Australia’s Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill labour shortages in their business when appropriately qualified Australians are not available. This temporary visa provides multiple streams to cater to different employment and immigration needs: Core Skills, Specialist Skills, Labour Agreement, and Subsequent Entrant.

1.Core Skills Stream

This stream allows employers to address widespread labour shortages by nominating skilled workers in occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

Key Features:

• Valid for up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
• Allows full-time work with the sponsoring employer.
• Provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
• Includes access to Australian schooling for children (fees may apply).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be nominated for an eligible occupation on the CSOL.
• Must have at least 1 year of relevant full-time experience in the last 5 years.
• Must meet English language requirements.
• Must hold a valid visa or bridging visa (if applying in Australia).

2.Specialist Skills Stream

Designed for highly specialised roles in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6, this stream requires the position to meet a Specialist Skills Income Threshold.

Key Features:

• Temporary visa valid for up to 4 years.
• Prioritises salary-based eligibility over occupation lists.
• Fast-track to permanent residency under Subclass 186.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must meet the Specialist Income Threshold as outlined by the Department.
• Requires a high level of expertise or technical knowledge.
• Sponsoring employer must demonstrate genuine need.

3.Labour Agreement Stream

This stream supports skilled migration under customised Labour Agreements negotiated between the employer and the Australian Government. These agreements cater to unique industry needs that cannot be met through the standard occupation lists.

Key Features:

• Stay up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
• Flexible concessions on age, English language, and skill level.
• Eligible for transition to permanent residency via Subclass 186.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be nominated under an approved Labour Agreement.
• Require 12 months of full-time equivalent work experience within the past 5 years.
• Must meet health, character, and English language standards (concessions may apply).
• Must hold adequate health insurance and sign the Australian Values Statement.

Employers must:

• Prove labour shortages through Labour Market Testing.
• Have a valid labour agreement in place.
• Nominate the visa applicant for an eligible occupation under that agreement.

4.Subsequent Entrant Stream

This option is for family members (secondary applicants) of Subclass 457 or Subclass 482 visa holders who are applying separately to join the primary visa holder in Australia.

Key Features:

• Stay duration is tied to the primary visa holder’s visa.
• Allows partners and dependent children to live, study, and work in Australia.
• Application must include evidence of the sponsor’s consent.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a member of the family unit of the primary visa holder.
• Must be included in the nomination or receive written consent from the sponsor.
• Must meet health and character requirements.
• Cannot be added to the visa application after submission—must apply separately if not included.

English Language, Health, and Character Requirements

All applicants (including dependents 16 years or older) must:

• Meet the relevant English language proficiency for their role (IELTS or equivalent).
• Fulfil Australian health and character checks.
• Sign the Australian Values Statement if 18 or older.

Updated Income Thresholds from 1 July 2025

As per recent government updates, skilled visa income thresholds will be indexed to wage growth:

• Core Skills Stream: AUD 76,515 minimum salary
• Specialist Skills Stream: Based on nominated salary for eligible ANZSCO occupations
• Labour Agreement Stream: As specified in individual agreements

Transition to Permanent Residency

Eligible applicants may transition to permanent residency under:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Temporary Residence Transition stream
• Employer must be willing to nominate, and the applicant must meet residency and employment conditions.

Work Conditions and Rights

• You must start work within 90 days of arriving (if offshore) or grant (if onshore).
• You must only work in the nominated occupation and for your sponsoring employer.
• You are protected under Australian workplace laws.

If your employment ends, you have up to 180 days to find a new sponsor or make arrangements to leave Australia.

Start Your Visa Journey with Confidence

At Migration Guru, we specialise in helping skilled professionals secure the right migration pathway. With deep expertise in the 482 visa process and Labour Agreements, we offer:

✅ Free eligibility assessment
✅ End-to-end visa and sponsorship guidance
✅ Support with health, skills, and English requirements
✅ Assistance with family and dependent inclusion

Contact Migration Guru Today

• Phone: +61-7-3036 3800
• Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
• Website: migrationguru.com.au
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