Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa: Employer sponsorship for skilled workers

The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa is a temporary work visa designed for skilled workers sponsored by Australian employers. Introduced in late 2024 to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, the 482 offers three streams suited to different skill levels and provides a direct pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme. For international graduates on a Subclass 485 visa seeking to transition toward PR, understanding how the 482 works is essential.

What is Subclass 482?

The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa is a temporary work visa granted for 4 years that allows an Australian employer to sponsor a skilled worker (including international graduates) to work in a specific occupation. The 482 is not a pathway to PR by itself, but it is a key stepping stone to the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), which grants permanent residency after 2 years of sponsorship (reduced from 3 years as of November 2023).

Key features of 482:

• Duration: 4 years.
• Renewable: Not renewable — it expires after 4 years unless you transition to 186.
• Work rights: Restricted to your sponsor and the nominated occupation.
• Salary: Subject to a Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
• Pathway to PR: Transition to 186 (PR) after 2 years with the sponsor (or 3 years in some cases).
• Multiple applications: You can have only one active 482 visa at a time (for one sponsor).

Three streams of Subclass 482

As of late 2024, the 482 has three streams, reflecting different levels of skill and salary thresholds.

Stream 1: Specialist Skills

For highly specialised occupations requiring significant expertise.

Specialist Skills is the primary stream for graduate migrants. If your occupation is on the CSOL and you earn above AUD $135,000 (or your employer nominates you at that salary), you qualify for Specialist Skills.

Stream 2: Core Skills

For skilled occupations on the CSOL requiring broader experience.

Core Skills accommodates a larger range of occupations and lower salary thresholds than Specialist Skills. Most 482 applications fall into this stream.

Stream 3: Essential Skills

For critical occupations (healthcare, trades, agriculture) where there are significant shortages.

The Essential Skills stream is still being finalised (as of April 2026). It is designed to address critical labour shortages in healthcare, construction, and agriculture. Details and occupation lists are expected to be released by the Department — check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for updates.

Core eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a Subclass 482 visa, you must meet:

Your requirements (as the worker)

1. Occupation on CSOL: Your proposed occupation must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List.
2. Skills assessment: You must have a positive skills assessment from your occupation’s assessing body (VETASSESS, ACS, EA, ANMAC, CPA Australia, etc.).
3. Age and work experience: Generally, you should have relevant work experience (typically 2–5 years, depending on occupation).
4. English language: Usually a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in each component. Specialist roles may require higher English (IELTS 6.5+).
5. Health and character: You must pass health checks and character requirements (police clearance).

Your sponsor (the employer) requirements

1. Australian business: Your sponsor must be a registered Australian employer.
2. Labour market testing: The sponsor must demonstrate they have attempted to recruit Australian citizens / PR holders but cannot find suitable candidates. This is done via job advertising (usually 4 weeks) or alternative recruitment.
3. Salary: Your proposed salary must meet the TSMIT threshold for the relevant stream (AUD $73,150 for Core Skills, AUD $135,000+ for Specialist Skills).
4. Genuine workplace: The sponsor must provide a genuine employment offer; the role must be real and ongoing.
5. Training plan (optional): Some sponsors provide training / mentoring plans for the sponsored worker.

Salary and TSMIT thresholds

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) is the minimum salary at which an employer can sponsor a worker. This ensures sponsors are serious and the worker is competitively paid.

TSMIT by stream (2025–26)

These TSMIT figures are indexed annually (usually 1 July) and may increase by 5–10% year-on-year depending on economic factors.

What salary counts toward TSMIT?

Your annual base salary (not including superannuation, bonuses, or benefits) must meet the TSMIT. If you are paid below TSMIT, you are ineligible for 482, even if the role is on the CSOL.

Example:

• You are nominated for Software Engineer (Specialist Skills stream, TSMIT AUD $135,000).
• Your employer offers you AUD $90,000 per annum.
• You are ineligible — your salary falls short of TSMIT.
• Your employer must offer AUD $135,000+ for your 482 application to proceed.

Skills assessment requirements

Before applying for a 482, you must undergo a skills assessment from your occupation’s assessing body. The assessing body reviews your qualifications and work experience and determines whether you meet the Australian standard for your occupation.

Assessing bodies by occupation

Obtain your skills assessment before your sponsor begins the sponsorship application. Most skills assessments take 6–12 weeks and cost AUD $500–$1,500.

Labour market testing (LMT)

Your sponsor must demonstrate they have attempted to recruit an Australian citizen or PR holder for the role but were unsuccessful. This is called Labour Market Testing (LMT).

How LMT works

1. Job advertising: Your sponsor advertises the role on major Australian job boards (Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn) for a minimum of 4 weeks.
2. Recruitment process: The sponsor reviews applications and conducts interviews with Australian applicants.
3. Documentation: The sponsor documents all applications received, interviews conducted, and reasons Australian applicants were unsuitable.
4. Shortfall evidence: The sponsor provides evidence to the Department that no suitable Australian candidate was available.

Alternative methods to LMT

If the role is difficult to advertise (e.g. very specialised), your sponsor may use alternative methods:

• Evidence of past recruitment difficulties in the occupation.
• Professional recruitment services’ confirmation of shortages.
• Industry body evidence of skill shortages.

The Department assesses the sponsor’s LMT and decides whether it is sufficient.

