Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

The Skills in Demand Visa (Previously Temporary Skills Shortage) 482 visa is tailored for skilled professionals to fill roles Australian employers find challenging to source locally. With this visa, we’re here to help you unlock your dream job in Australia.

Unlocking Australian Career Opportunities

Unlock the opportunities of working in Australia with the Skills in Demand Visa, an initiative designed to address local labour shortages by bringing skilled overseas workers to fill in-demand roles.

The Skills in Demand Visa, officially known as the Subclass 482 visa (Previously called the TSS, Temporary Skill Shortage visa), is designed by the Australian Government to address labour shortages in Australia by attracting skilled workers from overseas to fill vacancies that local Australian workers cannot. High demand skills are those that are deemed critical for the growth and development of the Australian economy. Including:

● healthcare professionals
● engineers
● IT specialists
● childcare workers
● tradespeople
● teachers

It’s important to note that the specific occupations may vary depending on the state or territory in which you wish to reside.

Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting visa pathway:

Benefits of the Skills in Demand Visa

A 4-year stay in Australia

Similar to the Subclass 482 TSS Visa, the Skills in Demand Visa will allow for a stay of up to 4 years to live and work in Australia.

Guaranteed Pathways to Permanent Residence (PR)

PR is expected to be available to all Skills in Demand Visa holders, whether through sponsored and/or independent pathways. Since November 2023, the Subclass 482 TSS Visa also provides PR pathways to all visa holders (whether or not they are on the Short Term or Long Term Stream).

Greater mobility to switch employers

Under the Skills in Demand Visa, periods of employment with any approved sponsor may count towards PR requirements, enabling migrants to change their employer without risking their migration prospects. In contrast, Subclass 482 TSS Visa holders are reliant on a single employer for a pathway to PR.

More time to find a new job

If employment with a sponsor ceases, Skills in Demand Visa holders are set to have 180 days to find another sponsor and also be able to work during this period. The Subclass 482 TSS Visa only allows for 60 days.

Streamlined Labour Market Testing (LMT)

Mechanisms for independent verifications of labour market needs may be explored under the new Skills in Demand Visa. Currently, the requirements to test the local labour market before engaging a migrant on a Subclass 482 TSS Visas are largely employer-conducted.

Public Register of Sponsors

To enable skilled migrants to switch employers, a public register of approved sponsors including the number of migrants sponsored and their occupations, may be developed alongside the new Skills in Demand Visa. Currently a list of sponsors is not being made widely available as a public register to skilled migrants on a Subclass 482 TSS Visa, except a list of current labour agreements.

Sponsorship Fees to be Paid in Stages

Rather than seeking upfront employer fees, such as the SAF training Levy, the Government is exploring a monthly or quarterly ‘pay-as-you-go’ model for Government charges and fees to hire migrants. Compared to the current Subclass 482 TSS Visa, which requires upfront government fees, the new payment structure for the Skills in Demand Visa may make it cheaper for employers to sponsor an overseas worker.

Streamlined Visa Processing

Clear service standards for visa processing will be established to provide employers and migrants greater certainty of processing times for the Skills in Demand Visa.A 21 day median service standard has been planned for the Core Skills pathway and 7 days has been planned for the Specialist Skills Pathway. Skills in Demand Visa processing times are expected to be shorter than waiting periods for the Subclass 482 TSS Visa.

Eligibility and Requirements for Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

To qualify for this visa, you need to be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor, have the required skills for the job, and meet the relevant English language proficiency standards. Our experienced team will help clarify these requirements and ensure your eligibility.

You may be eligible for the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa if you:

● Have an approved business nominating you for a skilled position.
● Can demonstrate at least two years of relevant work experience.
● Have the necessary skills for the job, supported by relevant qualifications and/or work experience.
● Meet the relevant English language proficiency requirements.
● Fulfil health and character requirements.

Evaluate your eligibility now. Contact our immigration experts.

Note: The eligibility criteria for the Skills in Demand Visa is currently being determined to ensure that the program responds to the changing needs of the Australian labour market.

Approved Sponsor

Before you can apply for a 482 visa, your proposed employer will need to lodge a nomination application for you. They must be an approved sponsor or have at least lodged an application to become a standard business sponsor.

Application Process

Sponsorship: Your employer applies for a business sponsorship approval.
Nomination: Your employer nominates you for a skilled position.
Visa Application: You apply for the 482 visa.

Note: These steps may be completed simultaneously.

Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa Streams

Specialist Skills Pathway

Attracting highly skilled workers

The Specialist Skills Pathway will no longer rely on skilled occupation lists, will require a minimum salary threshold of $135,000, and provide a fast 7-day processing time.

Available to applicants in any occupation except trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers (they may be able to apply through the Core Skills Pathway).

Core Skills Pathway

To meet targeted workforce needs

The largest pathway for temporary skilled migrants, featuring a regularly updated occupation list and minimum earnings of at least at the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), set at $70,000.

See the full list here.

Essential Skills Pathway

Targeted at industry-specific workers

This pathway targets professionals who play an important role in Australia’s economic recovery and growth, focusing on government-identified key sectors.

While the official occupation list for the Essential Skills Pathway isn’t out yet, it’s expected to cover most, if not all, level 1 or 2 roles from the Core Skills Occupations List.

Need help applying for a Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa or negotiating a Labour Agreement?

Including Family in Your Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa Journey

As a holder of the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482), Australia becomes more than just your workplace – it can be a home for your loved ones too. This visa permits you to include your spouse or de facto partner and your children as secondary applicants, enabling them to join you on your Australian journey.

With this visa you can:
● Add your family to your existing Skills in Demand visa
● Apply for a Skills in Demand visa together with your family
● Secure study and work rights for your family on a Skills in Demand visa

Secondary applicants on the Skills in Demand visa are granted the privilege to enter and stay in Australia for the duration of the primary applicant’s Skills in Demand visa. They are also allowed to live, work, and study in Australia, experiencing all the opportunities the country has to offer.

Make your Australian journey a family adventure. Contact our team for expert guidance today.

Get Expert Guidance for your Sponsorship and Visa Application

Partnering with Visa Lounge opens doors to an accomplished team of immigration specialists who stand firmly by your side, turning your Australian dreams into reality. We will help you navigate the visa application process, ensuring a seamless, hassle-free journey to Australia.