On December 7, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) was replaced by the Skill in Demand Visa (SID) by maintaining its legislative subclass number 482. The new Skill in Demand Visa (SID) was introduced under a three-tiered system for the applicants depending on their occupation and earnings.

 

“The Skills in Demand visa allows individuals with high-demand skills to be sponsored by employers in Australia and  potentially creates a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.”

 

The SID (Subclass 482) is an important part of the Australian skilled migration system, which is designed to address the labor shortage by allowing Australian employers to hire overseas skilled and qualified workers. This visa not only provides temporary employment but also offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

 

What is the Three-Tired Migration System?

The new Australian Migration Strategy has introduced the Three-Tired Pathway Structure under new Skilled in Demand Visa (SID ) Subclass 482. It is an important component of the new migration system, which is designed to meet the increasing needs of the Australian workforce by attracting overseas skilled workers for temporary migration as well as addressing the skills shortages in critical industries.

There are three pathways under the three-tiered migration system subclass 482 SID visa, such as: 

 

1. Tier 1: Specialist Skills Pathways
2. Tier 2: Core Skills Pathway
3. Tier 3: Essential Skills Pathways

 

Streams of Skilled in Demand Visa: A Three-Tier Structure

Skill in Demand subclass 482 is divided into three streams under Australian skilled migration programs to attract overseas skilled workers to fill the gap in the Australian labor market. 

 

Here are three main streams of the 482 Skills in Demand Visa:

 

• Core Skills Stream
• Specialist Skills Stream
• Essential Skills Pathway

 

Stream 1: Core Skills Stream

The Core Skills Stream allows employers to hire skilled workers to fill labor shortages in Australia. This stream focuses on attracting skilled overseas workers with in-demand skills to contribute to the Australian economy. 

 

To apply for the Core Skills Stream, applicants must have their occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List ( COL) for which they are applying. 

 

Eligibility Criteria to Apply Core Skills Stream

To be eligible for the subclass 483 Core Skills stream:

 

• Your occupation must be listed on the CSOL.
• You must possess qualifications that are relevant to the nominated occupation. 
• You must demonstrate approximately one year of experience in the related field or nominated occupation. 
• You must meet the English language requirements as set by the Department of Home Affairs. 
• You are required to meet mandatory health and character requirements. 

 

Duration Period 

• With a Skill in Demand Visa, you can stay up to 4 years in Australia.
• Hong Kong passport holders can stay up to 5 years in Australia.

 

Average Cost for Core Skills Stream

The actual cost for core skills stream can differ based on specific circumstances and additional charges. However, approximately, the average starting cost for Core Skills Stream (Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482) is as follows: 

 

• For Main Applicant: AUD $3,115
• For Additional Applicant: (18 years and over): AUD $3,115
• For Additional Applicant: (under 18 years old): AUD $780

 

 

Stream 2: Specialist Skills Stream

The specialist skills pathway is designed to target individuals with specialized skills and qualifications that are in demand within specific sectors. In this stream, employers sponsor overseas skilled workers for approximately up to four years in the most ANZSCO occupations. 

 

With Specialist Skills Stream, you can travel inside and outside Australia as much as you want until your 482 visa is valid. Further, you can apply for permanent residency if you meet certain requirements. 

 

Eligibility Criteria for Specialist Skills Stream

To be eligible for the Specialist  Skills Stream under the Skills in Demand Visa subclass 482:

 

• You must be nominated for an occupation listed on ANZSCO major groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6.
• Your occupation must be included on the Specialist Occupation List.
• You should meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) of AUD 135,000 annually.
• You must have at least one year of relevant experience in your nominated occupation or the related field. 
• You are required to obtain a skills assessment (if required for your occupation).
• You ought to meet minimum English language proficiency standards unless exempt from providing evidence. 
• You are obliged to work for your sponsor or associated entity unless exempt.

