Employer sponsored
Subclass 482
Skills in Demand visa
Work in Australia for an approved employer, with a pathway to permanent residency.
Reviewed by SavieMEC's registered migration agents
View all Google reviews (opens in a new tab)“She was extremely supportive and guided me throughout my subclass 482 visa. Her tone was always polite, professional, and reassuring, which made the whole process much less stressful.”
About the Skills in Demand visa
The Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. It lets approved Australian employers sponsor skilled workers for roles they can't fill locally.
There are three streams. Which one fits depends on the occupation and the salary offered. Time on a 482 can count towards permanent residency through the 186 visa.
Streams
Specialist Skills
Highly paid specialists in most occupations, above a high income threshold
Core Skills
Occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List, above the core income threshold
Labour Agreement
Through an agreement between the employer and the government
Key requirements
- An approved sponsoring employer and an approved nomination
- An eligible occupation and salary for your stream
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience
- Skills assessment, if required for your occupation
- English language requirements
- Health insurance, health and character requirements
What this visa lets you do
- Work in Australia for your sponsor in the nominated role
- Bring your partner and children (with work and study rights)
- Change to a new approved sponsor if your job ends (within set time limits)
- Count your time towards the 186 permanent visa
How to apply
- 01
Step 1
Employer becomes an approved sponsor
- 02
Step 2
Employer nominates the position (with labour market testing if required)
- 03
Step 3
Worker lodges the visa application
- 04
Step 4
Health checks and police certificates
- 05
Step 5
Decision, then start work
Common reasons applications fail
- Position not shown to be genuine
- Salary below the threshold or market rate
- Work experience not proven or not relevant
- Employer's business not active or eligible
- Labour market testing not done correctly
Download PDF
Employer sponsorship checklist
Free PDF checklist. Print it or save it to your phone before your consultation.
Download PDFGovernment fees
What Home Affairs charges, current as at 1 July 2026. These are not our professional fees.
Employer sponsorship, nomination and levy
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Standard business sponsorship application Approval usually lasts 5 years. | $420 |
| Skills in Demand (482) nomination For each nomination. | $330 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (186) nomination Nil for Temporary Residence Transition or labour agreement positions in regional Australia. | $540 |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) nomination | Nil |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 482, turnover under $10 million For each year of the visa period nominated. | $1,200 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 482, turnover $10 million or more For each year of the visa period nominated. | $1,800 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 186 or 494, turnover under $10 million Paid once, with the nomination. | $3,000 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 186 or 494, turnover $10 million or more Paid once, with the nomination. | $5,000 |
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $4,015 |
| Each additional applicant aged 18 or over | $4,015 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | $1,005 |
| Subsequent temporary application charge May apply to each applicant lodging in Australia who already holds certain temporary visas. | $700 |
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a consultation and we'll map out your options.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Skills in Demand visa (482) the same as the old TSS visa?
The Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. It keeps the subclass number 482 and has three main streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills and Labour Agreement. Generally you need at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
What happens if I lose my job on a 482 visa?
You generally have up to 180 days at a time (and up to 365 days in total over the visa) to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa or leave Australia. Contact us straight away, because the time passes quickly.
Can I change employers on a 482 visa?
Yes. Your new employer must be an approved sponsor and lodge a new nomination for you. You can start working for the new employer once the nomination is approved.
Can the 482 visa lead to permanent residency?
Often, yes. Many 482 visa holders apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (186) through the Temporary Residence Transition stream, generally after 2 years of sponsored work. We plan the timing with you from the start.
Can my family work on a 482 visa?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your Skills in Demand visa application or added later. Included family members generally have full work rights, and children can attend school in Australia.
General information only, not migration advice. Visa rules change often. We'll confirm what applies to you in a consultation. Last reviewed October 2026 by SavieMEC's registered migration agents.