The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) Visa is the premier pathway for skilled overseas workers to build a career in Australia. Designed to address critical labour shortages, this employer-sponsored visa allows Australian businesses to fill genuine skill gaps by sponsoring qualified professionals when local talent is unavailable.

Whether you are looking to advance your career or secure a pathway to permanent residency, the SID visa offers a modern, flexible solution for migrants and employers alike.

Why Choose the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa?

Compared to other General Skilled Migration or legacy employer-sponsored visas, the SID visa offers distinct advantages designed to make your transition to Australia smoother.

• No Age Limit: Unlike many skilled visas, there is no age limit to apply for the 482 SID visa.

• Faster Entry: You only need one year of relevant work experience to qualify.

• Clear Pathway to PR: Enjoy a defined route to Permanent Residency via the Subclass 186 visa.

• Lower English Requirements: Generally lower English proficiency requirements compared to points-tested visas.

• Simplified Assessment: Most occupations do not require a formal Skills Assessment.

• Family Inclusion: Bring your immediate family (partner and children) with full work and study rights in Australia.

• Flexibility: Enhanced flexibility to change employers under the new visa rules.

• Broad Eligibility: A wide range of eligible occupations across various booming industries.

Skills in Demand Visa Streams

The SID visa is categorized into three specific streams to suit different professional levels and income brackets.

1. The Specialist Skills Stream

This stream facilitates the rapid recruitment of highly skilled specialists.

• Salary Requirement: Minimum annual earnings of $141,210.

• Occupation: Available for most ANZSCO occupations (excluding Major Groups 3 & 7: Technicians, Trades Workers, Machinery Operators, and Drivers).

• Processing: Prioritized, fast-tracked processing.

• Outcome: 4-year visa validity with a pathway to permanent residence.

2. The Core Skills Stream

This stream is designed to fill shortages in occupations identified on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

• Salary Requirement: Minimum annual earnings of $76,515.

• Occupation: Your role must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

• Outcome: 4-year visa validity with a pathway to permanent residence.

3. The Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a specific Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. It allows for employment under customized terms and conditions.

General Eligibility Criteria

To successfully apply for the Subclass 482 SID Visa under any stream, you must meet the following baseline requirements:

• Nomination: You must be nominated by an Approved Australian Sponsor for a genuine position.

• Work Experience: You must demonstrate a minimum of one year of work experience in your nominated occupation (or a closely related field).

• English Proficiency: You must meet the required English standards. Generally, this is an IELTS score of 5.0 overall (with a minimum of 5 in each component), or an equivalent score in PTE/TOEFL.

• Health & Character: You must satisfy standard Australian health and character checks (police clearance).

• Genuine Intent: You must demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily as a skilled worker.

• Skills Assessment: Only if required. Depending on your specific occupation and passport of country, you may need to undergo a skills assessment to prove your qualifications meet Australian standards.

The Application Process

At Migration Dreamz, we guide you through every step of the complex application procedure.

1. Sponsorship Approval: Your Australian employer applies to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) with the Department of Home Affairs.

2. Nomination: Once approved, the employer nominates you for the specific position, proving the salary and role meet the SID requirements.

3. Visa Application: We lodge your visa application, submitting all evidence of your skills, English ability, one-year experience, and identity documents.

4. Visa Decision: Upon approval, you receive your grant notification and can commence employment in Australia.

Start Your Journey with Migration Dreamz

Navigating the new Skills in Demand requirements requires precise documentation and up-to-date legal knowledge. Migration Dreamz is here to ensure your application is accurate, compliant, and stress-free.

Contact Us Today to find your options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How recent must my work experience be? 

Your relevant work experience must have been completed within the last 5 years before you apply.

Q2. Is full-time experience required to meet the 1-year requirement? 

No. Part-time or casual experience is accepted, but it is calculated on a pro-rata basis to ensure it equals one year of full-time work (38 hours/week).
For example: If you worked 20 hours per week, you would need two years of work experience to be equivalent to the one-year full-time requirement.

Q3. Do I need a formal qualification for the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa? 

Not necessarily. In many cases, relevant work experience can substitute for a formal qualification.
For example: A Chef typically requires a Diploma. However, if you have 3 years of relevant full-time work experience, this can often be used to substitute the qualification requirement.

Q4. Do I need a Skills Assessment for my occupation? 

A formal Skills Assessment is not always required. It is generally only mandatory for some occupations and for applicants holding passports from specific countries.

Q5. Can I change my employer while on a 482 visa?

Yes. Under the new rules, you have up to 180 days to find a new approved sponsor if you stop working for your current employer (with a maximum limit of 365 days total across your entire visa period).

Q6. What is the process for changing employers?

You must find a new employer who is an approved Standard Business Sponsor. Your new employer must then lodge a new Nomination application for you.

Q7. Who pays for the Subclass 482 visa process?

There is a strict division of costs:

• Employer: Must pay for the Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) and Nomination applications (including the SAF levy).

• Applicant or Employer: The Visa Application fee can be paid by either the employer or the applicant.