Skills in Demand Visa

Sponsoring Skilled Workers: Your Guide to the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

As an Australian employer, navigating labour shortages can be challenging when you cannot source appropriately skilled local talent. The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) offers a strategic solution. This temporary visa lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a critical position within their organisation.

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Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the visa, its streams, and the essential requirements to help you manage your workforce effectively.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To successfully sponsor a candidate under the Subclass 482 visa, several fundamental criteria must be met. The applicant must:

• Be formally nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor.

• Possess the right skills, qualifications, and experience to perform the job.

• Meet the relevant English language requirements.

Important Note on Salaries: Skilled visa income thresholds are consistently reviewed and are increasing in line with changes to annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings. Employers should prepare for the annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds, effective from 1 July 2025.

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The Four Streams of the Skills in Demand Visa

The Subclass 482 visa is divided into four primary streams tailored to different business needs and applicant circumstances. Across all streams, the base application cost starts from AUD 3,210.00. Processing times vary, and the Department's visa processing time guide tool can provide an indication based on recently decided applications.

1. Core Skills Stream

This stream enables employers to directly address standard labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers.

• Duration: Up to 4 years (Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years).

• Key Requirement: The nominated occupation must be listed on the official Core Skills Occupation List.

2. Specialist Skills Stream

Designed for highly specialised roles, this stream facilitates the recruitment of top-tier global talent.

• Duration: Up to 4 years (Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years).

• Key Requirement: The applicant's occupation must be classified under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6. Additionally, the nominated salary for the position must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.

3. Labour Agreement Stream

This pathway is specifically for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a negotiated Labour Agreement in place.

• Duration: Up to a maximum of 4 years, depending on the specific terms outlined in the labour agreement (Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years).

• Key Requirement: Your business must have an active labour agreement in effect with the Australian Government.

4. Subsequent Entrant

This stream exists to keep families together. It is designed for the family members of primary subclass 457 and subclass 482 visa holders who are applying separately for their visa to join the primary visa holder in Australia.

• Duration: The applicant can stay for as long as the primary visa remains valid.

• Key Requirement: The applicant must be a verified family member of a primary subclass 482 or 457 visa holder.

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Secure the Right Talent for Your Business

Managing the sponsorship process requires meticulous attention to detail and compliance with ongoing employer obligations. Identifying the correct visa stream and ensuring all regulatory thresholds are met is crucial for a smooth recruitment process.

To discuss your specific workforce needs and explore how the Skills in Demand Visa can benefit your organisation, book a free employer consultation with our team today. We provide integrated recruitment and immigration solutions tailored to help your business thrive.

Source of Information: The details provided in this article are sourced directly from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.