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Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

Australia's Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024, marking the most significant reform to employer-sponsored temporary migration in a decade. The SID visa retains the Subclass 482 number but introduces three redesigned streams -- Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills -- each targeting a different segment of the labour market. Visa holders can stay for up to four years and have a direct pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme. The Specialist Skills stream is processed in as few as 11 days, while the Core Skills stream draws from the new Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) containing 456 occupations across healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, trades, and education.

Three Visa Streams Compared

FeatureSpecialist SkillsCore SkillsEssential Skills
Salary ThresholdAUD $146,717/yr (from 1 Jul 2026)AUD $79,499/yr (from 1 Jul 2026)Per labour agreement
Occupation ListAny occupation (no list required)CSOL (456 occupations)Per specific labour agreement
Processing TimeNomination: 7 days; Visa: 11-53 daysNomination: 4-7 months; Visa: 4-7 monthsVariable
Visa DurationUp to 4 yearsUp to 4 yearsUp to 4 years
PR PathwayYes (Subclass 186 after 2 years)Yes (Subclass 186 after 2 years)Depends on agreement
Skills AssessmentNot requiredRequired (positive assessment)Per agreement
EnglishGenerally exempt (high salary)Competent (IELTS 5.0 overall, min 4.5 each)Per agreement

Key CSOL Occupations by Sector

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) contains 456 occupations implemented on 7 December 2024. It replaced the previous MLTSSL/STSOL system and is used for the 482, 186, and 494 visas. Below are the highest-demand sectors:

IT & Technology

Software engineers (261313), ICT security specialists (262112), database administrators (262111), systems analysts (261111), web developers (261212), ICT project managers (135112)

Healthcare

Registered nurses (254499), medical practitioners (253111), physiotherapists (252511), occupational therapists (252411), pharmacists (251511), midwives (254111)

Engineering

Civil engineers (233211), mechanical engineers (233512), electrical engineers (233311), chemical engineers (233111), mining engineers (233611), environmental engineers (233915)

Construction & Trades

Construction managers (133111), electricians (341111), plumbers (334111), chefs (351311), motor mechanics (321211), welders (322313), carpenters (331212)

Education

University lecturers (242111), secondary school teachers (241411), early childhood educators (241111), special education teachers (241511)

Business & Finance

Accountants (221111), management consultants (224711), human resource advisors (223111), marketing specialists (225113)

Application Process (6 Steps)

1

Employer becomes an approved sponsor

The employer applies for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval, demonstrating they are a lawfully operating business with no adverse record. Processing takes 1-4 weeks.

2

Nomination application

The employer lodges a nomination for the specific position, including evidence the role is genuine, meets salary thresholds, and (for Core Skills) is on the CSOL. Nomination processing: 7 days (Specialist) or 4-7 months (Core).

3

Skills assessment (Core Skills only)

The applicant obtains a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, TRA, ANMAC). Processing: 6-16 weeks depending on the body.

4

English language test

Sit an approved English test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge). Core Skills requires Competent English (IELTS 5.0 overall, min 4.5 each band). Specialist Skills applicants are generally exempt.

5

Lodge visa application

Submit the visa application online via ImmiAccount with supporting documents: passport, skills assessment, English test results, employment references, health insurance, and police clearance certificates.

6

Health examination & decision

Complete the medical examination at a Bupa Medical Visa Services (BVMS) clinic. Once health clearance is received, the Department makes a decision. Specialist Skills: 11-53 days; Core Skills: 4-7 months.

Fees & Costs (2026)

ItemAmount
Visa application (primary applicant)AUD $1,830
Nomination fee (employer)AUD $540
Sponsorship application (employer)AUD $420
Additional applicant (18+)AUD $915
Additional applicant (under 18)AUD $460
Skilling Australians Fund levy (small business, per year)AUD $1,200
Skilling Australians Fund levy (other, per year)AUD $1,800
Skills assessment (varies by authority)AUD $300-$1,200
Health insurance (mandatory)AUD $1,200-$2,400/yr

The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is paid by the employer. For a 4-year visa, the total SAF levy is AUD $4,800 (small business) or AUD $7,200 (turnover >$10M).

FAQ

What replaced the TSS (Subclass 482) visa?
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa from 7 December 2024. The subclass number remains 482, but the streams were redesigned into Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills (formerly Labour Agreement). The biggest changes include higher salary thresholds, the new CSOL occupation list, and dramatically faster processing for the Specialist stream.
Can I get permanent residence through the 482 visa?
Yes. After working for your nominating employer on a 482 visa for at least 2 years, you can apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (Temporary Residence Transition stream). Your employer must nominate you for the 186, and you must be under 45, meet English requirements, and hold a positive skills assessment (for Direct Entry only).
What is the CSOL and how many occupations does it have?
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is a consolidated list of 456 occupations introduced on 7 December 2024. It replaced the previous split system of MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL. The CSOL is used for employer-sponsored skilled visas (482, 186, 494) and covers healthcare, IT, construction, education, engineering, trades, and professional services. The list is reviewed annually by Jobs and Skills Australia.
How fast is the Specialist Skills stream processed?
The Specialist Skills stream has the fastest processing of any Australian work visa: nomination is typically approved in 7 days, and the visa itself is granted in 11-53 days. This compares very favourably to the Core Skills stream at 4-7 months. The speed is possible because Specialist Skills applicants are exempt from skills assessments and most English language requirements.
When do the new salary thresholds take effect?
New salary thresholds take effect on 1 July 2026: the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) rises from AUD $73,150 to $79,499, and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) rises from AUD $141,210 to $146,717. Applications lodged before 1 July 2026 use the current thresholds. Both thresholds are indexed annually to average weekly ordinary-time earnings.

Official Sources

Last updated: 2026-03-25