 

Targeted Occupations Under ANZSCO Major Code

Occupations under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 include:

 

• ANZSCO Group 1: Managers (IT Project Managers, and Chief Executives)
• ANZSCO Group 2: Professionals (Engineers, ICT Specialists, and Medical Practitioners)
• ANZSCO Group 4: Community and Personal Service Workers (Healthcare Assistants)
• ANZSCO Group 5: Clerical and Administrative Workers (Contract Administrators)
• ANZSCO Group 6: Sales Workers (Sales and Marketing Managers)

 

Note: These occupations must also be listed on the Specialist Skills Occupation List. 

 

Average Cost to Apply For Specialist Skills Stream

The average estimated cost to apply for the subclass 482 Specialist Skills Stream is as follows:

 

• For Main Applicant: AUD $3,115
• For Additional Applicant (18 years and over): AUD $3,115
• For Additional Applicant (under 18 years old): AUD $780

 

Stream 3: Essential Skills Stream

The Essential Skills Stream is a transition of the Labour Agreement stream under the Skilled in Demand visa 482. It is designed to address critical labor shortages in Australia by targeting lower-paid workers in essential roles, including aged care and disability support.

 

This pathway under the new Skills in Demand visa specifically focuses on filling the immediate and essential skill gaps in Australia’s labor market. 

 

 Eligibility Criteria for Essential Skills Pathway

 

• You might have vocational qualifications or training in their respective fields, like  Certificate III or IV.
• You must have a minimum of 1-3 years of work experience in the relevant occupation. 
• You must meet a minimum level of English language requirements like ELTS or PTE.
• You must be under a certain age ( accurate age is not explicitly mentioned).
• You need to meet certain health and character requirements. 
• You should obtain industry-specific recognition or licenses to work in Australia. 
• For certain sectors or occupations, Labor Agreements are required that outline specific conditions for employees in Australia.

 

Average Cost to Apply For Essential Skills Stream (Pathway)

Based on many factors, the average cost to apply for the subclass 482 Essential Skills Stream:

 

• For Main Applicant: AUD 3,115
• For Additional Applicant (18 years and over): AUD 3,115
• For Additional Applicant (under 18): AUD 780

 

Duration of the Stay

The individuals having Essential Skills Pathway can stay up to 4 years in Australia. 

 

 

What is the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)?

The Department of Home Affairs released the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) on December 3, 2024. This is a single consolidated list that is introduced after the analysis of the labor market and stakeholder consultations by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA). 

 

The CSOL is an essential component of the Skills in Demand Visa subclass 482. This new Core Skills Occupation List includes 456 occupations that are highly in demand in Australia. 

 

This CSOL is suitable for employer-sponsored temporary migration through the Core Skills Stream of the New Skills in Demand visa. This list provides an easy entry point for overseas skilled workers to migrate to Australia and contribute to the Australian economy.

 

Note: The new CSOL will apply to the Direct Entry stream under the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa Australia.

 

Skill in Demand Visa (subclass 482) Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Skills in Demand Visa (SID) visa (subclass 482) for your prior stream, you need to follow the given eligibility criteria:

 

1. Sponsorship/Nomination: You must be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor. 

 

2. Eligible Occupation: Your occupation should be included in the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). 

 

3. Skill Assessment: You must have a positive skill assessment that showcases that you have the necessary skills and qualifications for the nominated occupations.

 

4. English Language Requirements: You must meet the relevant English language requirements, which include an IELTS test score of 5.0 overall with a minimum of 4.5 in each component.

 

5. Health and Character Requirements: You should meet standard health and character checks set by the Department of Home Affairs. 

 

6. Work Experience: You are required to provide approximately one year of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field within the last five years.

 

7. Salary Threshold: You need to meet the salary threshold, which may be different based on the stream, such as: 

• For Specialist Skills Pathway: A minimum annual salary threshold is approximately AUD 135,000.
• For Core Skills Pathway: A minimum annual salary threshold of AUD 73,150.

