Overview
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill skilled positions that cannot be filled by local talent. The visa is divided into three streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement. It is designed to address labor shortages while ensuring that Australian workers are given first preference.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must be nominated by an approved Australian employer. You must demonstrate that you have the necessary skills, qualifications, and at least 12 months of relevant full-time work experience in your nominated occupation. You must also meet English language requirements and satisfy health and character checks.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1: Sponsorship
Your employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor or have applied for sponsorship.
- 2
Step 2: Nomination
The employer lodges a nomination for you to fill a specific skilled position.
- 3
Step 3: Visa Application
You lodge your visa application online through your ImmiAccount, providing all required supporting evidence.
- 4
Step 4: Processing
The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application, including health and character checks.
- 5
Step 5: Decision
You are notified of the visa decision. If granted, you may begin working for your sponsor.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Skills assessment (if required for your occupation)
- Evidence of relevant work experience (at least 12 months)
- English language test results (e.g., IELTS, PTE)
- Employment contract
- Health and character documentation
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
Most 482 visa holders have a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after two years of full-time employment in Australia with their sponsor.
Family options
You may include eligible family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) in your visa application. They generally receive the same work and study rights as the primary applicant.
Language notes
Applicants must meet English language requirements, which vary by stream. Exemptions may apply based on your passport country or previous English-medium education.
After arrival
Once in Australia, you must work for your sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation. You must maintain your visa conditions, including health insurance and employment status.
Common pitfalls
- Failing to provide sufficient evidence of work experience
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation for the nominated occupation
- Employer failing to meet Labour Market Testing requirements
- Not meeting the specific English language threshold for the chosen stream
FAQs about Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Who is the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) for?+
Skilled workers who have been offered a genuine, full-time position by an approved Australian employer and meet the specific skill and experience requirements for their occupation.
What are the eligibility requirements for Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)?+
To qualify, you must be nominated by an approved Australian employer. You must demonstrate that you have the necessary skills, qualifications, and at least 12 months of relevant full-time work experience in your nominated occupation. You must also meet English language requirements and satisfy health and character checks.
How much does the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) cost?+
Typical fees listed for Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): From AUD 4,015 for the primary applicant (subject to change; check official Visa Pricing Estimator).. Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Typically 1 to 6 months, depending on the stream (Core Skills, Specialist Skills, or Labour Agreement) and application completeness..
How long can I stay on the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)?+
Up to 4 years (up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
Can I work on the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)?+
Full-time work rights for the sponsoring employer only. Spouses/partners may have full work rights.
Does Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) lead to permanent residence in Australia?+
Most 482 visa holders have a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after two years of full-time employment in Australia with their sponsor.
What are common mistakes with Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)?+
Failing to provide sufficient evidence of work experience Incomplete or incorrect documentation for the nominated occupation Employer failing to meet Labour Market Testing requirements