482 Visa
To address persistent labour shortages and give businesses greater flexibility, the Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in 2024. The new 482 SID visa has a tiered approach that aligns visa options with the applicant’s occupation and annual earnings.
This guide provides an in‑depth look at the Skills in Demand visa, including eligibility requirements, salary thresholds, English language rules, fees, pathways to permanent residency and practical tips.
Whether you’re an employer seeking talent or a professional looking to work in Australia, this article will help you navigate the process with confidence.
What Is The Skills In Demand Visa?
The Skills in Demand visa is a temporary work visa (subclass 482) that allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers when there is no suitably qualified Australian available. It grants up to four years of stay (five years for Hong Kong passport holders) and has no age limit. Holders can live, work and study in Australia and may include family members in their application. Importantly, the SID visa creates a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after just two years.
Why Has The Old TSS Visa Been Replaced?
Under the old TSS visa, salary thresholds were inflexible and processing could be slow.
The new Skills in Demand visa introduces a tiered system aligned to labour market needs.
Each tier has different income thresholds and occupation lists, making it easier for highly paid specialists, core skilled workers and essential workers to find the right visa pathway.
The Three Streams Of The Skills in Demand Visa
1. Specialist Skills Stream
The Specialist Skills Stream is aimed at top professionals whose expertise significantly contributes to Australia’s productivity. It applies to occupations in ANZSCO major groups 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Key features include:
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Salary requirement: Applicants must be paid at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) of AUD 141,210 from 1 July 2025. Employers must also pay at or above the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR).
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Experience: At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
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Skills assessment & nomination: A positive skills assessment may be required; applicants must be nominated by an approved sponsor and work only for that sponsor.
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Benefits: Stay up to four years (five for Hong Kong passport holders); study and travel; potential pathway to permanent residency.
Typical occupations include senior engineers, IT, architects, specialist medical practitioners and other high‑earning professionals.
Employers looking to bring in senior talent can learn more about sponsoring staff on our Employer Sponsorship Visa page.
2. Core Skills Stream
The Core Skills Stream caters to a wide range of skilled workers on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This stream forms the backbone of Australia’s skilled migration programme and includes professions such as nurses, teachers, tradespeople and IT professionals. Key requirements are:
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Salary requirement: Workers must be paid at least the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), which is AUD 76,515 as of 1 July 2025, and meet the AMSR.
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Experience & skills: At least one year of relevant experience plus any required qualifications and skills assessments.
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Visa length: Up to four years with the ability to include family members and travel freely. After working for the sponsor for two years, applicants may transition to permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
Check out our up-to-date 2025 Core Skills Occupation List before lodging a nomination.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement.
- Stay: Up to 4 years, depending on the terms in the labour agreement. (Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years).
- Cost: From AUD3,115.00
- Criteria:
- Be nominated to work in a specified occupation under the terms of a Labour Agreement.
Unless otherwise specified in the Labour Agreement, applicants must have at least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field within the last 5 years. - Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
- Have a relevant skills assessment if this is required for the occupation.
- Applicants must meet both health and character requirements.
4. Essential Skills Pathway
The Essential Skills Pathway is still being finalised, but it will replace the Labour Agreement stream and cater to occupations requiring vocational training. According to available information, it is expected to include tradespeople, aged‑care workers, early childcare workers and hospitality staff. Anticipated features are:
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Vocational qualifications or training and 1–3 years of experience.
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English proficiency, health and character checks and, in some cases, age restrictions.
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Labour agreements or regional focus for industries with acute shortages.
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Benefits: easier employer mobility, wage protections and a clearer path to permanent residency.
As more details emerge, we will update this article.
Tier 1 – Specialist Skills | No specific occupation list applies, but trades workers, machine operators, drivers, and labourers are not eligible. Applicants must have guaranteed annual earnings of at least $141,210 between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, with the threshold indexed annually. This stream offers priority processing, with a median processing time target of 7 days. |
Tier 2 - Core Skills Pathway | A streamlined and regularly updated Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), maintained by Jobs and Skills Australia. Applicants must earn at least $76,515 annually between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, with this threshold indexed each year. |
Tier 3 - Essential Skills Pathway | For roles earning below $76,515 per year that fall within essential skill occupations. The government is still determining the best approach to implement this pathway. It is expected to be sector-specific, with stricter regulations, defined minimum standards, and ongoing guidance from Jobs and Skills Australia. |
Eligibility And Application Process
Applying for the Skills in Demand visa involves three steps:
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Sponsorship: The employer must become an approved standard business sponsor. This requires demonstrating lawful and active operation in Australia and meeting training obligations. For guidance, see our Employer Sponsorship Visa page or get in touch and arrange a consultation.
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Nomination: Once approved as a sponsor, the employer nominates the position and selects the appropriate SID stream (Specialist, Core or Essential). The nominated occupation must appear on the relevant list and the salary offered must satisfy threshold requirements.
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Visa application: The prospective worker lodges the visa application. Key requirements include:
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Qualifications and experience: At least one year of relevant work experience, plus any mandatory skills assessment.
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English language proficiency
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Health and character checks
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Visa Duration And Pathways To Permanent Residency
The SID visa is issued for up to four years (five years for Hong Kong passport holders) and can be renewed by lodging a new nomination and visa application.
Because there is no age limit the visa offers flexibility for mid‑career professionals and experienced tradespeople.
Transition To Permanent Residency Pathway
After working for their sponsor on a SID visa for two years, holders might be able to apply for permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). Employers must lodge a nomination and satisfy salary and genuine need requirements.
Once approved, the subclass 186 visa grants permanent residence, gives access to Medicare and the ability to sponsor eligible family members.
In‑Demand Occupations For SSID
Check out our in-demand occupations list or the 2025 Core Skills Occupation List, certain roles consistently appear on lists of high demand. Based on information from migration experts, the following occupations are often highlighted for the Essential Skills pathway:
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Tradespeople: plumbers, electricians, carpenters and mechanics.
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Aged‑care & healthcare workers: aged‑care assistants, nurses, disability support workers.
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Childcare & education: childcare workers, early childhood teachers, education aides.
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Hospitality staff: chefs, cooks, hotel supervisors and restaurant managers.
If you’re unsure whether your occupation qualifies, our 482 visa sponsorship page explains how to check occupation lists and compare streams.
Don’t just take our word for it,
book a consultation!
Request an appointment today for your initial consultation with one of our experts. Call us on 03 9111 0009
How Nexor Group Can Help
Navigating Australia’s immigration rules can be challenging. Nexor Group is a trusted migration and education consultancy that has helped thousands of clients secure visas.
Whether you’re an employer seeking to sponsor a specialist or a skilled professional aiming for an exciting career in Australia, our team is here to provide step‑by‑step guidance. Contact us for a consultation or to subscribe to visa updates.
SSID FAQ
Up to four years for most applicants, or five years for Hong Kong passport holders. A new nomination and visa application are required to extend your stay.
Don’t just take our word for it,
book a consultation!
Request an appointment today for your initial consultation with one of our experts. Call us on 03 9111 0009
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