Subclass 482
Temporary visa to sponsor an eligible skilled worker to fill positions that can't be filled by skilled Australians.
Understand the Skills in Demand Visa
The Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa is a temporary visa for skilled workers who are sponsored by an approved Australian employer. It allows businesses to fill critical skill shortages and provides professionals with the opportunity to develop their careers and build a future in Australia.
At Immilex, we focus on the facts. We assess your eligibility and handle the technical details of the application so that you have a clear roadmap from the very beginning.
Key factors of success:
- 1-Year Experience Rule: Requires 1 year of relevant work experience.
- Income Thresholds: The role must meet specific salary floors (SSIT or CSIT) and align with the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR).
- Genuine Need: The employer must prove the business is actively operating and has a genuine need for the nominated position.
Specialist Skills Stream
What it is for: Recruiting highly skilled professionals in specialized roles (excluding trades, machinery operators, and labourers). It is specifically designed for high-earners in ANZSCO major groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6.
What it allows: Work for your sponsoring employer; travel freely; include family; and access a 2-year pathway to Permanent Residency.
Key Requirements: Be nominated in any eligible occupation (excluding trades and labour-heavyroles).
- Have at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
- Obtain required skills assessment and meet English requirements (unless exempt).
Income Threshold: Mustbe paid at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), currently $141,210 (increasing to $146,717 on 1 July 2026).
Labour Market Testing (LMT): Required (unless an International Trade Obligation applies).
Nomination/Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by an approved Standard Business Sponsor.
Length of Stay: Up to 4 years.
Core Skills Stream
What it is for: The primary pathway for the majority of skilled occupations identified on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
What it allows: Full work rights with the sponsor; family inclusion; and a streamlined transition to PR.
Key Requirements: Be nominated in an occupation on the CSOL.
- Have at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
- Obtain required skills assessment and meet English requirements.
Income Threshold: Must be paid at least the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT),currently $76,515 (increasing to $79,499 on 1 July 2026).
Labour Market Testing (LMT): Mandatory within the 4 months prior to lodgement.
Nomination/Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by an approved Standard Business Sponsor.
Length of Stay: Up to 4 years.
Labour Agreement Stream
What it is for: For employers in industries or regions with unique needs not met by the standard Specialist or Core streams (e.g., DAMAs).
What it allows: Work under specific negotiated terms; may include concessions for English, age, or salary as defined in the agreement.
Key Requirements: Be nominated in an occupation as per the specific Labour Agreement.
- Have at least 1 year of relevant work experience (unless the agreement specifies otherwise).
- Obtain any required skills assessment and meet English requirements (unless exempt).
Income Threshold: As specified in the Labour Agreement (which may allow forconcessions below the standard CSIT).
Labour Market Testing (LMT): Must be performed as per the requirements set out in the individual Labour Agreement (often required to show no local worker was available).
Nomination & Sponsorship: Nomination must be lodged under the specific Labour Agreement code held by the employer.
Length of Stay: Up to 4 years.
Subsequent Entrant
What it is for: For the partners and dependent children of an existing 482 or 457 visa holder who are applying separately to join the primary applicant.
What it allows: Live, work, and study in Australia for the duration of the primary applicant's visa; travel freely while the visa is valid.
Key Requirements: Be a partner or dependent of the primary 457/482 holder (or a qualifying family member).
- Be included in the nomination of the primary applicant as a family member.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Nomination/Sponsorship: Must be linked to the primary applicant’s existing sponsorship and nomination.
Length of Stay: Valid until the primary visa holder’s visa expires.
Maintaining compliance
The 482 visa is subject to strict conditions to protect the integrity of the Australian labor market.
- Occupation Exclusivity: Visa holders must only work in their nominated occupation and for their sponsoring employer (or associated entity).
- The 180-Day Rule: If your employment ends, you have 180 days to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or depart Australia.
- Employer Obligations: Sponsors must pay the market salary rate at all times and notify the Department within 28 days if the employment relationship ends.
- Health Insurance: Maintaining adequate health cover (OVHC) is a mandatory condition for the entire stay.
The 482 Application Process
Sponsorship
The business applies to become a Standard Business Sponsor (valid for 5 years).
Nomination
The business identifies the role, proves the market salary rate, and confirms LMT was completed.
Visa Application
The individual provides proof of identity, 3 years of experience, Skills Assessment, and character clearances.
For 482 Visa Applicants
Understanding your eligibility before lodging an application is the best way to avoid a refusal that could impact your future migration options. At Immilex we provide detailed assessment to ensure that the salary, experience, and occupation align perfectly with the chosen stream's criteria.
We also assist in planning your long-term roadmap, ensuring your 482 visa serves as a valid stepping stone toward the 186 Permanent Residence visa once you reach your 2-year milestone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Subsequent Entrants (partners) generally hold full work rights and are not restricted to a specific employer or occupation.
Yes. If you move to a new sponsor, that employer must lodge a new nomination, which includes proving they could not find an Australian for the role through LMT.
If your salary is below $135,000 but above the Core threshold ($76,515), you may still be eligible under the Core Skills Stream, provided your occupation is on the CSOL.
Yes. You have 180 days to find a new sponsor who must lodge a new nomination for you. You do not necessarily need a new visa, just an approved nomination to start work with the new employer.
Subclass 482 visa holders are eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (Subclass 186) after 2 years of working with their nominating employer.
Secure Your Workforce Strategy
Whether you are scaling a business or planning your career, the right advice is essential. Contact Immilex for a consultation and a 482 roadmap you can rely on.