Skills in Demand Visa

On 7 December 2024, the Australian Government announced the introduction of the new Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa. The Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position they cannot find a suitably skilled Australian to fill. This visa was introduced on 7 December 2024. It replaced the Temporary Skilled Shortage visa (subclass 482).

The Subclass 482 Visa (SID) has 3 different streams:

• Core Skills Stream - up to four years

• Specialist Skills Stream - up to four years

• Labour Agreement Stream - as per Agreement

You must be nominated by a Standard Business Sponsor or a business that has applied for a Standard Business Sponsorship. Your employer must also lodge a nomination application.

There is no age limit for the SID (Subclass 482) visa.

All Skills in Demand (SID) visas streams can be granted a visa for a period of up to four years and have a pathway to permanent residence.   Visa holders will have the ability to change sponsors and are afforded with 180 days to change sponsors without being in breach of their visa conditions.

Core Skills Stream

The Core Skills Stream represents the largest pathway for temporary skilled migrants. Nominated positions must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold. Nominated positions must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold, which replaces TSMIT. This is currently set as $73,150.

Key criteria for this pathway are the following:

• Nominated on an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

• Have at least 1-year relevant work experience in nominated occupation or a related field

• Be nominated by an approved sponsor

• Have a skills assessment if required

• Have relevant skills, qualification and employment background to perform the occupation

• Have health insurance

• Meet English and health requirements

Essential Skills Stream

This visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

• Nominated to work in any occupation on ANZSCO occupation listed in Major Groups 1,2,4,5 or 6. This excludes trade workers, machinery operators and drivers and labourers.

• Paid the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (currently set as $135,000 annually)

• Have at least 1-year relevant work experience in nominated occupation or a related field

• Be nominated by an approved sponsor

• Have a skills assessment if required

• Have relevant skills, qualification and employment background to perform the occupation

• Have health insurance

• Meet English and health requirements

Labour Agreement Stream

This visa is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement. It lets you live and work in Australia temporarily. Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department) and employers.

• Be working under a labour agreement

• Have at least 1-year relevant work experience in nominated occupation or a related field

• Be nominated

• Have a skills assessment if required

• Have relevant skills, qualification and employment background to perform the occupation

• Have health insurance

• Meet English and health requirements

Benefits of the Skills in Demand Visa

• Fast processing times

• Visa holders can stay in Australia for up to four years

• Provides a clear pathway to Permanent Residence

• Holders will have 180 days to find a new sponsor if their employment is terminated

• Access to in-demand occupations

Do you require further assistance

If you have further questions about the above, or have any other immigration related query, please get in touch with our experienced team of Registered Migration Agents. Book an appointment with our team to learn how we can assist you achieve your migration goals.

This article does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult an immigration professional for up to date information.