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Last Updated 17 August 2026

Why Apply for Subclass 482?

Live and work in Australia for up to 4 years
Work for an approved Australian employer|
Opportunity to study while working
Bring your spouse and dependent children
Travel in and out of Australia freely
Gain Australian work experience
Pathway to apply for Australia PR if eligible
Earn competitive salaries in Australian Dollars

Subclass 482 Visa

Subclass 482 Visa Australia

The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa, also called the Subclass 482 visa, is a temporary work visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia for an approved employer. This visa helps Australian companies fill job vacancies when they cannot find suitable Australian citizens or permanent residents. The SID visa replaced the earlier Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, with updated occupation lists, income thresholds, and visa streams. The new Skills in Demand program is designed to better match Australia’s current labour market needs and provide clearer pathways for skilled workers and employers.

To apply for this visa, an Australian employer must first be approved as a standard business sponsor and nominate a skilled job role. After the nomination is approved, the worker can apply for the Subclass 482 visa. In some cases, the sponsorship and nomination applications can be submitted at the same time.

With this visa, skilled professionals can work in Australia for a fixed period. Eligible applicants can also bring their spouse and dependent children, who can live, work, and study in Australia. This visa can also offer a pathway to Australian permanent residency (PR) through the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme via the Temporary Residence Transition stream, generally available after 2 years of full-time employment with your sponsoring employer.

Looking for jobs in Australia? Y-Axis is here to guide you at every step.

Subclass 482 Visa Streams

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa is divided into three streams. Each stream is designed for different types of jobs, salary levels, and employer needs.

Specialist Skills Stream

This stream is meant for highly skilled professionals who have strong experience and specialised knowledge in their field. It has no occupation list requirement.

Requires a salary of at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), which increased to AUD $146,576 per year for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026 (up from $141,210)
Applications are processed significantly faster than Core Skills — often within days rather than months
Best suited for senior or highly specialised roles; the stream is capped at approximately 7,000 places for the 2025–26 program year — confirm the current cap with DHA before applying.

Core Skills Stream

The Core Skills Stream is for workers whose occupations are listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which covers 456+ occupations across major industries.

This is the most commonly used Subclass 482 stream, accounting for the large majority of SID visa grants
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) has increased to AUD $79,423 per year for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, up from $76,515.
Suitable for skilled professionals across many industries

Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian Government.

Used when employers need workers for specific industries or large-scale projects
Suitable for roles that are not covered under standard occupation lists
Helps businesses meet ongoing workforce shortages

Want to work in Australia? Contact Y-Axis for expert guidance

Benefits of Skills in Demand Visa

Work legally in Australia for up to 4 years
Bring eligible family members
Dependents can work and study
Multiple entry travel facility
Opportunity to gain Australian work experience
Access to PR pathways through employer-sponsored visas
High standard of living and career growth

Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 482 Visa

You can apply for the Subclass 482 visa if you meet the following conditions:

Sponsored by an approved Australian standard business sponsor
Nominated for an eligible skilled occupation
At least 1 year of relevant work experience
Meet English language requirements (Core Skills stream typically requires a minimum IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent; requirements vary by stream and occupation — confirm current benchmarks with your Y-Axis consultant)
Hold required registration or license
Meet health and character requirements
Maintain adequate health insurance
Work only in the nominated occupation

Documents Required for Subclass 482 Visa Australia

Valid passport
Nomination approval from employer
Employment contract or offer letter
Skills assessment (required for certain occupations in the Core Skills stream only — Specialist Skills stream applicants and some Core Skills occupations are exempt; check the relevant assessing authority for your occupation before applying)
English language test results
Work experience documents
Educational qualification certificates
Registration or license documents
Health insurance proof
Medical examination reports
Police clearance certificates
Relationship documents for dependents

Subclass 482 Requirements

Steps to Apply for a Subclass 482 Visa

Step 1: Employer applies to become an approved standard business sponsor.

Step 2: Employer submits a nomination for an eligible skilled occupation.

Step 3: Gather all required personal, educational, and work-related documents.

Step 4: Meet English language and skills requirements.

Step 5: Submit the Subclass 482 visa application online.

Step 6: Complete health and character checks.

Step 7: Await visa decision from the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 8: Move to Australia and begin working for your sponsor.

Subclass 482 Visa Fee

The Subclass 482 visa fee must be paid online at the time of submitting the visa application. The fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused or withdrawn. The below table shows the visa fee for different steams:

Visa Stream	Applicant Category	Visa Fee (AUD)
Core Skills Stream	Main applicant (18 years & above)	AUD 4,015
	Partner/spouse (18 years & above)	AUD 4,015
	Dependent child (below 18 years)	AUD 1,005
Specialist Skills Stream	Main applicant (18 years & above)	AUD 4,015
	Partner/spouse (18 years & above)	AUD 4,015
	Dependent child (below 18 years)	AUD 1,005
Labour Agreement Stream	Main applicant (18 years & above)	Varies by individual labour agreement (confirm with your Y-Axis consultant)
Labour Agreement Stream	Dependent applicant	Varies by individual labour agreement

Note: Fees effective 1 July 2026. Confirm current charges at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying.

Subclass 482 Visa Processing Time

Processing times may vary based on the visa stream, employer readiness, and document completeness.

Visa Stream	Estimated Processing Time
Specialist Skills Stream	As fast as 7–8 days (median), reflecting priority processing
Core Skills Stream	Typically 5 weeks to several months at the visa lodgement stage; total processing from employer sponsorship approval to visa grant can take 6–14 months
Labour Agreement Stream	Processing times vary by the individual labour agreement but generally take several months

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is one of the world’s leading immigration consultancies with extensive expertise in Australia employer-sponsored visas. Our end-to-end services ensure a smooth and compliant application process.

