482 Visa Requirements: What to Know l What You Need to Know About the 482 Visa
482 Visa Requirements: The Subclass 482 Skills In Demand (SID) visa is one of Australia’s most important employer-sponsored visas, allowing businesses to bring in skilled overseas workers to fill labour shortages. If you are an employer or a skilled professional considering this visa, here’s everything you need to know.
What is the 482 Visa?
The 482 visa allows Australian businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers for jobs that are experiencing shortages in the local labour market. Designed as a temporary solution, it also provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible applicants.
Key Streams of the 482 Visa
Australia offers four main streams under the 482 visa, depending on the occupation and employer needs:
- Core Skills Stream – Allows employers to fill labour shortages with skilled workers when no suitably qualified Australian worker is available.
- Specialist Skills Stream – Enables employers to hire skilled workers for specialised roles where Australian workers are not available.
- Labour Agreement Stream – For skilled workers nominated under a Labour Agreement between the employer and the Australian Government, allowing temporary work in Australia.
- Subsequent Entrant Stream – For family members of 482 visa holders applying separately to join the primary visa holder in Australia.
Basic Requirements for a 482 Visa
To qualify for a Subclass 482 visa, applicants and employers must meet the following criteria:
- Employer Sponsorship – The employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) or hold a labour agreement.
- Nominated Occupation – The job must be on the Core Skilled Occupation Lists (CSOL).
- Skills and Work Experience – Applicants must have at least one year of work experience in the nominated occupation.
- Labour Market Testing (LMT) – Employers must provide evidence that they have advertised the role locally before sponsoring an overseas worker (some exemptions apply).
- Salary Requirements – The proposed salary must meet or exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to ensure fair work conditions.
- English Language Requirement – Applicants must meet the required English proficiency level unless exempt.
Visas That Allow You to Apply for a 482 Visa
You may be eligible to apply for a 482 visa if you currently hold one of the following visas:
- Student Visa (Subclass 500) – You can apply for a 482 visa once you have completed your studies and gained the required at least 1-year relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field.
- Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Many applicants transition from a Temporary Graduate visa (485) to a 482 visa once they meet the work experience requirements.
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) / Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) – If you have gained relevant work experience in Australia, you may apply for a 482 visa if an employer is willing to sponsor you.
- Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100) – If you hold a partner visa, you may apply for a 482 visa if you meet the criteria and receive sponsorship from an employer.
- Bridging Visa A (BVA) or Bridging Visa B (BVB) or Bridging Visa C (BVC) – If you are waiting for a decision on another substantive visa and have work rights, you may be able to apply for a 482 visa.
Key Conditions for 482 Visa Holders
Condition 8607
Condition 8607 (For Primary Visa Holders) – Work Restrictions
- You must only work in the occupation for which you were sponsored.
- You cannot change employers without obtaining a new nomination, unless you are working in an exemption occupation (e.g. medical practitioners)
- You must start work within 90 days of arrival in Australia (or within 90 days of visa grant if already in Australia).
- If you stop working for your employer, you have 180 days to find a new sponsor or leave Australia.
Condition 8501
Condition 8501 – You must maintain adequate health insurance for yourself and any family members while in Australia.
Condition 8603
Condition 8303 – You must not be involved in any criminal or disruptive activities in Australia.
Common Reasons for 482 Visa Refusal
Inadequate Work Experience or Skills
- The applicant does not have at least 1 year of work experience in the nominated occupation.
- The skills assessment (if required) was not completed or was unsuccessful.
- The applicant’s experience is not relevant or lacks supporting evidence.
English Language Requirement Not Met
- The applicant failed to provide valid English test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.).
- The test score did not meet the required minimum.
- The English test expired before the visa decision.
No Further Stay Condition (8503) on Current Visa
- Some applicants are already on a visa with Condition 8503 (which prevents applying for another visa while in Australia).
Need Help With Your 482 Visa Application?
At Jade Immigration Lawyers, we specialise in employer-sponsored visas, guiding both employers and skilled professionals through the 482 visa process with expert advice and strong legal support.
Useful Links:
Core Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) for 482 Visa
Department of Home Affairs – 482 Visa Overview
Need Help? Contact Jade Immigration Lawyers for expert advice on your specific case. You can also check Jade’s profile to get to know her and her expertise in this area.