Temporary employer-sponsored pathway
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand visa allows an approved sponsor to nominate a suitably skilled worker for a genuine position when the relevant employer, occupation, salary and applicant requirements are met.
The correct stream depends on the occupation, proposed salary, sponsor and any applicable labour agreement. A careful assessment should consider the employer, position and applicant together.
- Employer sponsoredapproved sponsor and nomination
- Three streamsCore, Specialist and Labour Agreement
- One yearrelevant work experience generally required
- Possible PR pathwayif later requirements are met
Stage 1
Understand the Skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 482 is a temporary employer-sponsored visa. It replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa framework on 7 December 2024 and now operates through three Skills in Demand streams.
Employer Sponsored
An approved business sponsor nominates the applicant for a genuine position that meets the relevant nomination requirements.
Temporary Visa
The visa supports employment in the nominated role for the approved sponsor, subject to the visa conditions that apply.
Potential Later Pathway
Some holders may later qualify for an employer-nominated permanent visa, but the requirements must be assessed separately.
Important: A job offer alone is not enough. The sponsor, nomination and visa application each have separate requirements, and approval is not automatic.
Stage 2
Compare the Three Subclass 482 Streams
The stream should be selected only after checking the occupation, duties, annual market salary rate, guaranteed earnings and any agreement-specific conditions.
Core Skills Stream
For eligible occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List where the position and applicant meet the stream requirements.
- Income threshold
- AUD 79,423 from 1 July 2026
- Occupation basis
- Core Skills Occupation List
Specialist Skills Stream
For highly paid specialist positions that satisfy the stream rules, including applicable occupational exclusions.
- Income threshold
- AUD 146,576 from 1 July 2026
- Occupation basis
- Eligible ANZSCO occupations, subject to exclusions
Labour Agreement Stream
For employers operating under an approved company-specific, industry, project or Designated Area Migration Agreement.
- Requirements
- Set by the relevant labour agreement
- Possible settings
- Occupation, salary and other agreed concessions
The income thresholds shown are current from 1 July 2026 and are indexed. The proposed earnings must also satisfy the annual market salary rate and other applicable requirements. Verify the current thresholds with Home Affairs.
Stage 3
Check the Employer and Position Requirements
The business and the nominated role must be assessed before the applicant relies on the proposed sponsorship.
Approved Sponsor
The business must hold or obtain the sponsorship status required for the proposed nomination.
Genuine Position
The position must be genuine, available and consistent with the nature and scale of the business.
Occupation and Duties
The nominated occupation and the actual duties must align with the selected stream and relevant occupational classification.
Salary and Market Rate
Guaranteed earnings must satisfy the applicable income threshold and annual market salary rate requirements.
Labour Market Testing
The employer generally needs to complete compliant advertising unless an exemption applies.
Sponsorship Obligations
The sponsor must understand the ongoing record-keeping, employment and notification obligations that apply.
Stage 4
Check the Applicant Requirements
The applicant must satisfy the selected stream and provide evidence that matches both the nomination and visa application.
Relevant Work Experience
Generally, at least 12 months of relevant full-time work experience, or the equivalent part-time period, in the previous five years is required.
Skills and Qualifications
Qualifications, registration, licensing and any required skills assessment must be checked for the nominated occupation.
English Language
The applicant must meet the English requirement for the selected stream unless an exemption applies.
Health and Character
Health examinations and police certificates may be required as part of the visa assessment.
Health Insurance
Appropriate health insurance arrangements may be required for the period of stay in Australia.
Family Members
Eligible family members may be included where the relationship and other requirements are satisfied.
Evidence matters: Position descriptions, employment references, payroll records, qualifications and registration documents should tell a consistent story.
Stage 5
Follow the Subclass 482 Application Process
The employer and applicant work in parallel, but the applications should be prepared as one coordinated case.
- 1
Assess Employer and Applicant
Confirm the proposed stream, occupation, position, salary and applicant profile before starting.
- 2
Confirm Sponsorship
The business obtains or confirms the sponsorship status needed to nominate the worker.
- 3
Conduct Labour Market Testing
Complete compliant advertising and retain evidence, unless a valid exemption applies.
- 4
Prepare and Lodge the Nomination
Document the genuine position, occupation, salary, market rate and other nomination requirements.
- 5
Prepare and Lodge the Visa
Submit the applicant's identity, skills, experience, English, health and character evidence.
- 6
Respond and Receive the Outcome
Monitor both applications and respond to any lawful request for further information by the deadline.
Stage 6
Explore Permanent Pathways and Employer Resources
Subclass 482 can be part of a longer employer-sponsored strategy, but the next visa has its own criteria and timing.
Potential permanent pathway
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Review whether the Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry or Labour Agreement pathway may become relevant.
Explore Subclass 186Employer Sponsored Visa Gateway
Compare temporary, permanent and regional employer-sponsored pathways from one central page.
Compare pathwaysCore Skills Occupation List
Review occupations used for the Core Skills stream and related employer-sponsored pathways.
View the CSOLLabour Agreements and DAMA
Explore regional and industry arrangements where standard employer-sponsored settings may not fit.
Explore DAMA resourcesStage 7
Check Official Fees and Processing Information
Government charges and processing estimates can change. Verify the current information immediately before lodging.
Visa Pricing
Check the current visa application charge and any additional applicant charges directly with Home Affairs.
Check current visa pricingProcessing Times
Processing varies with stream, case complexity, completeness, health, character and Department workloads.
Check processing timesStage 8
Frequently Asked Questions
Select a question to expand the answer.
Do I need an employer sponsor for a Subclass 482 visa?
Yes. An approved sponsor must nominate you for an eligible genuine position under the appropriate stream.
How much work experience is required?
Generally, you need at least one year of relevant full-time work experience, or the equivalent part-time period, in the five years before the application. Stream and occupation-specific rules must also be checked.
Which Subclass 482 stream should I use?
The correct stream depends on the occupation, salary, duties, sponsor and whether an approved labour agreement applies. The stream should be confirmed before the nomination is prepared.
Do I need a skills assessment?
Some applicants and occupations require a formal skills assessment. Others still need evidence of the skills, qualifications, licensing or registration required for the role.
Can I change employers while holding a 482 visa?
A change of employer or position can require a new nomination and may affect your visa conditions and permitted work. Obtain advice before changing employment arrangements.
Can I include my family?
Eligible members of the family unit may be included if they meet the relationship, health, character and other applicable requirements.
Can the 482 visa lead to permanent residence?
It may provide a pathway to permanent residence, including through Subclass 186 in some cases, but eligibility is not automatic and must be assessed under the later visa requirements.
Does the employer always need to advertise the position?
Labour market testing is generally required for a Subclass 482 nomination unless an exemption applies. The timing, duration, content and evidence of advertising must satisfy the applicable rules.
Next step
Book an Employer Sponsored Visa Consultation
Need help assessing the employer, nominated position, appropriate stream or Subclass 482 evidence?
