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457 Visa (Pre-2018) TSS Visa (2018-2024) - Replaced by Skills in Demand Skills in Demand (Current)
Employer Sponsored Work Visa

Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa

The primary employer-sponsored work visa for skilled workers. The TSS Visa (Subclass 482) operated from 2018-2024 before being replaced by the current Skills in Demand visa framework (December 2024 onwards). Formerly known as Subclass 457 visa before that. Work in Australia for 2-4 years with a clear pathway to permanent residency.

2-4 Year Visa
PR Pathway Available
Include Family

Visa Evolution History

1996 - March 2018
Subclass 457
Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa
March 2018 - 2024
Subclass 482 TSS
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
December 2024 - Present
Subclass 482 SID
Skills in Demand Visa

Three Visa Streams

The 482 visa has different streams based on your occupation and salary level.

High Earners

Specialist Skills Stream

Up to 4 Years

For high-earning professionals with annual earnings above the threshold. No occupation list restrictions - any skilled occupation eligible.

Income threshold: $135,000+ p.a.
No occupation list required
4-year visa duration
Employer mobility allowed
PR Pathway via Subclass 186
Special

Labour Agreement Stream

Up to 4 Years

For employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian Government. Often for industry-specific or regional needs.

Agreement-specific conditions
May allow lower requirements
Regional & industry agreements
Some have PR pathway
PR Possible (Agreement Dependent)

Visa Requirements

Key eligibility criteria for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa.

Employer Requirements

  • Employer must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor
  • Must demonstrate genuine need for the position
  • Labour Market Testing (LMT) - advertise locally first
  • Must pay market salary rate (TSMIT: $73,150+)
  • Pay Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy

Skills & Qualifications

  • Occupation on Core Skills Occupation List (Core stream)
  • Skills assessment from relevant assessing authority
  • Minimum 2 years relevant work experience
  • Qualifications equivalent to Australian standards
  • Licensing requirements (if applicable for occupation)

English Proficiency

  • IELTS: Overall 5.0 (minimum 5.0 each band)
  • PTE Academic: Overall 36 (minimum 36 each)
  • TOEFL iBT: L/R 4, W/S 14
  • OET: B for each component
  • Some occupations require higher English scores

Health & Character

  • Pass health examination from panel doctor
  • Clear police clearance certificates (PCC)
  • Meet character requirements (no serious criminal history)
  • Health insurance for entire duration of stay
  • No outstanding debts to Australian Government

Eligible Occupations

Popular occupations for 482 visa sponsorship from India.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The new Core Skills Occupation List replaced the previous MLTSSL and STSOL lists. It focuses on occupations genuinely needed in Australia and offers a clear pathway to permanent residency for most workers.

CSOL - Core Skills (PR Pathway) Specialist Skills ($135K+ salary) Labour Agreement

Software Engineer

CSOL - PR Pathway

Registered Nurse

CSOL - PR Pathway

Civil Engineer

CSOL - PR Pathway

Accountant

CSOL - PR Pathway

Chef

CSOL - PR Pathway

Electrician

CSOL - PR Pathway

Mechanical Engineer

CSOL - PR Pathway

Data Analyst

CSOL - PR Pathway

Application Process

Step-by-step guide to obtaining your 482 Skills in Demand visa.

1

Find an Employer Sponsor

Secure a job offer from an Australian employer willing to sponsor you. They must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor or apply to become one. We can help connect you with employers.

Varies
2

Skills Assessment

Get your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This confirms your qualifications match Australian standards. Required for most Core Skills stream applicants.

4-12 Weeks
3

Employer Nominates Position

Your employer lodges a nomination application for the position. They must demonstrate genuine need, pay market salary rates, and pay the SAF levy.

2-4 Months
4

Lodge Visa Application

Once nomination is approved, lodge your visa application with supporting documents including skills assessment, English test, health insurance, and police clearance.

1-2 Weeks to Submit
5

Health & Character Checks

Complete medical examination at a panel clinic and provide police clearance certificates from all countries where you lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years.

2-4 Weeks
6

Visa Decision

Department of Home Affairs processes your application. Processing times vary by stream and complexity. Once granted, you can travel to Australia and start work!

1-6 Months Processing

Visa Costs

Understand the fees involved in your 482 visa application.

Primary Applicant

AUD $1,600 - $2,770

Visa application charge varies by stream type (Core vs Specialist)

Family Members

AUD $800 - $1,385

Additional charge for each dependent family member (spouse/children)

Other Costs

~2-4 Lakhs

Skills assessment, English test, medicals, police checks, health insurance

Pathway to PR

482 visa holders can transition to permanent residency via Subclass 186.

Subclass 186 - TRT Stream

Temporary Residence Transition stream for 482 visa holders to obtain permanent residency

Work for 2+ Years

Work for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years on 482 visa

Employer Nominates

Your employer nominates you for permanent position under 186 visa

Get Permanent Residency

Receive PR visa - live and work anywhere in Australia permanently

Subclass 482 Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about this visa category.

What is the Subclass 482 visa?

Subclass 482 (TSS - Temporary Skill Shortage) is Australia's employer-sponsored work visa. It allows Australian employers to bring skilled workers when they cannot find qualified Australians.

What are the 482 visa streams?

Three streams exist: Short-term (2 years, no PR pathway), Medium-term (4 years, PR pathway), and Labour Agreement (specific to industry agreements). Medium-term is most popular.

Does employer need to sponsor me?

Yes, your employer must be an approved sponsor (Standard Business Sponsor) and nominate a position in an eligible occupation before you can apply for the visa.

What is the skills assessment requirement?

Some occupations require skills assessments, while others may have provisional assessments. Check your specific occupation requirements with the relevant assessing authority.

Can 482 lead to permanent residence?

Yes, Medium-term stream holders can transition to Subclass 186 (ENS) permanent residence after 2-3 years with the same employer in the same occupation.

What English level is required?

Most applicants need at least IELTS 5.0 overall with no band less than 4.5. Some occupations or nationalities may have different requirements or exemptions.

Can I change employers on 482?

Yes, but your new employer must become an approved sponsor and nominate you. You have 60 days to find new sponsorship if your current employment ceases.

Can my family join me on 482?

Yes, spouse/de facto partner and dependent children can be included. Secondary applicants can work and study in Australia.

What is the TSMIT salary requirement?

You must be paid at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $73,150 per year, or the market salary rate, whichever is higher.

How long does 482 take to process?

Processing typically takes 1-4 months. Employer sponsorship and nomination processing can add additional weeks before you lodge your visa application.

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