 457 or 482 visa holders to join them in Australia.

How to Find a Sponsor for the 482 Visa

Securing an employer sponsor is the first and most critical step in the 482 visa process. Not all employers are approved sponsors, and not every job advertisement mentions visa sponsorship availability.

To find a sponsor, research the industries experiencing skills shortages, such as healthcare, IT, trades, engineering, and hospitality. Look for companies that have sponsored workers in the past and tailor your resume to Australian standards. When applying, communicate clearly and professionally, indicating your visa intentions when appropriate. Always confirm whether the employer is a current Standard Business Sponsor or is willing to become one.

For a full guide on how to approach this process, read:  How to Find an Employer Sponsor in Australia – 2025 Guide

PR Pathways from the Subclass 482 Visa

Many Subclass 482 visa holders transition to permanent residency. The most common pathway is through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after two to three years of work with the sponsoring employer.

Other possible PR pathways include:

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) leading to Permanent Residence (subclass 191)

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), depending on your points and occupation eligibility

Each pathway has different requirements and timeframes, which a Registered Migration Agent can help you navigate.

Apply Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa with RACC

The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa is a powerful option for skilled professionals who want to work in Australia and secure long-term opportunities. With multiple streams, generous stay periods, and defined PR pathways, it provides real value for both workers and employers.

At RACC Australia helps applicants with applying for their visas. Book your consultation today to explore you or your sponsor’s eligibility for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa and get expert support every step of the way.

Book Consultation