Our Subclass 482 services include:

Free eligibility check through Australia Immigration Points Calculator
Coaching Services: Expert PTE Coaching, IELTS Proficiency Coaching
Eligibility assessment and profile evaluation
Employer sponsorship and nomination guidance
Complete document checklist and verification
End-to-end visa application filing
Professional registration assistance
Regular updates and follow-ups with authorities
Visa interview preparation

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Skills in Demand (SID) visa?

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa, still issued under Subclass 482, is Australia's main employer-sponsored temporary work visa. It replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in December 2024, introducing three streams — Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement — along with an updated occupation list and revised income thresholds.

What is the current salary threshold for the Core Skills stream?

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) increased to AUD $79,423 per year for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, up from $76,515. Employers must pay this threshold or the relevant Annual Market Salary Rate for the role, whichever is higher.

What is the salary threshold for the Specialist Skills stream?

The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) increased to AUD $146,576 per year for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, up from $141,210. This stream has no occupation list requirement, but the salary bar is significantly higher than the Core Skills stream.

Which occupations qualify under the Core Skills stream?

Core Skills stream occupations must appear on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), maintained by Jobs and Skills Australia. The CSOL currently covers 456+ occupations across industries including IT, healthcare, engineering, and trades, and is reviewed periodically as labour market needs change.

How long does the Specialist Skills stream take to process?

The Specialist Skills stream is designed for priority processing and is typically finalised within about 7-8 days at the median, once the application is lodged with complete documentation. This is significantly faster than the Core Skills stream, reflecting its higher salary threshold and no-occupation-list structure.

How long does the Core Skills stream take to process?

Core Skills stream visa applications typically take around 5 weeks at the lodgement stage, though the total timeline from employer sponsorship approval through to visa grant can range from 6 to 14 months depending on document completeness and Department of Home Affairs caseload.

How much does a Subclass 482 visa cost?

Core Skills stream fees are approximately AUD $1,605 for the main applicant and partner, and AUD $805 per dependent child. Specialist Skills stream fees are approximately AUD $3,210 for the main applicant and partner, with AUD $805 per child. Labour Agreement stream fees vary by individual agreement. Always confirm current fees with your consultant before applying.

How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 482 visa?

The Subclass 482 visa allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 4 years, depending on your stream and employer nomination. Most holders can renew their visa or transition to permanent residency before their visa expires, provided they continue to meet the relevant requirements.

Can the Subclass 482 visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes. Most Subclass 482 holders can transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme via the Temporary Residence Transition stream, generally available after 2 years of full-time employment with the same sponsoring employer, provided all eligibility requirements are met.

Do I need a job offer to apply for a Subclass 482 visa?

Yes. The Subclass 482 visa is entirely employer-driven — you cannot apply without a confirmed nomination from an Australian employer who is an approved Standard Business Sponsor. The employer must first secure sponsorship approval, then nominate your specific position, before you can lodge your visa application.

What English language level do I need for the Subclass 482 visa?

English language requirements vary by stream and occupation. The Core Skills stream typically requires a minimum IELTS score of around 5.0 or an equivalent approved test result. Some occupations or streams may require higher scores, so confirm the exact benchmark for your specific role before applying.

How much work experience do I need for a Subclass 482 visa?

Generally, applicants need at least 1 year of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation within recent years, reduced from the previous Temporary Skill Shortage visa's 2-year requirement. Requirements can vary by stream and occupation, so confirm the current standard for your specific role.

What is the Labour Agreement stream, and who is it for?

The Labour Agreement stream is for employers who have a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government, typically used for specific industries or large-scale projects facing ongoing workforce shortages. Salary and skill requirements are set out in the individual agreement rather than the standard Core or Specialist Skills thresholds.

Can I bring my family on a Subclass 482 visa?

Yes. Eligible applicants can include their spouse and dependent children on their Subclass 482 application. Dependents can live, work, and study in Australia for the same period as your visa, and can be included in your initial application or apply later as subsequent entrants.

What documents do I need for a Subclass 482 visa application?

You'll generally need a valid passport, your employer's nomination approval, an employment contract or offer letter, a skills assessment (if required), English test results, work experience and educational documents, relevant registration or licence documents, health insurance proof, medical examination results, and police clearance certificates.

Does the salary threshold apply to visas I already hold?

No. Increases to the Core Skills or Specialist Skills Income Threshold only apply to nomination applications lodged on or after the effective date of the increase. Existing visa holders and nominations lodged before that date are not retroactively affected, though renewals or new nominations will need to meet the current threshold.

What happens if the market salary rate is higher than the income threshold?

Employers must pay whichever is higher: the relevant income threshold (CSIT or SSIT) or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for that specific role and location. If the genuine market rate for a position is above the threshold, the employer cannot simply pay the lower threshold amount instead.

Can I change employers while on a Subclass 482 visa?

Generally, your Subclass 482 visa is tied to your sponsoring employer and nominated occupation. To change employers, your new employer must become an approved sponsor (if not already) and submit a fresh nomination on your behalf before you can begin working for them under the visa.

What replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa?

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in December 2024, still issued under Subclass 482. It introduced three streams instead of the old short-term and medium-term structure, a consolidated Core Skills Occupation List, updated income thresholds, and generally clearer pathways to permanent residency.

How can Y-Axis help with my Subclass 482 visa application?

Y-Axis offers a free eligibility check through the Australia Immigration Points Calculator, along with end-to-end support including employer sponsorship guidance, document checklists, skills assessment coordination, PTE/IELTS coaching, professional registration assistance, visa application filing, and interview preparation.