Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa

Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa, subclass 482, enables Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for roles they cannot fill locally. Introduced in December 2024, it replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa as part of Australia’s skilled migration reforms.

This visa has three streams:

1. Core Skills, for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List;
2. Specialist Skills, targeting high-earning professionals in strategic industries;
3. Labour Agreement, available under agreements negotiated between employers and the Australian Government.

Depending on the stream, the visa allows stays of up to four years, with Hong Kong passport holders eligible for up to five years.

To qualify, applicants must be nominated by an approved employer, have their occupation on the relevant list, and meet English language, health, and character requirements. A minimum of two years’ work experience is usually required. Employers must also pay at least the Australian market salary rate and meet the current income threshold (AUD 73,150 or higher for Specialist Skills).

The SID visa offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), typically after two to three years of sponsorship. It provides opportunities for skilled workers while helping Australian businesses address critical workforce shortages.