Skills in Demand is one of the temporary visas for skilled workers in Australia, replacing the previous Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. It allows Australian employers to hire skilled overseas workers in particular occupations when there is a shortage of local qualified workforces.
This visa provides a clear pathway for professionals who want to work and live in Australia temporarily, with potential options for permanent residency as well.
There are mainly three streams that come under this visa type.
- Core Skills Stream: If you want to get a visa through this stream, then you should have a sponsor that offers you a job that is officially included on a specific list of approved jobs, called the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Key Points:
- The job offer must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), which is AUD 76,515 per year for this stream.
- You must have a minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field.
- With this visa, you can work and stay in Australia for up to 4 years. (If you are a Hong Kong passport holder, then it is 5 years.)
- This visa costs AUD3,210.00 for the main applicants and each dependent whose age is more than 18 years. If the dependent is under 18 years old, then this costs AUD805.00 for each.
- Specialist Skills Stream: If you are a highly skilled professional with specialist expertise and your occupation is listed under ANZSCO Major Groups such as 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6, then you can apply through this stream. This mainly includes positions related to managers, professionals, and technical experts.
Key Points:
- This stream excludes occupational categories such as Trade workers, Machinery operators, Drivers, and Labourers.
- Your job offer must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), which is AUD141,210 per year for this stream.
- With this stream, you can work and stay in Australia for up to 4 years. (If you are a Hong Kong passport holder, it is 5 years.)
- The visa cost for this stream is the same as the core skill stream, but its processing time is generally faster than the core skill stream.
- Labour Agreement Stream: If you are a skilled worker nominated by an employer who has a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government, then you can apply for subclass 482 through this stream.
Key Points:
- This stream allows employers to sponsor skilled workers in occupations that may not be available under the standard occupation lists.
- You can stay up to 4 years, depending on the terms in the labour agreement. (If you are a Hong Kong passport holder, it is 5 years.)
- Your employer can also sponsor you for permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
- The visa cost for this stream is also the same, which is AUD3,210.00 for the main applicants & each dependant 18 years and above, while AUD805.00 for each dependant under 18 years old.
- If you apply through this stream, then you can get some concession in meeting eligibility criteria compared to other streams.
General Eligibility Criteria for All Streams
Even though each stream has its own requirements, there are common conditions applicants must meet, such as:
- Meet health and character requirements (e.g., medical exam, police clearance).
- Hold a valid job offer from an approved sponsor
- Have relevant skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation.
- Meet the newly updated English language proficiency.
- Have valid licensing or registration, if required for the occupation in Australia.
Employer 482 Visa Requirements
Here are some employer requirements that must be met if one wants to sponsor an overseas worker through the Subclass 482 visa:
- Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS)
- Show a genuine need for the nominated role
- Conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) – advertise the role locally (Generally, it is not required for the specialist skills stream)
Final Thoughts
The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) is an excellent pathway for skilled professional who want to build their careers in Australia. It helps employers by addressing critical labour shortages and employees by offering demanding jobs in Australia. So, whether you fall under core skills, specialist skills, or labour agreement stream, this visa opens the door to valuable work experience, lifestyle opportunities, and even potential permanent residency.
If you are still confused about any stream, eligibility requirements, or anything related to subclass 482, then contact us at +61 434202021 or info@growmore.onefor further information. You can also follow us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook for the latest Australian immigration related updates.