 

Key Occupations on the Core Skill Occupation List

The CSOL contains 456 occupations in various industries with the most in-demand roles in the Australian labor market. Here are some of the top sectors with their respective occupations from the CSOL, including:

 

Executive & General Management

• Chief Executive or Managing Director
• Corporate General Manager
• Corporate Services Manager
• Finance Manager
• Human Resource Manager
• Policy and Planning Manager
• Research and Development Manager

 

Agriculture & Farming

• Aquaculture Farmer
• Apiarist
• Dairy Cattle Farmer
• Goat Farmer
• Poultry Farmer
• Flower Grower

 

Sales & Marketing 

• Sales and Marketing Manager
• Advertising Manager
• Advertising Specialist
• Marketing Specialist
• Content Creator (Marketing)
• Public Relations Professional

 

Education & Training 

• School Principal
• Faculty Head
• Education Managers
• University Lecturer
• Vocational Education Teacher \ Polytechnic Teacher
• Education Reviewer
• Music Teacher (Private Tuition)

 

 

How to Apply for Skill in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)?

Here are some important steps involved in the application process that you need to follow to obtain your prior stream under Skill in Demand visa subclass 482. These essential steps include:  

• Determine Eligibility
• Sponsorship
• Nomination
• Visa Application

 

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

One of the initial steps in the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Subclass 482 application process is to determine eligibility.For both employer and employee, it is important to check their eligibility.

 

For Employer Eligibility

If you are an employer, determine that:

 

• You must have an approved standard business sponsor by the Department of Home Affairs Australia.
• You should have a genuine position available for the nomination.
• You must conduct labor market testing to demonstrate a labor skill shortage in the local market in Australia.
• You should ensure you will pay the annual market-competitive salary to the nominated skilled employee.

 

For Employee Eligibility

If you are an employee and want to apply for SID 482, make sure:

 

• You must be nominated by the Australian-approved sponsor or employer for an occupation listed on the skilled occupation list (CSOL).
• You must have relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
• You should meet the set level of English language proficiency.
• You must possess health insurance, a health and character certificate, and a genuine statement of intention to work.

 

Step 2: Sponsorship

The next step in the Skill in Demand Visa 482 application process is to get sponsorship. This step is designated for  Australian employers, which means they must become approved sponsors with the Department of Home Affairs before inviting overseas skilled workers to Australia.

 

However, to obtain sponsorship, employers must meet specific eligibility requirements, including:

 

• Commitment to training
• Providing opportunities for Australian and overseas skilled workers
• Demonstrate that they are legally operating a registered business in Australia.

 

There is a valid period of an approved sponsorship, which is up to 5 years. Within this period, the Australian employer can nominate overseas skilled workers for general skilled migration positions in Australia.

 

Step 3: Nomination

Once the employer gets sponsorship approval, they can nominate overseas skilled workers to invite and fill certain skilled positions in Australia.  These nominated positions (occupations) should be included in the skill occupation list (CSOL). These nominations also contain the details of the position, the nominated occupation, and the associated terms and conditions of relevant employment in Australia.

 

Furthermore, the employer must consider specific salary offers and employment requirements so that particular salary and employment conditions can align with visa program requirements and guarantee fair compensation for overseas workers, including the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). 

 

Additionally, employers can also need to conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) to ensure that there is a local skill shortage and a lack of required skilled workers in Australia.

 

Step 4: Visa Application

Once the employer’s nomination is approved, the skilled workers nominated can apply for their preferred stream under Skills in Demand visa 482. This application will be lodged by the skilled worker who wants to work in Australia, not the employer.  

Applicants must meet specific requirements depending on their occupation and skills, including skills, qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency test scores, and other essential requirements.

 

To proceed, the applicants must submit the necessary documents, including proof of skills and educational qualifications (degrees, transcripts, and other certifications).

