Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482)

Overview

The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa lets approved Australian employers sponsor skilled overseas workers when they cannot find a suitable local worker. It has three streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement. It replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa and provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

The Skills in Demand visa is the main employer-sponsored work visa. The stream you use matters: Core Skills needs a CSOL occupation and meets a standard salary threshold (indexed each 1 July); Specialist Skills has no occupation list but a high salary floor and faster, longer (5-year) terms; Labour Agreement covers negotiated arrangements. Salary thresholds and the CSOL change — figures on this page are sourced from Home Affairs with the date verified.

Who is eligible

Have an approved employer sponsor and a nominated position
At least 1 year of relevant full-time work experience within the last 5 years
Meet the salary threshold for your stream (indexed annually on 1 July)
Meet skills, English, health and character requirements
Core Skills: occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

Costs

The application charge varies by stream for this subclass. The base application charge depends on the stream (Core Skills, Specialist Skills, Labour Agreement). A separate sponsorship/nomination charge and SAF levy also apply — use the official estimator for your stream. Fees are indexed each year — see the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the current figure.

Processing times

Around 75% of applications are finalised within 20 days, and 90% within 45 days. Source: Department of Home Affairs — Global visa processing times .

How to apply

Employer becomes a sponsor. The business obtains Standard Business Sponsorship approval.
Nomination. The employer nominates the position and stream (Core Skills, Specialist Skills or Labour Agreement).
Visa application. You lodge the visa with evidence of skills, experience and English.
Plan your move to permanent residence. After working for your sponsoring employer on the 482 for the required period, you can apply for the permanent 186 visa and settle in Australia long-term.

How it compares

Stream	Occupation list	Salary (indicative)	Max stay
Core Skills	CSOL required	Lower threshold	4 years
Specialist Skills	No list	High threshold	5 years
Labour Agreement	Per agreement	Per agreement	Varies

Frequently asked questions

What replaced the TSS 482 visa?

The Skills in Demand visa replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) arrangements. It still uses subclass 482 but with Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement streams.

How much work experience do I need?

At least one year of relevant full-time (or equivalent) work experience within the last five years. Some occupations or labour agreements require more. In certain circumstances and occupations, additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in place of the formal qualification an occupation would normally require — this depends on the occupation and the assessing authority.

Does the 482 lead to permanent residence?

Yes. It is a recognised pathway to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) permanent visa, subject to meeting that visa's requirements.