Published Jul 6 | 2025
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482
The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) allows Australian employers to address critical skill shortages by sponsoring skilled overseas workers. This visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in December 2024.
Visa Streams
The SID 482 visa offers three distinct streams tailored to different employment scenarios:
(Click a stream name to jump to the details below.)
| Stream | Purpose | Salary Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Skills | For highly skilled professionals in any ANZSCO occupation (except trades, drivers, labourers) | AUD 135,000 + p.a. (indexed annually) |
| Core Skills | For occupations on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) | AUD 73,150 p.a. (indexed annually) |
| Labour Agreement | Roles filled under formal labour agreements (e.g., DAMA, ILA) | As per agreement (may be lower) |
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the visa stream, your profile, and Department workload. Refer to the official government source for current timeframes.
🔗 Check current visa processing times
1. Specialist Skills Stream
- Who qualifies: Professionals earning ≥ AUD 135,000 p.a.; excludes trades, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers.
- Eligibility: For highly skilled professionals earning AUD $135,000 or more annually.
- Occupational Scope: Most professional occupations are eligible, excluding trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers.
2. Core Skills Stream
- Who qualifies: CSOL-listed occupations; minimum salary of AUD 73,150 p.a. (2 July 2025 ➝ AUD 76,515 ).
- Eligibility: Occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- Salary Threshold: Guaranteed annual earnings at or above the Core Skilled Threshold (CST), currently AUD $73,150, subject to annual adjustments.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
- Eligibility: Skilled workers nominated under a formal Labour Agreement between their employer and the Department of Home Affairs.
- Occupational Scope: Commonly utilised in sectors such as care and support.
- Salary Consideration: Salary flexibility, including concessions allowing wages below the CST, as specified in the labour agreement.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- Occupation: Must appear on the relevant occupation list or be included in a Labour Agreement.
- Work Experience: At least one year of relevant professional experience.
- English Proficiency: Must meet minimum English language standards.
- Health & Character: Fulfil Australia’s health and character requirements.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
SID visa holders can transition to permanent residency (typically via the Subclass 186 visa) after two years of eligible employment in Australia while holding an eligible 457, TSS, or SID visa in their nominated occupation. This two-year period can include employment with different approved sponsors. Applicants must generally be under 45 years old at the time of their PR application.
Eligible family members, including partners and dependent children, can be included in the initial application or added later. Dependents have unrestricted work rights in Australia.
Up to 4 years, depending on the stream and employment agreement.
Yes. All SID visa holders may apply for permanent residency, typically via the Subclass 186 visa, after working for their sponsor for at least 2 years in Australia. Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of applying for PR.
You have 180 days from your last day of employment to:
- Find a new approved sponsor who can nominate you for the SID visa; or
- Apply for another visa to lawfully remain in Australia; or
- Depart Australia to avoid breaching your visa conditions.
Yes. Dependent partners included in your SID visa application are granted unrestricted work rights.
No. You are only allowed to work for your sponsoring employer unless another employer submits a separate approved nomination for you.
Yes, your qualification must be at the relevant skill level and also be closely related to the occupation you’re applying for. If you don’t have a relevant qualification, additional work experience may be required.
You can still apply under the specialist Skill Stream if your salary is over AUD $135,000. All occupations are available except trade worker, machinery operators, and labourers
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