How does the 482 SID differ from the old TSS visa?

The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa in November 2024. Key changes include the introduction of three distinct streams (Foundation, Core, Specialist) replacing the Short-Term and Medium-Term streams, a new salary-based Specialist stream, and clearer PR pathways. The SBS (Standard Business Sponsorship) requirement remains.

Is Labour Market Testing (LMT) required?

LMT is required for the Core stream — the employer must demonstrate they attempted to recruit an Australian citizen or permanent resident before nominating an overseas worker. The Specialist stream is exempt from LMT due to the high salary threshold ($135,000+). The Foundation stream also requires LMT.

Can my family members come with me on a 482 visa?

Yes. Your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants. They are generally granted the same visa conditions and can work and study in Australia for the duration of your visa.

What happens if I need to change employers?

Your 482 visa is tied to your sponsoring employer and nominated occupation. If you change employers, your new employer must hold Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) and lodge a new nomination for you. You may apply for a new 482 visa or seek a visa with the new nomination. Short gaps between sponsors are generally tolerated but you should get advice.

How do I transition to permanent residence (PR)?

The most common pathway is the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. After holding a Core or Specialist 482 visa for at least 2 years (3 years under some older TSS grants), with the same employer in the same occupation, you and your employer can apply for the 186 ENS for permanent residence.

Is there an age limit for the 482 visa?

Yes — applicants must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of visa application. There are limited exemptions, including for high-income earners (Specialist stream), certain academics, and some science or research roles. You should check the current exemption list on the Department of Home Affairs website.

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Employer Sponsored · Subclass 482

Skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 482

A temporary employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers across three streams based on salary and occupation type. Replaced the TSS visa in November 2024.

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

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STREAM SELECTOR

Choose a stream to see its requirements at a glance.

Duration

4 years

Salary threshold

TSMIT ~$73,150+

LMT required

Yes

PR pathway

Yes — via 186 TRT

TYPICAL OCCUPATIONS

Accountant

Software engineer

Registered nurse

Most common stream. PR pathway via subclass 186 after 2 years.

Quick Answer

The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa lets an approved sponsor employ a skilled worker in Australia for up to four years, as Nanak Migration Group, a registered migration agent (MARN 2619467), explains. Employers need Standard Business Sponsorship and a role that fits the Core Skills Occupation List or another eligible stream. Many holders later pursue the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) via the 482 to PR pathway. See all employer-sponsored visas for the wider landscape.

Reviewed by Navpreet Aulakh, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619467)

Last reviewed: July 2026

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

All three streams share a base set of eligibility criteria. Stream-specific salary and LMT requirements apply in addition.

Employer sponsorship

Your employer must hold or apply for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) before nominating you.

Approved occupation

The nominated occupation must appear on the relevant MLTSSL, STSOL, or regional occupation list for the stream.

Salary threshold (TSMIT)

Core stream requires earnings at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (~$73,150 p.a.). Specialist stream requires $135,000+.

Skills & qualifications

Relevant qualifications, skills assessment (for some occupations), and at least 2 years of relevant work experience.

English language

At least competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent). Some Specialist stream high earners may be exempt.

Age under 45

You must be under 45 at the time of visa application. Limited exemptions apply for certain roles and streams.

Application

Application Pathway

The 482 application involves three distinct approval stages — SBS, nomination, and the visa itself.

Employer obtains SBS

Your employer applies for (or already holds) Standard Business Sponsorship with the Department of Home Affairs.

Employer lodges nomination

The employer nominates the position and occupation, demonstrating the role meets salary and LMT requirements.

You apply for the visa

Once the nomination is approved (or concurrently), you lodge the subclass 482 visa application with supporting documents.

Visa granted — begin work

On grant, you (and any secondary applicants) can enter Australia and commence work in the nominated occupation.

Transition to 186 ENS (optional)

After 2 years in the Core or Specialist stream, apply for permanent residence via the 186 TRT stream with the same employer.

Streams

Stream Comparison

A side-by-side overview of all three 482 streams.

CRITERION	Foundation	Core	Specialist
Duration	2 years	4 years	4 years
Salary threshold	No TSMIT	~$73,150	$135,000+
LMT required	Yes	Yes	No
PR pathway	No	Yes (186)	Yes (186)
Skills assessment	Sometimes	Sometimes	Rarely
English requirement	Competent	Competent	Competent*

* Some Specialist high-earners may be exempt from English requirements. Seek advice for your specific situation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa.

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Our registered migration agents will assess your stream eligibility, guide your employer through SBS and nomination, and prepare your complete visa application. Navpreet Aulakh — MARN 2619467.

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MARA-registered · MARN 2619467 · General information only

General information only — not immigration advice

About this information

This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.

No outcome representation

Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.

Get personal advice

Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.

Skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 482

A temporary employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers across three streams based on salary and occupation type. Replaced the TSS visa in November 2024.

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

CRITERION

Foundation

Core

Specialist

Duration

2 years

4 years

Salary threshold

No TSMIT

~$73,150

$135,000+

LMT required

Yes

PR pathway

Yes (186)

Skills assessment

Sometimes

Rarely

English requirement

Competent

Competent*