Subclass 482 Visa: Skills in Demand
The temporary employer-sponsored visa that replaced the TSS in December 2024, with Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams and a clear path to permanent residence.
Reviewed by Muskaan Ahuja, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418455) · Last reviewed
In short: The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) lets an approved Australian employer sponsor a skilled worker for up to four years. From 1 July 2026, the Core Skills stream needs a salary of at least AUD 79,423 (or the market rate, if higher) and the Specialist Skills stream at least AUD 146,576.
Who this visa suits
- Skilled workers with a job offer from an Australian employer
- Employers who cannot fill a role locally
- Workers planning permanent residence through the 186
| Core Skills stream | Occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List; salary ≥ AUD 79,423 or market rate |
|---|---|
| Specialist Skills stream | Salary ≥ AUD 146,576; not for trades, machinery operators, drivers or labourers |
| Labour Agreement stream | For employers with a labour agreement (including DAMA) |
| Stay | Up to 4 years |
| Changing jobs | Time to find a new sponsor if employment ends |
Official information: Skills in Demand visa (482). Part of our Employer sponsored services.
Requirements
The main requirements. We check each one against your situation before you apply.
Approved sponsor
A standard business sponsor nominates the role.
1 year of experience
Relevant full-time work experience (or equivalent).
Skills
Qualifications; a skills assessment for some roles.
English
Accepted test result unless exempt.
Market salary
At least the threshold and the market rate.
Health insurance
Plus health and character checks.
Document checklist
Most applications need the following. Your exact list depends on your circumstances; we give you a personalised checklist.
- Signed employment contract and position description
- CV and employment references showing duties
- Qualifications and any skills assessment
- English test results (unless exempt)
- Passport, police certificates and health examinations
- Health insurance
- Employer: sponsorship approval, nomination, market salary and labour market testing evidence
Costs
| Visa | Main applicant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand (482) | AUD 4,000–4,500* | Main applicant. The employer also pays nomination fees and the SAF levy. |
*Indicative range only. Government visa charges change often (usually each 1 July) and depend on your circumstances and family members. Your total cost may also include our professional service fee and other costs such as health checks, police certificates, skills assessments and translations. Terms and conditions apply. Confirm the current amount for your family in the official Visa Pricing Estimator, or ask us for a fixed written quote before any work starts.
Step by step
- Check role and streamOccupation, salary and experience.
- SponsorshipThe employer becomes a standard business sponsor.
- NominationSalary, labour market testing and the SAF levy.
- Visa applicationThe worker and family apply.
- Work and complyBoth sides keep their obligations.
- Plan for the 186Through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Common mistakes and refusal reasons
- Salary below the threshold or the market rate
- Duties that do not match the nominated occupation
- Missing labour market testing evidence
- Experience not shown clearly in references
For permanent residence directly, see the 186; for regional employers, the 494.
Recent changes
1 July 2026: Thresholds rose to AUD 79,423 (Core) and AUD 146,576 (Specialist).
7 December 2024: Skills in Demand replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa.
Questions
Can’t see your question? Ask a registered migration agent in a free 15-minute consultation.
Book a free consultationIs the 482 the same as the TSS?+
Can I change employers?+
How do I get PR from a 482?+
Who pays the costs?+
Talk to us about your visa.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a registered migration agent (MARN 2418455).
- Registered migration agentMuskaan Ahuja, MARN 2418455
- Free 15-minute consultationBy phone, online or at our Hawthorn office
- Reply within 1 business dayCall, WhatsApp or the Free Profile Assessment
- Fixed-fee quote in writingBefore any work starts, no hidden charges