Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482): Your Complete Guide

The new visa system consists of three main streams:

• Core Skills Pathway: For occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
• Specialist Skills Pathway: Designed for high-income professionals in specific fields.
• Labour Agreement Pathway: Incorporates existing agreements while evolving into the Essential Skills Pathway.

Below, we explore the unique features of each pathway and how they lead to PR.

Comparing the Streams: Core vs Specialist Skills Pathways

Feature	Core Skills Pathway	Specialist Skills Pathway
Salary Threshold	AUD 73,150 (Core Skills Income Threshold – CSIT)	AUD 135,000 (Specialist Skills Income Threshold – SSIT)
Occupation Requirements	Must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).	No fixed list, but must be from ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6.
Work Experience	12 months within the last 5 years (includes casual and part-time work).	Same as Core Skills Pathway.
Processing Time	Standard	7-day median processing time commitment.

Transition to Permanent Residency (PR)

Pathway via Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)

• Eligibility: Subclass 482 visa holders can transition to PR through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186.
• Work Experience: Must have at least 2 years of work experience within the last 3 years in Australia.
• Sponsorship Continuity: Time spent with any approved employer under the Skills in Demand visa contributes toward PR eligibility.

Changes vs Unchanged Features in the New System

Feature	Previous TSS Visa	Skills in Demand Visa (SID)
Work Experience	2 years in the last 5 years	12 months in the last 5 years (including part-time and casual work)
Processing Times	Standard	Core Skills: TBD; Specialist Skills: Median 7 days

Permanent Residency: A Clearer Pathway

Each stream under the Skills in Demand Visa provides a structured route toward permanent residency:

• Core and Specialist Skills Pathways: Lead to PR under Subclass 186 after fulfilling work experience and sponsorship requirements.
• Essential Skills Pathway: Still evolving, but expected to address sector-specific demands, including aged care.

Labour Market Testing (LMT) and SAF Updates

LMT Streamlining

• Workforce Australia advertisement requirements abolished.
• The validity of advertisements extended from 4 to 6 months (effective 2025).
• Future reliance on Jobs and Skills Australia data for skills shortage analysis.

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF)

• SAF payments may be structured as monthly or quarterly instalments to reflect employer flexibility.

Why Choose the SID Visa?

• Flexibility: Change sponsors within 180 days.
• Pathway to PR: Streamlined transition under Subclass 186.
• Recognition of Part-Time Work: Includes casual and part-time employment.
• Faster Processing: Specialist Skills Pathway applications receive priority.

Conclusion

The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) represents a game-changer for employer-sponsored migration, aligning with Australia’s evolving labour market needs. Whether you are an employer seeking skilled workers or a professional aiming to build your career in Australia, this visa offers unmatched flexibility and opportunities.

How ImmiAid ANZ Can Help

Applying for a visa can be complex, but ImmiAid ANZ is here to support you. We provide:

• Eligibility assessments for Subclass 482, 186, and 494 visas.
• Guidance for employers on sponsorship compliance.
• Assistance in meeting English proficiency, salary, and experience requirements.
• End-to-end support for visa applications and PR transition.

Start Your PR Journey Today!

ImmiAid ANZ is dedicated to helping skilled professionals and employers successfully navigate the migration process. Whether you need guidance on sponsorship or PR pathways, we’re here to help. Book a consultation today and take the next step toward securing your future in Australia.