What is the 482 Skills in Demand (SID) Visa?
Australia's main employer-sponsored temporary work visa. An Australian employer sponsors you to work in a specific role for up to 4 years. You can apply for permanent residency after 2 years. Replaced the old TSS 482 on 7 December 2024. Minimum salary (TSMIT) is $73,150 for Core Skills in 2026.
Quick Eligibility Check
Answer 5 questions to see if you qualify and which stream you fall into.
1
Do you have a job offer or employer willing to sponsor you in Australia?
2
What is your offered annual salary (AUD, base, excluding super)?
3
How much relevant work experience do you have in this occupation?
4
What is your English level?
5
Where are you currently located?
Result
Core Requirements — All Streams
Work Experience
1 year
Relevant experience within last 5 years. Reduced from 2 years Dec 2024.
English Level
IELTS 5.0+
All 4 bands minimum 5.0. PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge also accepted.
Age
No limit
No age cap for 482 SID visa itself. Age matters for 186 PR pathway (under 45).
Health & Character
Required
Medical exam + police clearance from every country lived in 12+ months.
Visa Duration
Up to 4 years
Core & Specialist streams. Can be extended or transitioned to PR.
Skills Assessment
Required (most)
Core Skills stream requires skills assessment for most occupations. Not required for Specialist stream.
What Changed — Old TSS 482 vs New SID 482
| What | Old TSS 482 (before Dec 2024) | New SID 482 (from Dec 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Work experience required | 2 years | 1 year ✓ Improved |
| PR pathway (via 186) | 3 years same employer | 2 years, multiple sponsors ✓ Improved |
| Change employer grace period | 60 days | 180 days ✓ Improved |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL | CSOL (456 occupations) — unified list |
| Streams | Short-term / Medium-term | Specialist / Core / Essential — clearer |
| High earner pathway | No — occupation list required for all | Yes — $141K+ earners: no occupation list needed ✓ |
Specialist Skills Stream
Salary $141,210+ per year
For highly paid professionals. No occupation list required — if you earn $141,210+, almost any ANZSCO occupation qualifies (except trades, machine operators and labourers).
No CSOL required
7-day processing
No skills assessment
Any profession
Must earn $141,210+
Who this is for: Senior tech leads, specialist doctors, executives, senior engineers, finance directors — anyone earning at or above the threshold in a professional occupation.
Core Skills Stream
Salary $73,150 — $141,209
The main stream for most applicants. Your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL — 456 occupations). Covers healthcare, engineering, IT, education, trades and more.
456 CSOL occupations
4 years visa
→ PR after 2 years
Skills assessment needed
Labour Market Testing
15-day target (UDPE)
Who this is for: Nurses, engineers, software developers, teachers, accountants, tradespeople — skilled workers earning between $73,150 and $141,210 in a CSOL occupation.
Essential Skills Stream
Below $73,150 — Labour Agreement
For essential workers in the care economy — aged care, disability support, community services. Requires a labour agreement between the employer and DHA.
Aged care & disability
Community services
Labour agreement required
Still in development
Union oversight
Who this is for: Aged care workers, disability support workers. Complex process — labour agreement must be negotiated between employer and DHA. Consult a MARA agent.
Stream Comparison at a Glance
Specialist Skills
Min. salary
$141,210
Occupation list
None required
Skills assessment
Not required
Processing time
7–53 days
PR pathway
186 after 2 yrs
Visa length
Up to 4 years
Family included?
Yes — full rights
Core Skills
Min. salary
$73,150 (TSMIT)
Occupation list
CSOL (456 occs)
Skills assessment
Required (most)
Processing time
15 days (UDPE target)
PR pathway
186 after 2 yrs
Visa length
Up to 4 years
Family included?
Yes — full rights
Essential Skills
Min. salary
Below $73,150
Occupation list
Labour agreement
Skills assessment
Varies
Processing time
Varies
PR pathway
Varies by agreement
Visa length
Varies
Family included?
Generally yes
New Worker Protections (December 2024)
180-day portability — change employer without losing visa
If your employer terminates you or you choose to leave, you have 180 days to find a new approved sponsor. During this period you can work any job. Previously this was only 60 days.
PR counts across multiple employers
The 2 years of work needed before applying for 186 PR can now be accumulated across multiple approved sponsors — not just one employer. This removes the "trapped employee" problem.
SAF levy refund if you leave within 12 months
If you leave Australia before 12 months, the employer can apply for a partial SAF levy refund.
Employers cannot recover costs from employees
It is illegal for an employer to pass the SAF levy, SBS fee, or nomination fee costs on to the visa holder. Penalties up to $93,000 per breach.
How occupation eligibility works for the SID 482 visa
For the Core Skills stream, your occupation must appear on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). For the Specialist Skills stream, any professional occupation qualifies if you earn $141,210+. Trades, machine operators and labourers cannot access the Specialist stream.
