Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa has replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa, effective 7 December 2024.
The Skills in Demand Visa (SID) allows an Australian employer to sponsor an overseas skilled worker for a position they cannot find a suitably skilled Australian to fill.
Beyond meeting immediate workforce needs, this temporary visa opens pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers, creating opportunities for long-term settlement in Australia.
Qualifications & Experience for Skills in Demand Visa Applicants
Applicants for the Skills in Demand Visa must demonstrate the skills and experience necessary for the nominated occupation.
This includes having at least 1 year of full-time relevant work experience, or equivalent part-time or casual work experience, within the last 5 years.
This requirement ensures holders possess the expertise to contribute effectively to the Australian workforce.
Skills in Demand Visa Streams
The Skills in Demand Visa now consists of three streams:
- Specialist Skills stream,
- Core Skills stream, and
- Labour Agreement stream.
Each stream has its own eligibility criteria which are listed below.
Specialist Skills Stream
The Specialist Skills stream is available to any applicant in an approved occupation with the specialist skills income threshold of $135,000 or more, although there are some exceptions to the eligible occupations.
The Specialist Skills stream allows highly skilled migrants to bring significant economic benefits to Australia by being sponsored by local employers.
Skilled workers can stay nominated in Australia for up to 4 years in the Specialist stream.
Visa holders may stay for up to 4 years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies, and Hong Kong passport holders may stay for up to 5 years.
To be eligible for the Skills in Demand Visa Specialist Skills stream, applicants must:
- Be nominated by an approved sponsor;
- Work for their nominating employer;
- Have relevant skills, qualifications and employment background to perform the occupation;
- Have worked in the nominated occupation or a related field for at least 1 year;
- Have a positive skills assessment; and
- Have the required level of English.
Core Skills Stream
The Core Skills stream is available to applicants with an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and an income threshold of $73,150 (which is the current Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
Core Skilled workers can stay nominated in Australia for up to 4 years.
To be eligible for the Skills in Demand Visa Core Skills stream, applicants must:
- Have an occupation on the Core Skill Occupation List,
- Be nominated by an approved sponsor to work in their nominated occupation;
- Work for their nominating employer;
- Have relevant skills, qualifications and at least 1 year of work experience to perform the occupation;
- Have a positive skills assessment; and
- Have the required level of English.
Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement stream is for skilled workers nominated by employers with a Labour Agreement established between the employer and the Australian Government.
The Labour Agreement stream allows applicants to work in Australia for up to 4 years (as per the terms of the agreement).
Hong Kong passport holders may also stay for up to 5 years.
To be eligible for the Skills in Demand Visa Labour Agreement stream, applicants must:
- Be working under a labour agreement; and
- Be nominated;
- Have relevant skills, qualifications and at least 1 year of work experience to perform the occupation;
- Have a positive skills assessment, if applicable, and:
- Meet the minimum English proficiency level required.
Subsequent Entrant Stream
The Subsequent Entrant Stream is for family members of Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) and Skills in Demand Visa holders who are applying separately for their Skills in Demand Visa (once the primary visa has been granted).
Generally, family members can apply for a visa at the same time as the main applicant.
Applicants may stay in Australia for as long as their visa is valid and they are permitted to work and study while holding the Skills in Demand Visa.
To be eligible for the Skills in Demand Visa Subsequent entrant stream, applicants must:
- Have a partner or parent who holds a Subclass 457 or Skills in Demand Visa;
- Be nominated by the primary visa holder’s sponsor; and
- Be the holder of an appropriate visa.
Application Process for the Skills in Demand Visa
To apply for the Skills in Demand Visa, applicants must fulfil a set of eligibility criteria:
- Be the holder of an appropriate visa (Labour Agreement stream excluded);
- Meet the health requirements;
- Meet the character requirements;
- Meet specific language requirements (Subsequent entrants excluded);
- Have health insurance;
- Have complied with previous visa conditions;
- Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused;
- Have not contravened ‘paying for visa sponsorship’ legislative provisions;
- Have no debt to the Australian government; and
- Sign the Australian values statement.
Successful visa applicants can include family members (secondary applicants) in their visa application.
Education Opportunities for Visa Holders
Skills in Demand Visa holders and their family members are not only permitted to work but are also allowed to pursue education in Australia.
This opens up possibilities for professional development and educational advancement, enhancing the overall experience of visa holders and their families during their stay in Australia.
Permanent Residency Pathway
While the Skills in Demand Visa is a temporary visa, it offers a pathway to permanent residency.
Skilled workers and their families can lay down roots in Australia, making it a more attractive option for those seeking long-term settlement opportunities.
The transition to permanent residency is subject to meeting specified criteria and is a significant advantage for skilled workers who wish to make Australia their permanent home.
Contact Us
For more information about the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), contact Bambrick Legal today. We can confirm your eligibility and help you apply for your visa.
- Fill in our enquiry form here
- Call us on 08 8362 5269
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Read more about our Visa and Migration services here.
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