Last Updated: August 19, 2026

Skills in Demand Visa Australia

The Subclass 482 visa, also known as the Skills in Demand Visa, allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign workers to fill skilled positions for which they are unable to find a suitable Australian worker. This guide covers the key benefits of applying for a 482 visa, eligibility criteria, requirements, application steps, processing times, and visa costs.
 

Skills in Demand Visa: Current Streams and Structure (Updated December 2024)

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa on December 7, 2024. The old Short-term and Medium-term streams no longer exist. The current SID visa has four categories:

• Core Skills stream: for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
   
• Specialist Skills stream: for occupations in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6, provided the salary meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
   
• Labour Agreement stream: for employers with an active Labour Agreement with the Australian Government
   
• Subsequent entrant : for family members of a primary 482/457 visa holder applying separately
   
• Visa cost: from AUD $4,015 (confirmed directly via the Department of Home Affairs, current as of this page's last update). Concessions apply in limited circumstances, including a reduced fee for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from July 1, 2026.
   
• Visa duration: up to 4 years (up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
   
• Salary thresholds (CSIT/SSIT): these are indexed annually and the exact current figures should always be checked directly via the Department of Home Affairs Skills in Demand visa page, since they're set to increase again from July 1, 2026.
   
• At current exchange rates (approximately 1 AUD = £0.52 as of August 2026), the AUD $4,015 visa application charge is roughly £2,090-£2,110. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so check a live converter (such as Wise or XE) for the exact GBP equivalent on the day you actually pay, since the fee itself is charged in AUD regardless of where you're applying from.
   

Why Apply for a Skills in Demand Visa Australia (482 Visa)?

1. Work and Live in Australia: The 482 visa offers the opportunity to work and live in Australia for up to four years, depending on the nominated occupation and the terms of the sponsorship.
2. Pathway to Permanent Residency: For some visa holders, the 482 visa can provide a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, particularly through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
3. Include Family Members: You can include your family members (spouse and children) in your visa application, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia.
4. Multiple Entries: The visa allows for multiple entries into Australia, enabling visa holders to travel in and out of the country.
5. Work for a Sponsor: Secure a position with an approved Australian employer who has nominated you for a role that cannot be filled by the local workforce.
    

Coming from the UK: How This Compares to UK Sponsorship

If you're already familiar with the UK's Skilled Worker visa system, several concepts in Australia's Subclass 482 will feel familiar, though the specifics differ:

• The UK's general salary threshold and 'going rate' concept is broadly similar to Australia's CSIT and SSIT both set a salary floor a sponsor must meet, indexed periodically.
• Both systems require a UK/Australian employer to hold approved sponsor status before nominating a worker.
• Both allow partners and children to be included in the application.

The key difference: Australia's system is run by the Department of Home Affairs, entirely separate from the UK Home Office - a UK sponsor licence or Certificate of Sponsorship has no bearing on an Australian employer's ability to sponsor you, and vice versa. If you're weighing a move to Australia versus staying in a UK-sponsored role, treat these as two completely independent application processes.
 

482 Visa Australia Eligibility

• Nomination by an Approved Sponsor: You must be nominated for a specific position by an Australian employer who is an approved sponsor.
• Occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) or Eligible under Specialist/Labour Agreement Stream: Your nominated occupation should be listed on the CSOL (Core Skills stream) or belong to the following ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6, provided that your remuneration meets the income threshold for the Specialist Skills stream (Specialist Skills stream), or under the Labour Agreement of your employer.
• If your profession requires a formal skills or qualifications assessment (common for trades, engineering, nursing, and other regulated occupations), your UK qualifications and work experience will need to be assessed by the relevant Australian assessing authority for your occupation — a UK qualification alone doesn't automatically transfer. Check which assessing body applies to your specific occupation via the Department of Home Affairs' skilled occupation list tool before applying, as assessment can take several weeks to months and should be started early in your planning.
• Skills, Qualifications, and Work Experience: You must possess the necessary skills, qualifications, and work experience relevant to the nominated occupation.
• English Language Proficiency: You must meet the minimum English language requirements, unless exemptions apply.
• Meet Health and Character Requirements: All applicants must meet the Australian health and character requirements.
   

482 Visa Australia Requirements

1. Valid Sponsorship: Have a nomination approved by an Australian employer who is an approved sponsor.
2. Occupational Requirements: Possess the necessary skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation.
3. English Language Proficiency: Provide evidence of meeting the English language requirements.
4. Health Insurance: Maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
5. Licences and Registration: Hold any required licences or registration to work in the nominated position in Australia.
    

Steps to Apply for 482 Visa Australia

1. Find an Approved Sponsor: Secure a job offer from an Australian employer willing to nominate you for a 482 visa.
2. Employer Submits Nomination: Your employer must submit a nomination application on your behalf.
3. Prepare Your Application: Gather necessary documents, including evidence of skills, qualifications, English language proficiency, and health insurance.
4. Submit Visa Application: Once the nomination is approved, submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
5. Health and Character Checks: Undergo health examinations and provide character checks as required.
    

Processing Time for 482 Visa Australia

Processing time varies significantly by stream and individual circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs recommends using its live processing time guide tool for current, application-specific estimates, since these change regularly and aren't fixed by stream.
 

482 Visa Australia Cost

• Visa Application Charge: from AUD $4,015 for the main applicant (see current streams and structure above for full details). Additional charges apply for family members who are included in the application.
• Health Examinations and Police Checks: Costs will vary depending on the provider and country.
• Sponsorship and Nomination Charges: Paid by the employer, not the visa applicant.
   

Moving from the UK: What Else to Plan For

If you're relocating from the UK, a few practical things to plan for alongside your visa application: notifying HMRC of your departure (to correctly manage UK tax residency status), understanding your Australian tax residency obligations from the date you start work, and arranging health cover - the Subclass 482 doesn't include Australia's Medicare automatically for most visa holders, so private health insurance is generally required unless a reciprocal health care agreement applies to you specifically.