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January 23, 2025 Pace Migration 482 Visa
Introduced on 7th December 2024, the Skills In Demand Visa (Subclass 482) has officially replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482). This marks a major shift in Australia’s skilled migration program.
Designed to address labour shortages by allowing skilled workers from overseas to fill jobs in critical demand, this visa supports industries essential to Australia’s economy.
If you’re thinking of applying for the Skills in Demand Visa in Australia, this simple guide will walk you through its purpose, key features, eligibility requirements, and application process.
Table of Contents
The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to work for an approved sponsor in a nominated occupation.
It was introduced to replace outdated temporary work visa schemes. This initiative reflects Australia’s commitment to attracting global talent for industries experiencing acute skill shortages.
By enabling Australian businesses to sponsor overseas workers, the visa addresses gaps in the workforce and provides skilled professionals with an opportunity to live and work in Australia. In 2024, significant updates to the occupation list and visa criteria were introduced, aligning with emerging economic priorities.
Key Features of the Visa:
For holders of the now-retired Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), this transition offers new opportunities. The changes include:
If you hold a current 482 visa, consult with a migration agent to explore transitioning to the SID Visa.
The Skills in Demand Visa(Subclass 482) is designed to address Australia’s diverse labour needs through three tailored streams: the Core Skills Stream, the Specialist Skills Stream, and the Labour Agreement Stream. Each stream has unique features to cater to specific workforce requirements and applicant profiles.
The Core Skills Stream focuses on occupations critical to Australia’s economic stability and growth. It is designed for roles where shortages exist on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) — a carefully curated list of occupations essential for key industries.
| Eligibility | Applicants must have at least 1 year of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation. |
| Occupations Covered | Healthcare professionals, engineers, IT specialists, and trades like electricians or plumbers. |
| Sponsorship | Requires nomination by an approved Australian employer. |
| Visa Duration | Up to 4 years, with the possibility of renewal and pathways to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). |
This stream is ideal for applicants with qualifications and skills aligned with high-demand industries. Explore the Core Skills Stream occupations for additional details.
The Specialist Skills Stream targets niche and highly technical occupations that require advanced expertise. These roles often demand specialised education, significant industry experience, or internationally recognised qualifications.
| Eligibility | Applicants must have 1 year of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation or related field. |
| Occupations Covered | Roles like research scientists, software engineers specialising in AI, and medical specialists in advanced surgical fields. |
| Sponsorship | Requires nomination by an employer who can justify the need for such specialised skills in their workforce. |
| Visa Duration | Typically 2-4 years, with renewal options and pathways to permanent residency in some cases. |
This stream is suited for professionals who work in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, or cutting-edge medical technologies. Employers in these industries often require workers with skills that cannot be readily sourced domestically.
The Labour Agreement Stream is designed for employers who have entered into a formal Labour Agreement with the Australian government. These agreements address chronic workforce shortages in specific industries or regions where domestic recruitment has proven insufficient.
| Eligibility | Applicants must meet the criteria outlined in the Labour Agreement, which may include specific skillsets, qualifications, or work experience. |
| Occupations Covered | Roles in agriculture, aged care, meat processing, and regional trade industries are commonly included. |
| Sponsorship | Employers must secure government approval for a Labour Agreement before nominating applicants. |
| Visa Duration | Typically aligns with the terms of the Labour Agreement, often up to 4 years. |
This stream is especially beneficial for regional employers who need workers in industries like farming, meat processing, and construction, where domestic supply often falls short. It also helps fill jobs in remote areas that struggle to attract and retain skilled workers.
Learn more about Labour Agreements.
The 2024 Occupation List introduces updates to align with Australia’s shifting economic needs. Your occupation must appear on the list relevant to your chosen visa stream. This ensures your skills align with Australia’s needs.
Some key changes in the 2024 list include:
Check the 2024 occupation list to get the full details.
The eligibility criteria differs depending on the stream, but all applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
Stream-specific Criteria:
Applying involves several steps. We’ve outlined them below:
| Visa Application Fees | |
| Core Skills Stream | AU$ 3,115 |
| Specialist Skills Stream | AU$ 3,115 |
| Labour Agreement Stream | AU$ 3,115 |
| Additional Checks & Fees | |
| Health Checks | AU$ 200-500 |
| English Language Tests | AU$ 300-587 |
| Police Checks | AU$ 40-100 |
The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) is an attractive option for skilled workers and their families looking to work and live in Australia. Here’s a closer look at the advantages this visa provides:
This visa allows individuals to work in Australia for approved employers in occupations where there is a critical shortage of local talent.
As the visa requires employer sponsorship, applicants have guaranteed employment before they move to Australia. Opportunities span across various sectors too. There are career opportunities in healthcare, IT, engineering, agriculture, and more, depending on the occupation list for each stream.
The visa also accommodates a range of roles, from high-demand core skills to specialised technical expertise.
After meeting certain conditions, such as working for the same employer for a set period under the visa, applicants may qualify for permanent visas like the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
Workers in regional areas often have accelerated pathways to PR under special migration programs. PR provides stability and it lets visa holders live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
The Skills in Demand Visa supports family reunification and it allows dependents to accompany the primary visa holder. Partners can work full-time, and children can access education, so families can have more flexibility and financial security.
Dependents, including spouses and children, can be included in the visa application. In addition, family members are also eligible for PR along with the primary applicant.
You can find more details about subsequent entrants in the official government page.
Visa holders and their families may become eligible for Medicare — Australia’s public healthcare system. Medicare covers a range of essential healthcare services, including GP visits, hospital care, and reduced prescription costs. Access to quality healthcare ensures visa holders and their families feel supported during their time in Australia.
Dependent children of visa holders can access Australia’s world-class education system, often at reduced fees. Dependents can seamlessly transition into Australian universities and vocational training institutions if they want to pursue higher education.
The visa also benefits Australian employers and the broader economy. Employers can fill roles that are critical to their business operations and benefit from faster processing times and government support when hiring through this program.
By facilitating skilled migration to less-populated areas, the visa also contributes to regional growth and sustainability.
The Skills in Demand Visa in Australia (Subclass 482) is a dynamic solution for addressing labour shortages while offering skilled professionals an invaluable opportunity to contribute to Australia’s workforce.
Whether it’s the opportunity for permanent residency, the inclusion of loved ones, or access to healthcare and education, this visa is a valuable tool for building a better future. It also benefits employers who want to fill vital roles, and applicants who are aspiring to advance their career.
The Visa Subclass 482 opens doors to mutual success.
Need help navigating the visa process? Contact Pace Migration today for personalised assistance from experienced migration agents. You can also explore our frequently asked questions for quick answers about migration-related queries.
Syed Rahman
Mr. Rahman is a knowledgeable professional with expertise in academia, corporate management, and migration law. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law from ANU, an MBA in International Business from UTS, and a BBA from Baruch College. With 5 years of corporate management experience, 4 years of teaching experience in Australia, and over 15 years as a registered Migration Agent, Mr. Rahman has a strong background in helping international students and skilled migrants with Australian migration law.
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