Subclass 482 Visa – Skills in Demand Visa

The Subclass 482 visa is designed to help employers fill skill gaps in their workforce by sponsoring skilled overseas workers.

Visa Pathways under Subclass 482

There are three main streams depending on the type of work, salary level, occupation, and sponsorship arrangement.

1. Core Skills Stream

For applicants with occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD $79,499 per year from 1 July 2026 (increased from AUD $76,515, indexed annually).

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be nominated for a job on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

  • Have at least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.

  • Complete a skills assessment if your occupation requires one.

  • Meet the minimum English language requirement, unless exempt.

  • Be nominated by an approved Australian employer.

  • Meet the health and character requirements.

2. Specialist Skills Pathway (SSP)

For highly skilled workers with guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD $146,717 per year (from 1 July 2026, indexed annually).

  • Open to most occupations, except occupations classified under ANZSCO Major Groups 3 (Technicians and Trades Workers), 7 (Machinery Operators and Drivers), and 8 (Labourers).

  • Offers priority processing for eligible Skills in Demand (SID) visa applications.

  • Applicants must have at least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.

  • Must meet the English language requirement, unless exempt.

3. Labour Agreement Stream

Designed for skilled workers who are sponsored by an employer operating under a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be nominated by an employer who has an approved Labour Agreement.

  • Work in an occupation specified under the Labour Agreement.

  • Meet the age, skills, qualifications, work experience and English language requirements specified in the relevant Labour Agreement.

  • Satisfy Australia's health and character requirements.

What You Can Do with a Subclass 482 Visa

Whether under the Specialist Skills Stream, Core Skills Stream, or Labour Agreement Stream, visa holders can typically:

  • Live and work in Australia for up to 4 years (or up to 5 years for eligible Hong Kong passport holders).

  • Travel freely in and out of Australia during the visa period.

  • Include eligible family members in the visa application.

  • Change employers, provided a new approved sponsor nominates you and you continue to comply with your visa conditions.

  • Apply for permanent residency, if eligible, including after changing employers, provided you meet the relevant requirements

FAQs

What Are the Work Experience Requirements?

At least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related field.

Can I Include My Family ?

Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in your Subclass 482 visa application.

Which Stream Is Right for Me?

With multiple pathways under the SID visa, it’s important to choose the right one for your situation.
Our Registered Migration Agents at Thinkoz Migration Centre offer free assessments and can help you identify the most suitable stream.

What happens after 2 years on the 482?

You may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (TRT stream) if you meet the requirements.

What Are the Benefits?

For Employers

  • Access to skilled overseas workers

  • Faster recruitment for shortage roles

  • Pathways to retain staff through PR sponsorship

For Employees

  • Live and work in Australia for up to 4 years

  • Include family members

  • Ability to change employers with conditions

  • Possible pathway to permanent residency

Work Need Help Navigating Your Options ?

We’re here to support both employers and skilled migrants. Get in touch with ThinkOz Migration Centre for personalised advice and step-by-step support.

Contact Us