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482 Visa Australia

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482 Visa

482 VIsa

482 Visa Australia

The 482 visa (Skills in Demand – SID) (subclass 482) is a temporary work visa that lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled overseas worker to fill a position they can’t find an appropriately skilled Australian worker to fill.

This page gives you a clear overview of streams, eligibility, fees, and processing time, with links to deeper topic pages.

Need a fast, case-specific strategy? Book a 30-minute consultation

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482 Visa requirements

At a high level, you must:

  • be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor
  • have the skills and experience to do the job
  • meet the English language requirements (unless an exemption applies)

Thare are 3 steps:

  1. Sponsorship (the employer’s eligibility and compliance)
  2. Nomination (the position, salary, LMT and genuineness)
  3. Visa application (your skills, experience, English, health and character)

482 Visa streams

Core Skills stream

Designed to address labour shortages where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

  • Typically up to 4 years (Hong Kong passport holders may be eligible for up to 5 years)
  • Occupation generally needs to be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
  • Pay must meet Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and at least the relevant income threshold
  • Generally requires at least 1 year of relevant work experience (or equivalent) within the last 5 years
  • Skills assessment may be required for some occupations

Specialist Skills stream

Designed for highly skilled roles meeting specific occupation group and income requirements.

  • Typically up to 4 years (Hong Kong passport holders may be eligible for up to 5 years)
  • Occupation must fit relevant ANZSCO categories and the nominated salary must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (and be no less than Australian workers in the same occupation)

Labour Agreement stream

For workers nominated by an employer who has a Labour Agreement in effect with the Australian Government.

  • Stay period depends on the terms of the Labour Agreement (up to a maximum of 4 years in many cases)

Want a clear 482 plan? Book a 30-minute consultation

How the 482 visa works

Stage 1 — Sponsorship (employer)

The business must be (or become) an approved sponsor and meet compliance requirements.
→ Read more: /482-visa/sponsorship/

Stage 2 — Nomination (position)

The employer nominates the role and shows it is genuine, correctly matched to the occupation, and meets salary/LMT requirements.
→ Read more: /482-visa/nomination/
→ Related: /482-visa/labour-market-testing/

Stage 3 — Visa application (worker)

You submit evidence of skills/experience, English (or exemption), health and character.
→ Read more: /482-visa/english-requirements/
→ Family: /482-visa/subsequent-entrants/

482 Visa fees (government charges)

Home Affairs lists the visa application charge from AUD 3,210 (additional applicants may add cost). Other expenses can include English tests, health examinations, police checks and biometrics.

Want to check your eligibility and get clarity on total costs? Book a 30-minute consultation.

482 Visa processing time

Processing times for visas vary based on the specific stream and individual circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs provides a processing time guide that reflects recently decided applications. Typically, applications under the specialty stream are processed more quickly, taking between 11 to 53 days, while the core skills stream generally takes about 4 to 7 months.

Common factors that affect 482 visa processing time include:

  • whether the application is complete at lodgement
  • how quickly you respond to requests for information
  • time required for health, character and security checks
  • nomination/sponsorship complexity

What you can do on a 482 visa

Depending on your visa grant and conditions, you may be able to:

  • work in Australia for your sponsor in the nominated occupation
  • study (without government assistance)
  • travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
  • bring eligible family members (who may be able to work and study)
  • if eligible, pursue a PR pathway

Common risk flags we assess early

A short strategy session can prevent expensive mistakes when any of these apply:

  • your occupation match is borderline (ANZSCO duty alignment issues)
  • LMT is required but advertising evidence is weak
  • caveats apply to the occupation or nomination scenario
  • English evidence/exemption is unclear
  • skills assessment is mandatory (or may be requested)
  • prior visa refusal/cancellation or complex immigration history
  • family member timing (combined application vs subsequent entrant)

Need tailored advice for your situation? Book a 30-minute consultation

How Jade Immigration Lawyers Can Help

In a 30-minute consultation, we will guide you through sponsorship, nomination and the visa application. Book a 30-minute consultation

Book a Consultation

Related Guides:

Get Your Question Answered

Practice Areas

Partner Visas
Family and Parent Visas
Work Related Visas
Waivers and Exemptions
Visa Refusal and Cancellation
Citizenship

FAQ

Clear, practical answers to help you understand your options and next steps.

Do I need a skills assessment for subclass 482?

Some occupations require a mandatory skills assessment and it may need to be commenced before lodgement.

Is there an age limit for 482?

There is generally no age requirement for the 482 visa itself, but age may matter for PR pathways.

Can my partner and children come with me?

Eligible family members can usually be included, and in some cases can apply later as a subsequent entrant.

Can I change employers on a 482 visa?

Yes, but you usually need a new nomination from the new employer (and you must keep meeting your visa conditions). Timing matters—get advice before you resign or stop work.

Do I need at least 1 year of work experience for the 482 visa?

For most applicants, you need at least 12 months of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation (or a closely related field), typically within the last 5 years.