Skill in Demand Visa (482)

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is a temporary visa that allows approved Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill labour shortages when suitable Australian candidates are unavailable, with stays of up to 4 years (or 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).

Overview How to Apply

Duration

Temporary

Cost

3,210.00

Processing Time

3-5 months

Pathway

Transition to Permanent Residency through Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186

Overview

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) helps Australian employers address workforce shortages by sponsoring qualified overseas professionals when no appropriately skilled Australians are available. Applicants must have the required skills, qualifications, and experience for an eligible occupation, meet English requirements, and be nominated by an approved sponsor. The visa includes multiple streams Core Skills, Specialist Skills, Labour Agreement, and Subsequent Entrant to cover different employment and nomination situations. It allows temporary residence and full-time work for up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders). Visa processing times vary and can be checked through the Department of Home Affairs’ visa processing time guide tool.

Do You Have What It Takes?

✔ You are nominated for an eligible skilled occupation.
✔ Your employer is a Department-approved sponsor.
✔ You possess the required qualifications and work experience.
✔ You meet English language proficiency standards.
✔ You satisfy health and character requirements.

✔ You are paid at or above the applicable market salary.
✔ You meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
✔ You hold adequate health insurance in Australia.
✔ You comply with Australian laws and visa conditions.
✔ For subsequent entrants, you’re an eligible family member of a 482/457 holder.

Why Choose This Path?

Work in Australia for up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong nationals).
Bring eligible family members with you.
Travel in and out of Australia freely.
Gain Australian work experience in your skilled occupation.
Option to transition to permanent residency (if eligible).
Strengthen employer-sponsored career pathways.
Access Australia’s healthcare system (through domestic insurance or private cover).
Fill genuine skill gaps benefiting Australian industries.
Opportunity to live temporarily in metropolitan or regional areas.
Potential pathway to the permanent subclass 186 visa.

Your Roadmap to Success

Confirm your eligibility and occupation on the relevant list.
Secure sponsorship from an approved employer.
Ensure your employer lodges a valid nomination.
Gather identity, qualification, and work experience documents.
Take an English test if required.
Undertake health and character checks.
Create/log in to ImmiAccount.
Submit your application and pay the visa fees.
Await assessment and respond to any information requests.
If granted, commence your role in Australia under visa conditions.

Visa Duration

Initial Duration

Temporary

Visa Pathways

Transition to Permanent Residency through Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186

Subclass 482 Core Skills stream holders can transition to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after working for their sponsoring employer for 3 years. To qualify, you must be under 45 (or meet an age exemption), have competent English, and meet health, character, and occupation list requirements. The ENS 186 visa grants indefinite stay, full work and study rights, Medicare access, and a pathway to citizenship. Though processing takes 12–24 months and costs employers around AUD 10,000–15,000, it offers lasting security and stability for skilled workers.