The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), formerly known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, is a temporary employer-sponsored visa designed to address labor shortages in Australia by allowing approved employers to nominate skilled overseas workers for positions that cannot be filled by suitably skilled Australian workers.
This visa was reformed and renamed effective December 7, 2024, introducing a three-tiered system with updated streams, reduced work experience requirements, and adjusted income thresholds. It allows workers to live and work in Australia for up to 4 years (or 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders), with pathways to permanent residency in some cases. The visa is processed through the Department of Home Affairs.
Visa Streams
The visa has three main streams, each targeting different skill levels and occupations:
Core Skills Stream
- •For occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which includes over 450 eligible roles.
- •Aimed at mid-level skilled workers earning between the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT).
- •Requires at least 1 year of relevant full-time work experience in the past 5 years.
Specialist Skills Stream
- •For high-skilled occupations in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 (e.g., managers, professionals, excluding trades, machinery operators, drivers, and laborers).
- •Requires earnings meeting or exceeding the SSIT.
- •No occupation list restriction beyond ANZSCO groups.
Labour Agreement Stream
- •For workers nominated under a Labour Agreement between the employer and the Australian Government.
- •May include concessions on age, skills, salary, or English requirements and is tailored to specific industries or regions.
- •LMT and salary requirements depend on the agreement terms.
There is also a Subsequent Entrant Stream for family members joining primary visa holders.
Who Can Be a Standard Business Sponsor
To sponsor a worker under this visa, a business must become an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). Eligible entities include:
- Lawfully operating businesses in Australia (including sole traders, partnerships, companies, or trusts) with no adverse business history.
- Businesses that are the direct employer of the sponsored worker (or an associated entity in limited cases).
- Overseas businesses establishing operations in Australia may qualify if they demonstrate a commitment to employing local Australians and complying with Australian workplace laws.
- Accredited sponsors (those with a strong compliance history) may receive streamlined processing.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
Sponsors must meet the following criteria:
- Be an active, lawful business in Australia with a genuine need for the skilled worker.
- Have no relevant adverse information (e.g., sanctions for immigration or workplace violations).
- Demonstrate the ability to pay the worker's salary and comply with sponsorship obligations, such as providing equivalent terms to Australian workers.
- For the Core and Specialist Skills Streams, conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) and pay at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) or the relevant income threshold (whichever is higher).
- Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy at nomination stage.
- Commit to employing Australians where possible and maintaining records for monitoring.
- For Labour Agreement Stream, the employer must have a pre-negotiated agreement with the government.
Eligibility Criteria for Employees (Applicants)
Applicants must:
- Be nominated by an approved sponsor for an eligible occupation.
- Have at least 1 year of full-time relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field within the last 5 years (reduced from 2 years as of November 2023).
- Hold relevant qualifications and skills matching the occupation (may require a skills assessment for certain roles).
- Meet English language requirements: IELTS 5.0 overall with no band below 5.0 (or equivalent; exemptions for certain passports or professions).
- Meet health and character requirements (police checks and medical exams).
- For Core Skills: Occupation on CSOL; salary at least CSIT.
- For Specialist Skills: Occupation in specified ANZSCO groups; salary at least SSIT.
- For Labour Agreement: As per agreement terms.
- Intend to work only for the sponsor (with limited exemptions).
Family members can be included as dependents.
Labour Market Testing (LMT)
LMT requires sponsors to advertise the position in Australia to prove no suitable Australian worker is available. It applies to Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and some Labour Agreement nominations.
- Advertise for at least 4 weeks within the 4 months before nomination (or since any redundancies in the occupation).
- At least 2 advertisements in English on national platforms (e.g., recruitment websites like LinkedIn, print media, radio, or the sponsor's website if accredited).
- Ads must include position title, skills required, sponsor/recruiter name, and salary (if below AUD 96,400).
- Evidence: Copies of ads, proof of duration, and details of any redundancies.
Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) & Income Thresholds
The nominee's salary must be at least the higher of the AMSR (what an equivalent Australian worker earns) or the relevant income threshold. AMSR is calculated based on enterprise agreements, comparable Australian salaries, or market data if no equivalent worker exists.
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)
AUD 76,515
From July 1, 2025 (previously AUD 73,150)
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
AUD 141,210
From July 1, 2025 (previously AUD 135,000)
- Thresholds exclude superannuation but include it in total remuneration.
