Introduction
The Skills in Demand Visa (SID) (subclass 482) allows Australian employers to fill labour shortages by hiring skilled workers from overseas when they are unable to find suitably qualified workers in Australia.
This visa fulfils Australia’s labour market demands and helps alleviate skill shortages across various industries and sectors.
The Skills in Demand Visa (SID) has replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa as of December 2024, offering greater flexibility for both skilled workers and employers.
Skills in Demand Visa Streams
The Skills in Demand Visa includes three different streams as follows:
1. Core Skills Stream
The Core Skills stream is tailored for skilled workers and allows employers to sponsor overseas skilled workers for up to 4 years, or up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders, for the occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Sponsored individuals must receive an annual minimum salary above the current Core Skilled Threshold ($73,150), which will be adjusted annually for indexation.
2. Specialist Skills Stream
Tailored for top-tier professionals earning over $135,000 annually, the Specialist Skills stream allows employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for up to four years in almost any ANZSCO-listed occupation. This stream offers a swift guaranteed processing time of just seven days.
Note that trades occupations, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers are excluded from this stream.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement stream of this visa is designed for the employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian government. This stream allows businesses to sponsor overseas workers when standard visa programs do not meet their workforce needs.
Individuals earning below the Core Skilled Threshold (CST) can access this stream if they have a sponsor with an approved labour agreement.
There will be permanent residency pathways for all streams under the Skills in Demand (SID) visa through The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) subject to meeting certain criteria.
Benefits of the SID Visa
- Work in Australia for up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders)
- Study in Australia at local institutions (without government funding)
- Travel freely to and from Australia during the visa’s validity
- Pathway to permanent residency, subject to meeting eligibility criteria
- Include family members as secondary applicants in your application
Eligibility Requirements
Visa Applicant
General Requirements
- Hold an appropriate visa if applying from within Australia (substantive visa, Bridging Visa A, B, or C).
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.
Work & Sponsorship Requirements
- Be nominated by an approved sponsor.
- Have relevant skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation.
- Have at least 1 year of work experience in the nominated occupation within the past 5 years.
Additional Requirements
- Meet the specific stream requirements (outlined above).
- Meet English language proficiency standards (IELTS score of 5 overall, with a minimum of 5 in each component, or equivalent, unless exempt).
Note that some applicants must undertake a mandatory skills assessment. Applicants who fit this category are outlined in IMMI 18/039: Mandatory Skills Assessment—Subclass 482 Visa. Exemptions may apply.
Sponsor
- Be legally operating in Australia.
- Have no adverse information recorded against it.
- Adhere to fair recruitment practices, ensuring no discrimination in hiring.
Application Process
The application process for the Skills in Demand Visa (SID) (Subclass 482) involves three key steps:
1. Sponsorship Application
For your employer to sponsor you, they must first submit a sponsorship application to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor. This involves demonstrating that their business is legally operating in Australia and has a genuine need for skilled overseas workers.
Once approved, the sponsorship remains valid for 5 years and allows the employer to nominate eligible workers for skilled positions.
2. Nomination Application
Once the sponsorship application is submitted, the employer must submit a nomination application for the specific skilled position under the Skills in Demand Visa. This involves proving that the role is genuine, aligns with the relevant skilled occupation list and that no suitable Australian worker is available.
The employer must meet labour market testing (LMT) requirements and ensure the nominee receives at least the annual market salary rate (AMSR) if the annual salary is less than AUD 250,000.
3. Visa Application
After the nomination application, the nominee must submit a visa application for the Skills in Demand Visa (SID) (Subclass 482). The applicant must meet the skills and experience requirements for the nominated occupation, provide evidence of English proficiency (unless exempt), and also satisfy health and character requirements.
If granted, the visa allows the applicant to work for the sponsoring employer in Australia for the approved period with certain conditions such as maintaining valid employment.
Visa Fee
- Main applicant: AUD 3,115
- Additional applicant charge for 18 and over: AUD 3,115
- Additional applicant charge for under 18: AUD 780
FAQs about the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
1. Is there an age limit for the visa?
No, there is no age limit for applying for the visa. Age limits may apply to permanent residency pathways if you want to apply later.
2. Can I apply for permanent residency on a 482 visa?
Depending on your circumstances, there may be various permanent residency pathways, such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) or Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187).
3. What is the minimum salary for a 482 visa?
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) is currently $73,150 per year (excluding superannuation). Your employer must offer a salary that meets or exceeds this threshold and aligns with the Australian market rate for the role.
4. Can my family come with me on a SID visa?
Yes, you can include your family members in your application. They will have full work and study rights in Australia.
5. Can I change employers on the visa?
If you leave your current sponsor, you have 180 days to find another approved sponsor or make alternative arrangements for another visa or leaving Australia.
6. Does the visa require Labour Market Testing (LMT)?
In most cases, your employer must demonstrate that they advertised the position in Australia and could not find a suitable local worker before sponsoring an overseas applicant.
7. Can I apply for the visa in Australia?
Yes, you can apply in or out of Australia, provided you meet all eligibility requirements.
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