The Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa, introduced in December 2024 to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, allows skilled workers to fill labour shortages in Australia when a suitable local worker is not available. This employer-sponsored visa enables businesses to hire overseas talent, supporting workforce demands in key industries.
What is the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) Visa?
The Subclass 482 Visa is a temporary visa that allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas skilled workers for specific roles where no suitable candidates are available within the local labour market.
Key Features of the Subclass 482 Visa:
Allows visa holders to work in Australia for up to four years.
Requires employer sponsorship and nomination for an eligible occupation.
Offers a pathway to permanent residency for those not yet eligible.
Allows family members to be included in the visa application.
This visa benefits industries experiencing skill shortages by ensuring that businesses can fill critical roles with skilled workers. As a Subclass 482 Visa holder, you must maintain adequate health insurance and can only work in your nominated occupation.
Streams of the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) Visa
Core Skills Stream
This stream is available to skilled workers nominating an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List. Applications are subject to the Core Skills Income Threshold and have a pathway to permanent residence under the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Specialist Skills Stream
The Specialist Skills stream is available to all ANZSCO occupations (excluding Major Groups 3, 7, and 8), and are subject to the Specialist Skills Income Threshold of $135,000. This stream is aimed to recognise highly skilled workers who bring significant economic benefits to Australia.
Labour Agreement Stream
While the Essential Skills stream is under development, the Labour Agreement stream has been carried across from the Temporary Skill Shortage visa program. A Labour Agreement is a negotiated arrangement between an Australian business and the Australian government, enabling the employer to sponsor skilled workers when standard visa pathways do not adequately meet their workforce needs.
Eligibility Criteria
General Eligibility for Applicants
Must be nominated for an occupation applicable under the desired visa stream.
Must have at least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
Must meet relevant skill requirements as described by ANZSCO.
Must be nominated by an approved Standard Business Sponsor, or an employer with a Labour Agreement.
Must meet English language requirements.
May require a positive skills assessment by an approved skills assessing body.
Requirements for Nominating Employers
The employer must be a Standard Business Sponsor or party to a Labour Agreement, or an applicant to become one.
The nominated position must meet minimum salary requirements and working conditions.
The employer must demonstrate the position is genuine.
Employers must satisfy Labour Market Testing requirements.
Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must meet health and character requirements, by undertaking a medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates for each country they have resided in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.
How to Apply
Step 1: Employer Sponsorship Application
The employer must apply for approval as a sponsor if they are not already an approved business sponsor. Alternatively, those seeking to apply under the Labour Agreement stream must request a Labour Agreement.
Step 2: Nomination Application by Employer
The employer must nominate the applicant for a role that meets the required criteria, such as labour market testing and annual market salary rates. Applicants can be nominated for a period of up to four years.
Step 3: Visa Application Submission
Once the standard business sponsorship (or labour agreement) and nomination are lodged, the applicant can submit their visa application.
Costs and Processing Times
The Subclass 482 Visa application fees can be found on the Department’s website. Processing times depend on various factors, such as the industries being prioritised by the Department, and allocations. Submitting an application that is “decision ready” can help to avoid unnecessary delays.
Benefits of the Subclass 482 Visa
Allows skilled workers to work in Australia in high-demand roles.
This temporary visa offers a pathway to permanent residency.
Allows family members to be included in the visa application.
Provides access to Australia’s workforce and lifestyle opportunities.
Including Family Members in Your Visa Application
Applicants for this temporary visa can include family members, such as a spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. Family members must also meet health and character requirements and can live, work, and study in Australia.
FAQs
Can I switch from another visa to the Subclass 482 Visa while in Australia?
Yes, you can apply for a Subclass 482 Visa while in Australia, provided your current visa allows onshore applications. If you hold a bridging visa, you may be eligible, but some conditions (such as a No Further Stay condition or Section 48 bar) may affect your ability to apply onshore. Applying onshore can also grant you a bridging visa while your visa application is processed.
Can I apply for permanent residency with the Subclass 482 Visa?
Yes, there are pathways available for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 after completing the required work period. You may also utilise your time on the Subclass 482 Visa to obtain an invitation for a Subclass 189 or 189 Visa application.
Can I change employers on a Subclass 482 Visa?
Yes, but your new Australian employer must submit a new nomination application before you can start working with them. If your current employment ends, you must find a new sponsor within the allowed timeframe or apply for another visa.
Is there an age limit for the Subclass 482 Visa?
No, there is no age limit to apply for a Subclass 482 Visa. However, if you plan to transition to permanent residency, age restrictions may apply under the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Visa unless an exemption is available.
What happens if my job is removed from the occupation list?
If your occupation did not make it to the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), or further changes are made to the program and your occupation is removed from the CSOL, it may impact your eligibility for a Subclass 482 Visa or permanent residency. We recommend contacting us to assess alternative options if you are impacted by changes to the CSOL.