- If salary < AUD 250,000, provide evidence of AMSR (e.g., payslips, awards).
- Labour Agreement: As per agreement, but generally aligned with thresholds.
- Skilled visa income thresholds increase annually with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings.
Application Procedure (Whole Process)
The process involves three steps, all lodged online via ImmiAccount:
Sponsorship Application
Employer applies to become an SBS (if not already). Provide business documents, financials, and evidence of lawful operation. Approval valid for 5 years.
Nomination Application
Employer nominates the position and worker. Include LMT evidence, employment contract, AMSR proof, organizational chart, and pay SAF levy. Must show position is genuine and full-time.
Visa Application
Worker applies, providing personal documents, skills assessment (if required), English test results, health/character checks. Can be lodged after or concurrently with nomination.
Processing times vary (use the Department's guide tool); typically 1–3 months. Renewals possible onshore for up to 4 years total.
Onshore vs Offshore Applications
Onshore
- • Applicants in Australia can apply from within the country
- • May receive a Bridging Visa A to stay legally while processing
- • Suitable for renewals or stream changes
- • Must hold a substantive visa or bridging visa without "no further stay" condition
Offshore
- • Applicants outside Australia apply from abroad
- • Must enter Australia after grant
- • No bridging visa; processing may take longer due to offshore checks
Both follow the same eligibility and process, but onshore applicants must not have visa conditions prohibiting work.
Required Documents
Documents vary by stage and stream but typically include:
For Sponsorship
For Nomination
For Visa Application
Dependents need identity, relationship evidence, and character/health docs. All must be in English or translated.
Costs Involved
Costs are paid by the employer (cannot be passed to the employee):
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship | $420 |
| Nomination (per position) | $330 |
| Visa — Primary Applicant | $3,210 |
| Visa — Dependent 18+ | $3,210 |
| Visa — Dependent under 18 | $805 |
| SAF Levy (< $10M turnover, per year) | $1,200 |
| SAF Levy (≥ $10M turnover, per year) | $1,800 |
Other costs: Skills assessments (AUD 500–1,200), English tests (AUD 300+), medicals (AUD 300–500), police checks (AUD 50–200), migration agent fees (variable).
No refunds if unsuccessful.
Other Relevant Information
- Pathways to Permanent Residency: After 2 years on the visa (reduced from 3), eligible for Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) via Temporary Residence Transition stream, subject to occupation and sponsor support.
- Obligations: Sponsors must notify changes, maintain records, and ensure fair treatment. Visa holders must work only for the sponsor and maintain health insurance.
- Changes and Updates: Thresholds adjust annually; check the Core Skills Occupation List for eligibility. Consult a registered migration agent for personalized advice, as policies evolve.
- Processing: Use the visa processing time guide; factors like completeness of application affect timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Subclass 482 visa take to process?
Processing times vary by stream and by how complete the application is. Since 25 July 2026 the order in which the Department picks up 482 nominations and visa applications has been governed by Ministerial Direction 119, which prioritises certain occupations and applicants who were in Australia at lodgement. Check the Department's visa processing times tool for the current position rather than relying on a published figure.
Can I change employers on a Subclass 482 visa?
Yes, but your new employer must lodge a fresh nomination and it must be approved before you start working for them. If you stop working for your sponsor you have a limited period to find a new sponsor, apply for another visa or depart. Working for an employer who has not nominated you breaches your visa conditions.
Does the Subclass 482 lead to permanent residence?
It can. The most common route is the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream, which generally requires two years of full time work for your nominating employer in the nominated occupation, followed by an offer of an ongoing permanent position.
What salary do I need to be paid on a 482 visa?
You must be paid at least the higher of the applicable income threshold for your stream or the Annual Market Salary Rate, which is what an equivalent Australian worker would earn for the same role. Thresholds are indexed each 1 July and apply as at the date the nomination is lodged.
Do I need a skills assessment for the Subclass 482?
It depends on your nominated occupation and your passport. Some occupations require a formal skills assessment while others do not, and requirements differ between the Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams. Confirm the position for your specific occupation before lodging.
Can my family come with me on a Subclass 482 visa?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants. Secondary applicants generally have full work rights and can study, although they will not have access to Commonwealth supported places for tertiary study.
Disclaimer
This guide is based on information as of February 2026; always verify with the Department of Home Affairs for the latest details. For personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent.
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