Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) | Wintr Consulting

Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

The new framework for sponsoring skilled workers. Replacing the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa.

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa superseded the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa in December 2024. While the name has changed, the visa subclass 482 remains the same as does its core objective in allowing Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers where there are genuine skill shortages within the business.

The Three Streams

Core Skills Stream

For employers to source skilled overseas workers who:

Are nominated in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Earn at least the Core Skills Income Threshold ($76,515 as of 1 July 2025) and no less than Australian workers in the same occupation.

Specialist Skills Stream

For employers to source skilled overseas workers who:

Are nominated in a 6 digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) 2022 occupation in Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6; and
Earn at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold and no less than Australian workers in the same occupation. The current threshold for this stream is $141,210 as of 1 July 2025.

Labour Agreement Stream

Where an employer has a work agreement with the Australian Government to source skilled overseas workers because there is a demonstrated need that cannot be met within the Australian labour market.

The Three Stages

Sponsorship (SBS)

Application for the employer to become a recognised sponsor. The process is aimed at identifying key components such as lawful trade, and active trade of the Australian business. In certain cases, businesses may operate overseas and require the applicant to work in Australia. An SBS is valid for five years and can be renewed before its expiry

Nomination

The business provides information relating to the position and how it aligns with the nature of the business. Requirements such as a valid employment contract, position description, business statement, and evidence of genuine position are among the evidence to prepare and gather. This stage of the subclass 482 visa process requires the most precision and persistent efforts particularly when evidencing the genuineness of the position within the business.

Visa Application

The final stage of the subclass 482 visa. Applicants are required to provide evidence of relevant qualifications, at least one year work experience in the nominated occupation, English language requirement, good character, pass the health examination, and meet mandatory registration or licencing where applicable.

Each stage must precede the one before: sponsorship before nomination, and nomination before visa. It is entirely possible to submit all three applications on the same day provided they meet validity and eligibility criteria, and they are submitted in that order.

Other helpful information:

A common misconception is that a bridging visa is issued upon submitting a nomination application; a bridging visa can only be granted to you upon submitted the third stage, your 482 visa and if you are in Australia.

You may be in or outside of Australia (but not in immigration clearance) at time of application and decision.

You can add your family member to your 482 visa while the application is either pending decision or finalised (granted).

Fees and charges relating to applications update regularly, and most likely on 1 July of the year. Additional charges may incur depending on your location, and your immigration history. To search visa charges, use the visa estimating calculator . Please note, this calculator provides fees for visas; the cost of sponsoring can be found here.

Wintr Consulting can assist with assessing eligibility, preparation of applications, and ensuring all supporting documents meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements.

Case Study: The Mechanical Engineer

Scenario: You are in Australia on a subclass 485 Graduate visa. You have been working full time as a Mechanical Engineer with an Australian company for 14 months since graduating from an Australian university. You completed your internship at the same company and would like to remain longer to build your career in mechanical engineering. You tell your supervisor you may be unable to join the next project due to your visa expiring in three months. Your supervisor immediately arranges to speak with HR to explore your visa options.

Solution: The HR manager contacts Wintr Consulting and learns the company may be able to sponsor you on a subclass 482 visa. The process seems a little tricky based on the vast information online and they want to make sure the right steps are taken to avoid mishaps that may jeopardise your career in the company, especially with something called labour market testing and researching the market salary rate; the HR manager has approved engaging services with Wintr Consulting.

Outcome: Wintr Consulting have confirmed that you can continue working while the subclass 482 is pending. You feel relieved and return to focussing on your team’s project.

If this sounds familiar to you, we look forward to hearing from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the TSS 482 visa really been “replaced” and what does that mean for applications?

Yes. On 7 December 2024, the Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the TSS program. TSS applications lodged before that date are assessed per the TSS regulations.

How many years of work experience do I need now?

1 year of relevant experience is required, reduced from 2 years under TSS program. It’s important to note that the work experience is no longer a ‘time of decision’ requirement, meaning you must have the work experience at time of application.

Can I lodge sponsorship, nomination and visa on the same day?

Yes. They must be lodged in order SBS → nomination → visa. This is common practice amongst immigration professionals.

Can I add my family members after I’ve submitted my visa application?

Adding family members after you submit your application is known as applying for ‘subsequent entrant’ applications. Family members must complete a visa application and pay the fee.

If my occupation changes, do I need a new visa?

Changing occupations means you must apply for a new 482 nomination and visa so you can be assessed for those skills and experience. A change in duties in your existing occupation does not necessarily call for a new application. To better understand your visa and ensure you remain compliant with the conditions, please book a consultation to discuss further.

What if I change employers while on my 482 visa?

Under new reforms, 482 visa holders now have up to 180 days to find a new sponsor after ceasing work with the current sponsor.

Can I work for someone else while still employed by my sponsor?

No. A condition of your visa is that you must only work in your nominated occupation for your approved sponsor, unless you’ve ceased employment and within the allowed transition period.

What happens if I get a pay rise?

A pay rise will not affect your visa, and generally it does not need to be notified to the Department unless the pay rise is associated with a new position and duties that is outside your nominated occupation. In this instance, a new visa may be required. Contact us today to discuss further.

How long is the visa stay and does all time count toward permanent residency?

The 482 visa allows up to 4 years stay. Two years working with any approved employer in the same occupation will now count towards permanent residency pathways.

Do I need a Skills Assessment for this visa?

A Skills Assessment is only mandatory for specific occupations and circumstances, details are found here. In most other cases, you do not need a skills assessment for a subclass 482 visa.