EMPLOYER SPONSORED MIGRATION
Skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 482
For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer to work in a nominated occupation.
VISA TYPE
Temporary Skilled Work
VISA LENGTH
Up to 4 years
GOVERNMENT VISA CHARGE
From AUD $4,010*
ESTIMATED PROCESSING TIME
4 - 9 months*
*Government charges and processing times are indicative and subject to change. Current at September 2026.
Who is the Skills in Demand 482 visa for?
Employer sponsorship. Skilled employment. A temporary pathway with potential permanent options.
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers where they need a worker for a nominated position.
The visa generally allows the holder to work in Australia for the sponsoring employer or an associated entity and in the nominated occupation, subject to limited exemptions. Visas can generally be granted for 1 to 4 years.
The subclass 482 has different streams, including the Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement streams. The appropriate pathway depends on the occupation, salary, employer and circumstances of the position.
01
Employer & Sponsorship
An approved Australian business must sponsor the worker and nominate an eligible position.
Key requirements for a Skills in Demand Visa 482
02
Nominated Occupation
The position and nominated occupation must align, and occupation eligibility depends on the relevant SID stream.
03
Skills & Experience
The applicant must have the skills and qualifications to perform the nominated occupation and generally at least 12 months' relevant work experience.
04
Salary Requirements
The nominated salary must meet the applicable salary requirements and employment conditions for the relevant stream.
05
English Language
The primary applicant must meet the applicable English language requirement unless an exemption applies.
06
Licensing & Registration
Where the occupation requires registration or licensing to work in Australia, this needs to be considered as part of the visa strategy.
01
Assess position
Check the business, occupation, salary and appropriate SID pathway.
How the Skills in Demand Visa 482 process works
02
Sponsorship
Confirm or obtain the employer's required sponsorship approval.
03
Nomination
The employer nominates the position and demonstrates that the relevant requirements are met.
04
Visa Application
The employee’s subclass 482 application is lodged with evidence of skills, experience and other visa requirements.
05
Decision & Employment
If granted, the worker commences or continues employment in accordance with the visa conditions.
Things to check before applying for a Skills in Demand Visa 482
Occupation & Duties
The occupation chosen needs to reflect the actual duties of the position—not simply the job title.
Labour Market Testing
Many nominations require evidence that the employer has tested the Australian labour market. Home Affairs says this generally involves advertising for at least four weeks in at least two advertisements, subject to exemptions.
Salary & Market Rates
Salary requirements need to be assessed alongside the terms and conditions that would apply to an equivalent Australian worker.
Registration, Licensing & Skills Assessment
Some occupations require registration, licensing or a skills assessment. These requirements should be identified early, as they can affect both visa eligibility and the worker's ability to perform the nominated role in Australia.
Not sure whether the 482 visa pathway is right for your business or circumstances?
Employer-sponsored applications depend on both the position and the visa applicant. We can assess the occupation, sponsorship pathway and visa requirements before the application process begins.