Search Your Occupation
CSOL Coverage — What's In and What's Out
✓ ON THE CSOL (456 occupations)
Healthcare — nurses, doctors, allied health
Engineering — civil, mechanical, electrical
Technology — software, networks, cybersecurity
Education — teachers, early childhood
Construction — project managers, surveyors
Accounting & Finance
Social & community services
Agriculture & environment
Trades — electricians, plumbers, carpenters
Child care workers (new Dec 2024)
Data analysts & scientists (new Dec 2024)
Supply chain analysts (new Dec 2024)
✗ REMOVED FROM CSOL (Dec 2024)
Café and Restaurant Manager
ICT Support Engineer
Graphic Designer
Marketing Specialist (some)
⚠ SPECIALIST STREAM ONLY (no CSOL)
Removed occupations if earning $141K+
Senior executive roles
C-suite positions
✗ CANNOT ACCESS SPECIALIST STREAM
Trades workers (ANZSCO Group 3)
Machine operators (ANZSCO Group 7)
Labourers (ANZSCO Group 8)
Always verify at the official DHA CSOL list — the list is updated by Jobs and Skills Australia and can change.
Occupation Caveats — 14 Special Conditions
Some CSOL occupations have additional requirements called "caveats." Even if your occupation is on the list, you must also meet the caveat to be eligible.
Registered Nurse — must hold AHPRA registration or have applied for it
Medical Practitioners — must hold or be eligible for specialist registration
Engineering occupations — may require Engineers Australia assessment
Accountants — must have CPA/CA ANZ/IPA assessment
Teachers — must hold or be eligible for state teaching registration
+ 9 other occupation-specific caveats. Always check the official DHA caveat list for your ANZSCO code.
482 SID → Permanent Residency pathway (updated December 2024)
The SID 482 is not permanent — but it is a structured stepping stone to PR. After 2 years of sponsored work you can apply for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme. Work can be spread across multiple approved sponsors. Use the 482 to 186 PR Timeline Calculator to see your exact eligibility date.
Full Pathway — From Sponsorship to Permanent Residency
Start — Months 1–3
Employer Sponsorship Process
Your employer applies for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) — $420 fee, 2–3 weeks processing. Simultaneously lodges nomination for your position. Nomination fee $330 + SAF levy. Both can be lodged at same time.
15 days target (UDPE system — live 28 March 2026)
Visa Application Processing
You lodge your visa application. Specialist Skills: 7–53 days. Core Skills: 15-day target under the new UDPE system (launched 28 March 2026). Includes health check, police clearance, skills assessment (if required). Family members can be included — full work and study rights.
Month 1+
482 SID Visa Granted — Work Begins
You work for your approved sponsor in your nominated occupation. Visa is valid for up to 4 years. Clock toward PR begins.
After 2 Years of Sponsored Work
186 PR Eligibility Unlocked
After 2 years of full-time sponsored work (reduced from 3 years), you become eligible to apply for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme. The 2 years can be across multiple approved sponsors. You must be under 45 at time of nomination.
Month 24–42 — PR Grant
186 ENS — Permanent Residency Granted
Your employer nominates you for permanent residency. You lodge the 186 visa application ($4,770 fee). Processing: 6–18 months. No points test — employer support is the key requirement.
186 PR Requirements — What You Need
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Work requirement | 2 years full-time sponsored work in nominated occupation (across 1 or more approved sponsors) |
| Age at nomination | Under 45 years. Exceptions: medical practitioners, academics, scientists earning $141K+ |
| English | Competent English — IELTS 6.0 all bands (or equivalent). Higher than 482 requirement. |
| Skills assessment | Required for most occupations unless already held for 482 application |
| Employer nomination | Your employer must nominate you and meet market salary requirements |
| Health & character | Full health checks + police clearances required again at 186 stage |
| Application fee | $4,770 (primary applicant). Additional fees for dependants. |
Alternative PR Pathways from 482
Points-tested pathway (189 / 190 / 491)
While on 482, you can build points and apply for a points-tested skilled visa independently of your employer. If your occupation is on MLTSSL and you have enough points, this can be faster than waiting for 186. Check your points score →
494 Employer Sponsored Regional
If your employer is in a regional area, you may be eligible for the 494 visa instead. Leads to 191 PR after 3 years in regional Australia.
⚠️ Important: Employers CANNOT pass costs to employees
By law, employers cannot recover the SAF levy, SBS fee, or nomination fee from the visa applicant. Doing so carries fines up to $93,000 per breach. If an employer asks you to pay these — that is illegal.
