Subclass 482
This visa, referred to as the Skills in Demand (SID) subclass 482 visa, enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers where they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian. It facilitates targeted use of overseas workers to address temporary skill shortages, while ensuring that Australian workers get priority.
SID visa holders can work in Australia in their nominated occupation for their approved sponsor under one of three streams:
Specialist Skills Stream
This stream is for highly skilled, high-income professionals, executives and tech experts. The occupation to be nominated is not tied to the Core Skills Occupation List and features fast-track processing. The specialist skills stream income threshold is currently $141,210 +superannuation per annum. This will increase to $146,717 +superannuation per annum as of 1 July 2026. It can be used to fill positions for a maximum of four years.
Core Skills Stream
This stream targets the majority of temporary skilled trades and professional applicants (e.g., registered nurses, software developers, chefs, constructions workers etc. The occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and applicants must earn a base salary of at least the Core Skills Income Threshold (minimum $76,515 +superannuation per annum). This salary level will increase to $79,499 +superannuation as of July 1, 2026.
Labour Agreement stream
This stream is available to an employer who wishes to enter into a labour agreement with the Department. Employers who need to sponsor overseas workers but cannot utilize the standard Core or Specialist pathways. The sponsoring business must have a formally negotiated, legally binding labor agreement directly with the Department. This stream allows for flexible terms, concessions on English or salary levels, and is heavily utilized for regional areas or highly specific industry sectors.
What You Can Do
This visa allows you to travel to and from Australia for the duration of your visa and:
- if you are the primary visa holder, to work in Australia in your nominated occupation for an approved sponsor (or an associated entity of a sponsoring Australian employer).
- if you are a family member, to work and study in Australia.
Employer Requirements
This information is for employers who want to sponsor a skilled worker from outside (or inside) Australia for a SID visa.
Unless you are already an approved standard business sponsor or have executed a labour agreement with the Department, the first step to sponsoring an overseas worker for a SID visa will be to apply to become a standard business sponsor.
A labour agreement is a formal arrangement negotiated between an Australian employer and the Australian Government. It may be used when the standard SID program is not available.
Streamlined arrangements are also in place for existing standard business sponsors to renew their sponsorship prior to expiry.
It is strongly recommended that you apply for accredited status as this has significant benefits for Australian employers.
Applicant Requirements
You might be able to get this visa, as an overseas worker, if you:
- have been nominated for a position by an approved sponsor and that nomination has been approved
- meet any required skills and qualifications requirements including completing any skills assessments required
- meet English language requirements
- if in Australia, hold a substantive visa, a subclass 010 (Bridging A) visa, a subclass 020 (Bridging B) visa or a Subclass 030 (Bridging C) visa
- have substantially complied with any conditions that apply or applied to your last visa
- meet health and character requirements
- meet the requirements of the stream in which you apply