 

Visa Conditions For Skilled Demand Visa Subclass (482)

The Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482 come with many conditions that you need to follow, such as: 

 

1. Genuine Position: The nominated position (occupation) should be genuine and available to be filled by an overseas skilled worker.
2. Employment Opportunity: You should have an employment opportunity in the nominated occupation by the approved sponsor.
3. Meet Salary Threshold: Your salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), which might be higher.
4. Work Hours: You are obliged to work within the required number of hours as specified in preferred SID  visa stream conditions.
5. Location: You should work in the location (specified Australian region) on your visa.
6. Health Insurance: You must obtain adequate health insurance for yourself and family members accompanying you. 
7. Health and Character: You need to meet all the health and character requirements that are set by the Department of Home Affairs.
8. English Language Proficiency: You should maintain the required level of English language proficiency to obtain your prior SID visa.
9. Compliance: You should comply with all visa conditions and any other requirements the Department of Home Affairs sets.

 

 

Visa Processing Time for Skilled in Demand Visa (SID) Subclass 482

The processing time for the skilled in Demand Visa (subclass 482) can be different based on many factors, including the specific stream for which you are applying and the completeness of your application.  

• For Core Skills Stream:  Processing time for the core skills stream is approximately 21 days for the complete applications.
• For Specialist Skills Stream: Processing time for Specialist Skills Stream is approximately 7 days.  
• For Essential Skills Stream: Processing time for Essential Skills Stream is approximately 21 days. 

 

What is the Cost for SID Subclass 482? 

The Cost of Skills in Demand Visa ( SID)  Subclass 482 can be different based on many factors and applicants’ unique circumstances, like:

 

• For Primary Applicant: The average cost is  AUD 3,115
• For Dependents aged 18 and over:  The average cost is AUD 3,115 each
• For Dependents under 18: The average cost is AUD 780 each

 

 

Note: Furthermore, there are some additional fees for the Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) and Nomination, which are:

 

SBS Fee: AUD 420

Nomination Fee: AUD 330

 

Pathways to Permanent Residency Under Skills in Demand (SID) visa 482

The Skills in Demand visa offers several pathways to temporary overseas skilled workers for permanent residency in Australia, such as:

 

Employer Nominated Scheme Visa Subclass 186

The Employer Nomination Scheme is a permanent visa that allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas skilled workers to migrate and work in Australia. 

 

Within the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186, you can obtain permanent residency if:

 

• You work for the same employer for approximately three years on a SID 482 visa stream.
• Your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List.
• Your employer nominates you for permanent residency in Australia.
• You meet all the essential qualifications, including skill, qualification, and English language requirements.

 

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)- Subclass 187

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) subclass 187 is a visa program that lets Australian employers from regional, remote and low-population areas sponsor 

skilled overseas workers for permanent residency. 

 

Under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)—Subclass 187, you can obtain permanent residency if:

 

• You work in the regional area for the same employer for up to three years on a Skilled in Demand 482 visa.
• Your occupation is on the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
• Your employer has sponsored you for permanent residency.
• You have relevant qualifications, including skills, qualifications, English language requirements, and others.

 

Apply for SID Subclass 482 with the Help of Migration Agents

The New Skills in Demand visa subclass 482, with its three streams, has made significant improvements. This visa has simplified the application process, reduced work experience, and provided permanent residency pathways to overseas skilled workers worldwide. 

 

If you want professional support in navigating the application process and obtaining your preferred stream under Skill in Demand visas suitable for your situation, it is recommended that you consult with our registered migration agent at the Migration. 

 

 The Migration is a registered company that delivers high-quality international visa processing and consulting services. We have registered migration agents working in Australia. The application process for the SID 482 visa can be overwhelming and stressful. 

Additionally, choosing the most suitable stream for your situation can be confusing.

 

 

With the help of the best migration agents, you can receive expert guidance to find the most suitable SID visa options. You will receive the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Skills in Demand Visa subclass 482. So, don’t wait any longer; contact us and book your appointment today. We will help you with your visa application, processing, and other visa-related issues.