Employer Costs — What the Business Pays
| Fee | What it is | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)Employer | One-off application to become an approved sponsor. Valid 5 years. | $420 |
| Nomination feeEmployer | Per worker nominated. | $330 |
| SAF Levy — Small businessEmployer | Turnover under $10M. Per year of visa. 4-year visa = $4,800 total. | $1,200/yr |
| SAF Levy — Large businessEmployer | Turnover $10M+. Per year of visa. 4-year visa = $7,200 total. | $1,800/yr |
| Typical total employer cost (small biz, 4-year Core Skills visa) | ~$5,670 | |
| Typical total employer cost (large biz, 4-year Core Skills visa) | ~$8,670 | |
Applicant Costs — What You Pay
| Fee | What it is | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Charge (VAC)You pay | Primary applicant. Updated July 2025. | $3,210 |
| VAC — Spouse / partnerYou pay | Per adult dependent included in application. | $3,210 |
| VAC — Children under 18You pay | Per dependent child. | $805 |
| Health examinationYou pay | Per applicant. Panel physician cost varies. | $300–600 |
| Police clearanceYou pay | Required for each country lived in 12+ months in last 10 years. | $30–100 each |
| Skills assessmentYou pay | Core Skills stream only. Varies by assessing authority. | $500–1,000 |
| English test (if required)You pay | IELTS / PTE / TOEFL. Not needed for native English speakers. | $340–380 |
| Health insuranceYou pay | Required for full visa duration. Single person estimate. | $1,200–2,000/yr |
| Typical total for solo applicant (Core Skills) | ~$5,500–6,500 | |
| Typical total for couple + 1 child (Core Skills) | ~$10,000–12,000 | |
Migration Agent Fees (Optional)
Using a MARA-registered agent is optional but significantly reduces errors. Agents typically increase approval success rates and manage the complex documentation requirements.
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Full 482 application (employer + applicant) | $5,500 – $7,500 |
| Employer sponsorship only | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Applicant visa only (with existing nomination) | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Labour Market Testing advice only | $500 – $1,500 |
Visa Condition 8607 — The Master Rule
⚠️ This condition applies to every primary 482 holder. Breaching it can result in visa cancellation under s116 of the Migration Act.
Rule 1 — Work only in your nominated occupation
You must perform the duties of the exact ANZSCO occupation your visa was granted for. If your job title changes or your duties shift significantly — even at the same employer — this may breach condition 8607.
Rule 2 — Work only for your approved sponsor
You must work for the business that sponsored you or an associated entity. Exception: during the 180-day portability window, you can work any job.
Rule 3 — Start work within 90 days
You must start working for your sponsor within 90 days of your visa being granted (onshore) or within 90 days of first arriving in Australia (offshore).
Rule 4 — Hold required licences within 90 days
If your occupation requires a licence or registration (AHPRA for nurses, state teaching registration for teachers, etc.) you must obtain it within 90 days of starting work and keep it current.
Work Rights — What You Can and Cannot Do
✓ You CAN
Work full-time for your sponsor in your nominated occupation
Work for an associated entity of your Australian sponsor
Work any job during the 180-day portability window
Study at any Australian institution (no government aid)
Travel freely in and out of Australia while visa is valid
Apply for points-tested visas (189/190) simultaneously
Include partner and children — full work and study rights
✗ You CANNOT
Work for a different employer while sponsored (outside portability window)
Perform duties outside your nominated ANZSCO occupation
Work a second job for another employer (unless in 180-day window)
Access Medicare (unless reciprocal health agreement applies)
Access Centrelink or most government financial assistance
Stay beyond visa expiry without a new or bridging visa
Changing Employers — The 180-Day Rule
The 180-day portability rule (new Dec 2024) — If you lose your job or resign, you have 180 days to find a new approved sponsor. During this time you can work any job. Maximum total time without compliant sponsorship across the whole visa: 365 days.
1
Employment ends — 180-day clock starts
From the day your employment with your sponsor ceases, the 180-day portability window begins. You can work any job during this time. Your old employer must notify DHA of the cessation via ImmiAccount.
2
New employer lodges nomination for you
Your new employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor. They lodge a new nomination for you in the same ANZSCO occupation. You do NOT need a new visa grant if the occupation is identical.
→ Nomination processing: 1–4 months under UDPE
3
Wait for nomination approval before starting
⚠️ You cannot start working for the new employer in your nominated occupation until the new nomination is approved. Starting before approval breaches condition 8607.
4
Begin work — PR clock continues
Once the nomination is approved, start work. Your PR clock continues — the 2 years counts across multiple approved sponsors.
Also targeting skilled PR through points?
While on a 482 visa you can simultaneously build your points score for 189 / 190 / 491. Check your occupation demand and points score free.
Check My PR Points Score →
⚠️ General information only: The information on this page reflects publicly available DHA rules updated to April 2026. TSMIT figures are confirmed DHA data. Every case is different. Salary, occupation caveats, LMT requirements and employer circumstances all affect outcomes. Consult a MARA-registered migration agent before lodging. Find one at mara.gov.au.
Last updated: April 2026