Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) Australia 2026

📌 Subclass 482 Streams – Which One Is Right for You?

For occupation lists, see the Department of Home Affairs – Skilled occupation lists.

✅ Key Eligibility Requirements – For the Worker (Visa Applicant)

• Job offer from an approved sponsor: You must have a nominated position from an employer who is a standard business sponsor or accredited sponsor.
• Occupations on the relevant list: Your occupation must be on the STSOL (short‑term), MLTSSL (medium‑term), or covered by a labour agreement.
• Skills and qualifications: Must have the skills, qualifications, and work experience commensurate with the nominated occupation. A skills assessment may be required (depending on the occupation and stream).
• Work experience: Generally, at least 2 years of full‑time work experience in the nominated occupation (or part‑time equivalent). For the short‑term stream, 1 year may be accepted in some cases.
• English language: Minimum IELTS 5.0 overall (short‑term) or IELTS 5.0 overall with minimum 4.5 in each band (medium‑term). Labour agreements may have lower or higher requirements.
• Health and character: Must meet health requirements and provide police certificates.
• Genuine temporary entrant (short‑term only): Must demonstrate genuine intention to stay temporarily (except for medium‑term where dual intent is allowed).

Official checklist: Department of Home Affairs – Subclass 482.

🏢 Employer Sponsorship – What Your Employer Must Do

Before you can apply, your employer must complete three steps:

1. Sponsorship (Standard Business Sponsorship): Employer becomes an approved sponsor (or already has a sponsorship approval).
2. Nomination: Employer nominates a position for you, demonstrating that the role is genuine, the occupation is on the relevant list, and the salary meets the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) – currently AUD $73,150 (2026).
3. Labour market testing (unless exempt): Employer must show they have tested the local labour market and could not find a suitable Australian worker.

Employers cannot pass sponsorship or nomination fees onto the visa applicant. Any request for payment is a red flag.

📂 Work Experience & Skills Assessment

• Work experience: At least 2 years full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) in the nominated occupation, gained within the last 5 years.
• Skills assessment: Required for most trades occupations and some professional roles (e.g., certain engineering, IT, or medical positions). Use the official skills assessing authorities (e.g., Trades Recognition Australia, Vetassess, Engineers Australia, ACS for IT).
• If no skills assessment required: Your employer must demonstrate through job descriptions, reference letters, and qualification certificates that you meet the skill level of the occupation.

🗣️ English Language Requirements (Minimum Scores)

Exemptions: UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Ireland passport holders are exempt from English testing.

🟢 Pathway to Permanent Residence – Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)

If you hold a medium‑term 482 visa (or certain labour agreement visas), you may be eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) – Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after 3 years.

• Work experience: Must have worked for the sponsoring employer full‑time for at least 3 years on the 482 visa.
• Occupation: Must be on the MLTSSL or covered by a labour agreement.
• Age: Under 45 years (age exemptions may apply for certain roles).
• English: Competent English – IELTS 6.0 in each band (or equivalent).
• Skills assessment: Not required for TRT stream (if you held a 482 for 3 years).

👉 Detailed guide: Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) →

Official source: Department of Home Affairs – Subclass 186.

📝 How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step

1. Find an employer sponsor: Use IFMOSA Work's job board or the Australian government's "Find a sponsor" services.
2. Employer becomes an approved sponsor (if not already): Employer applies for Standard Business Sponsorship.
3. Employer nominates the position: Employer files a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs.
4. You apply for the visa: After the nomination is approved, you submit your online visa application (linked to the nomination).
5. Provide documents: Passport, skills assessment (if required), English test results, work experience evidence, police certificates, health examination.
6. Pay the visa fee: AUD $1,330 (main applicant) for short‑term; AUD $2,670 for medium‑term; additional fees for family members.
7. Wait for decision: 80% of applications processed within 3–4 months (priority processing may be available for some occupations).

💰 Fees & Processing Times (2026)

• Visa application fee (main applicant): Short‑term stream – AUD $1,330; Medium‑term stream – AUD $2,670.
• Additional fees for family members: AUD $665 (adult), AUD $170 (child) for short‑term; higher for medium‑term.
• Skills assessment (if required): AUD $300–$1,200 depending on assessing authority.
• English test: £150–£200 (IELTS/PTE).
• Health examination: AUD $300–$500.
• Processing time: 80% of applications finalised in 3–4 months (medium‑term) and 2–3 months (short‑term).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Skills in Demand Visa (482)

⚠️ Common Mistakes & Red Flags – 482 Visa

• Employer not an approved sponsor: Always verify your employer's sponsorship status on the Department's public register.
• Paying for visa sponsorship fees: Employers must pay all sponsorship and nomination fees. Any request for reimbursement is illegal.
• Fake job offers and labour market testing evasion: Some agents invent fake job offers. Insist on a genuine nomination with the Department.
• Incorrectly claiming work experience: Do not exaggerate work experience. The Department cross‑checks with tax and employment records.
• Not meeting the health requirement: Some conditions (e.g., tuberculosis, significant medical costs) can lead to refusal. Be honest and provide requested medical exams.