LMT timelines

Labour market testing takes 4–8 weeks (minimum 4 weeks advertising, plus time to review and document). Plan this into your sponsorship timeline — do not expect immediate sponsorship.

The 482 application process

Step 1: Employer initiates sponsorship

Your employer (the sponsor) lodges a Sponsorship Application with the Department. The sponsor provides:

• Evidence of their business (ABN, registration, financial records).
• Job description and role details.
• Your proposed salary and contract.
• Labour market testing documentation.
• Evidence they are a genuine Australian employer.

Processing: 4–8 weeks.

Step 2: You obtain a skills assessment

While the sponsorship is being processed, you obtain a skills assessment from your assessing body. This usually happens in parallel.

Processing: 6–12 weeks.

Step 3: Sponsor approval

Once the Department approves the sponsor, you are invited to lodge your Visa Application. You provide:

• Your passport and personal details.
• Your skills assessment (positive).
• Police clearance certificate.
• Health examination (if required).
• Evidence of your proposed employment (contract, job offer letter).

Processing: 4–8 weeks from lodging.

Step 4: Visa grant

Once approved, your 482 visa is granted for 4 years. You can begin work immediately.

Total timeline

From initiation to visa grant: 4–6 months (sometimes longer if LMT takes longer or additional information is requested).

Plan ahead: Start sponsorship discussions with your employer 6+ months before you want to transition to a 482 (especially if your 485 is about to expire).

After 482: Transition to 186 (Permanent Residency)

The real value of the 482 is that it is a stepping stone to the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, which grants permanent residency.

186 Direct Entry requirements

After you have been sponsored by your employer for 2 years on a 482 (reduced from 3 years as of November 2023), you can apply for a Subclass 186 (Direct Entry) visa, which grants PR.

Requirements for 186 Direct Entry:

• 2 years of employment with your 482 sponsor on the 482 visa (not counting prior work with the same employer on other visas).
• Continuous employment in the same occupation (or closely related occupations).
• Salary at or above TSMIT for the period.
• Health and character remain satisfactory.

Processing time for 186: Typically 4–12 weeks after approval by the sponsor.

Timeline from 485 to PR

A typical pathway looks like:

1. 485 visa: 2 years work experience and points accumulation.
2. 482 visa: Employer sponsors you; you work for 2 years.
3. 186 visa: Approved for PR (permanent residency).
4. Total time: ~4 years from start of 485 to PR grant.

This is why the 485 → 482 → 186 pathway is one of the most common routes to PR for international graduates.

Key points to remember

• 482 requires employer sponsorship: Unlike the 485, you must have a sponsor and cannot apply on your own.
• CSOL occupation required: Your occupation must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List.
• Salary thresholds apply: Core Skills = AUD $73,150+; Specialist Skills = AUD $135,000+.
• 4-year work visa: Once approved, you have 4 years to work for your sponsor.
• Work restricted to sponsor: You can only work for your sponsoring employer (unlike 485).
• Pathway to PR: After 2 years, transition to 186 (PR) via Direct Entry.
• Labour market testing required: Your sponsor must demonstrate recruitment efforts.
• Skills assessment needed: Obtain a positive skills assessment before applying.
• Plan 6+ months ahead: Sponsorship timelines are lengthy; start discussions early.

FAQ

Q: Can I apply for a 482 without waiting for an employer to sponsor me? A: No. You cannot apply for a 482 independently. An Australian employer must nominate you and initiate the sponsorship process. You cannot be sponsored “on spec” — you must have a genuine employment offer.

Q: How much does a 482 sponsorship cost? A: The employer pays a sponsorship fee (typically AUD $3,000–$5,000 depending on business size and stream). You pay a visa fee (approximately AUD $3,500–$4,500 as the worker). Check the Visa Pricing Estimator for current charges.

Q: Can I change jobs during my 482? A: Only if you change to a new sponsor. Your 482 is tied to a specific employer. If you change jobs to a different employer, you need a new sponsorship (and a new 482 application), which takes 4–6 months. You cannot simply “switch” sponsors on an active 482 — you must apply for a new visa.

Q: What if my employer’s business fails during my 482? A: If your sponsor ceases operations, your 482 is typically cancelled. You would need to find a new sponsor to continue in Australia, or your visa would be affected. This is a significant risk — choose a stable employer if possible.

Q: Can I include family on my 482? A: Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can be included on your 482 application. They will be granted the same 4-year visa length. They have unrestricted work rights (unlike you, who are restricted to your sponsor).

Q: How long does labour market testing take? A: Minimum 4 weeks (the advertised period) plus time to review applications and document the process. Typically 4–8 weeks total. Some occupations with demonstrated shortages may have abbreviated LMT or exemptions — check with your sponsor.

Q: Can I be sponsored for a 482 on a different occupation than my degree? A: Yes, if your occupation is on the CSOL and you have a positive skills assessment and relevant work experience. You do not have to work in your degree field. However, your skills assessment must confirm you meet the Australian standard for the nominated occupation.

Q: Is there a priority list of occupations for 482? A: The CSOL is the definitive list; all occupations on it are eligible for 482. However, some occupations may face longer processing times or higher scrutiny depending on labour market demand and Department priorities. Check the CSOL for your occupation.

Sources

• Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa
• Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
• Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
• Visa Pricing Estimator
• Skills Assessments by Occupation

Last reviewed: April 2026. Migration rules and occupation lists change frequently — always verify on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and the relevant assessing body before acting.