Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) — eligibility, costs & how to apply

What is the subclass 482?

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482, formerly the Temporary Skill Shortage / TSS visa) lets an approved Australian business sponsor a skilled worker for a position it cannot readily fill from the local labour market. For many workers it is the first step toward permanent residence.

A 482 has two moving parts — the employer's sponsorship and nomination, and your visa application — and both have to line up. Getting the occupation, salary and evidence right from the start is what keeps an application moving and protects the permanent-residence pathway later.

Eligibility for the subclass 482

To be eligible for the subclass 482, you generally need to meet the following:

• An approved Australian business is willing to sponsor you
• The position is genuine and on the relevant occupation list
• You have the skills and work experience for the nominated occupation
• The salary meets the required income threshold
• You meet English, skills, health and character requirements
• Family members can usually be included

How to apply for the subclass 482

1. Your employer becomes (or is) an approved standard business sponsor
2. The employer lodges a nomination for the specific position
3. You lodge your visa application with skills, English and identity evidence
4. The application is decided; you can usually work for the sponsor once granted

Processing time and cost of the subclass 482

A 482 timeframe depends on the sponsorship, nomination and visa stages, the occupation and how complete the evidence is. Costs include the sponsorship and nomination fees (usually the employer's responsibility), the visa application charge and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Because these figures and timeframes change, a registered migration agent can give your employer and you a current picture and keep the three stages aligned.

Subclass 482 vs 186 — temporary vs permanent employer sponsorship

The 482 is a temporary, employer-sponsored work visa; the subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) is permanent. A common pathway is to work for your sponsor on a 482 and then transition to the 186 through its Temporary Residence Transition stream. If permanent residence is your goal, plan the 482 with the 186 in mind from day one.

Common subclass 482 mistakes to avoid

Many of these matters come down to avoidable mistakes. The most common issues include:

• A nominated occupation that does not match your skills or the role
• Salary below the required threshold
• A position that is not assessed as genuine
• Gaps in skills, English or work-experience evidence

Do you need a migration agent for the subclass 482?

Using a registered migration agent is not compulsory, but the subclass 482 is detail-heavy and a single mistake, missing document or late response can lead to delay or refusal — and a refusal can affect future applications. A registered migration agent confirms your eligibility before you spend money, prepares your evidence, lodges your application correctly and manages any requests from the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. Through Immigration Expert you can be matched with up to three OMARA-registered agents who handle the subclass 482 every day, compare their advice, and choose who to work with — free and with no obligation.