Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482 Visa)
On 7 December 2024, the Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa.
If your employer has lodged a TSS nomination and you have not lodged your associated TSS visa application before 7 December 2024, if the nomination is approved it will be deemed a SID nomination and you can lodge an associated application for a SID visa.
The Skills in Demand (SID) 482 visa, is a temporary visa that permits the holder to live in Australia while working full-time for the sponsoring employer, in a nominated occupation that is listed on the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL).
Note: you cannot apply for this visa if you do not have an employer willing to sponsor and employ you in a full-time position. We cannot assist you in finding an employer as we are not a recruitment consultancy.
Skills in Demand Visa
Skills in Demand 482 Visa Requirements
You are required to:
1. Have a job offer
2. As of 7 December 2024, a minimum of 12 months’ relevant full-time work experience
3. Genuine intention to work in the nominated position
4. Qualifications that are relevant to the position
5. Adequate arrangements for health insurance
6. Meet health, character and English requirements
SID nomination (position) requirements
1. A genuine, full-time position
2. Work in the sponsor’s business unless an associated entity
3. A salary in line with market rates, not below $73,150
4. Subject to Labour Market Testing, unless exemptions apply
5. On the relevant occupation lists
Age Restriction for a SID 482 visa
The SID visa introduces a tiered structure to streamline skilled migration, moving away from the previous short-term and medium-long term occupation lists under the Temporary Skills Shortage Subclass 482 visa:
1. Specialist Skills Pathway (SSP):
- No ANZSCO code required
- Minimum base salary: $130,000 per annum
- Excludes trade, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers
- Launch date on 7 December 2024
2. Core Skills Pathway (CSP):
3. Essential Skills Pathway (ESP):
- Reserved for lower-remuneration roles deemed critical to Australia’s labour needs
- Expected to launch in 2025
What you and your family can do whilst on a SID 482 Visa?
If you are granted this visa as a primary applicant, you can travel to and from Australia for the duration of the visa and will be entitled to work only for the approved sponsor who has nominated you in your chosen occupation.
Whilst holding this visa, your family members – included in your application – can travel to and from Australia for the duration of the visa and can work or study in Australia without restriction.
Processing Time for SID 482 Visa
Processing times fluctuate in accordance with the departmental workload and are updated monthly. You can check the current processing time on https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times
If the employer is an accredited sponsor or your occupation is in a targeted sector by the government, such as health and education, your application will be prioritised.
Employment Terminated
You must notify the Department of Home Affairs of any change in your circumstances. If the SID 482 sponsor terminates your employment, you must do one of the following:
- Find another employer who is willing to sponsor you; or
- Apply for another type of visa; however, there could be complications due to the 180 days’ time limit; or
- Leave Australia within 180 days, depending on your visa grant date
Please note that you have 180 days from the date of termination to find another employer to sponsor you. You can work in whatever capacity for the first 180 days without an employer sponsor.
If you’d like more information, feel free to book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions on Skills in Demand 482 Visa
Who pays for the costs?
All costs relating to the business sponsorship and business nomination are legally required to be paid by the employer, including any consultancy fees for migration agents; it is against the law to pass these costs onto the applicant.
Fees for the visa application itself can be paid by either employer or visa applicant; it’s up to what is negotiated between the employer and applicant.
Can I Change Sponsors?
If you hold a SID 482 visa, you can transfer your sponsorship to a new employer. Your new sponsor will need to nominate you on a SID 482 visa. You are permitted to work with another employer, for up to 180 days, without lodging a new business nomination. The onus is on the SID 482 visa holder to make certain you understand the conditions on your SID 482 visa.
What Does this Visa Allow You to Do?
The SID 482 visa is a temporary visa that permits the holder to live in Australia while working full-time for the sponsoring employer in the nominated position. Applicants for a SID visa may include dependent members of the family unit.
Family members, as a secondary dependent on the main SID 482 visa applicant, can enjoy unrestricted work rights whilst the holder of a SID 482 visa.
What are the obligations of SID 482 Visa holders?
You must maintain health insurance at an appropriate level while you are in Australia. Reciprocal health arrangements may not always be adequate.
The primary visa holder must also engage in approved work. This generally means:
- Only work in the occupation for which your visa was approved. To work in a different occupation you must apply for and be granted a new SID visa
- Only work for the employer who nominated the position you are working in (limited exceptions apply)
- Not cease employment for a period that exceeds up to 180 days in a single period, and up to 365 days in total across the period your visa is granted for (from 1 July 2024)
- Hold any licence, registration or membership that is mandatory to perform the occupation nominated in relation to you
- Comply with each condition or requirement to which the licence, registration or membership is subject
Can a SID 482 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
There is no obligation for an employer to sponsor you for permanent residency. It’s dependent on the business needs and whether or not there is an ongoing need for the full-time position.
Generally speaking, occupations nominated from the MLTSSL occupation list will provide a pathway to permanent residency through the 186 Visa Subclass.
482 Visa Success Story
My name is Maarij Farooqi. Raised and educated in Dubai, my family comes from Pakistan. Living now in Bondi Beach with a vibrant life around me, which wasn’t always like such. I arrived in Australia 5 years ago on a student visa in a subject I astutely chose and never found my passion in.