Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa?

1. What is the difference between the 482 visa streams?

The 482 Skills in Demand visa has three main streams based on salary level and occupation type.

Core Skills Stream (Tier 2): For occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List with a minimum salary of $79,423. This is the most common pathway covering 450+ occupations like IT professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, and educators. Visas can be granted for up to 4 years with a pathway to permanent residency after 2 years.

Specialist Skills Stream (Tier 1): For high-income roles paying at least $146,576 annually. Eligible occupations in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6. Nomination requirements and sponsor obligations apply. Check current Home Affairs processing times. Ideal for executives and highly paid technical experts.

Labour Agreement stream: Available where an employer is covered by an approved labour agreement. Occupations, salary settings, concessions and visa periods depend on the terms of that agreement; the applicable criteria are governed by the approved labour agreement.

2. Is there an age limit for the 482 visa?

No, there is no age limit to apply for a 482 visa. Whether you are 25, 45, or 55, you can be sponsored on a 482 as long as you meet the skills, health, and character requirements.

3. What are the English language requirements?

The standard requirement is Vocational English proficiency, which means:

• IELTS: Overall score of 5.0 with no individual band less than 5.0
• PTE Academic: Overall 36 with no communicative skill below 36
• TOEFL iBT: Total of 35 (minimum 4 Listening, 4 Reading, 14 Writing, 14 Speaking)
• OET: Grade B in each of the four components

4. What is Labour Market Testing and how does it work?

Labour Market Testing (LMT) is a requirement for most 482 nominations to ensure employers have genuinely attempted to hire Australian workers first.

Requirements:

• Advertise the position in at least 2 places with national reach
• Advertisements must run for a minimum of 4 weeks
• Must be placed within 4 months before lodging the nomination
• Include job title, duties, skills required, company name, and salary (if below $96,400)
• Advertisements must be in English

Acceptable platforms: Major job boards (SEEK, Indeed), professional/industry job sites, national newspapers or radio, or company careers page (if accredited sponsor).

5. Can I change employers while on a 482 visa?

Yes, you can change employers on a 482 visa by having the new employer lodge a new nomination for you.

Important details:

• New employer must be an approved sponsor (or become one)
• Must nominate you in the same occupation as your current visa
• You do not need to apply for a new visa, just transfer the existing one
• If you leave your job, you have 180 days (6 months) to find a new sponsor
• Once new nomination is approved, you can start working for the new employer

6. How much does the 482 visa cost?

The subclass 482 main applicant visa charge starts at AUD $4,015 for applications lodged from 1 July 2026. Other government and third-party costs depend on the sponsor, nomination, visa duration and family composition. Confirm all charges using the Home Affairs pricing estimator before lodgement.

7. Can the 482 visa lead to permanent residency?

Absolutely yes. The 482 visa offers one of the clearest pathways to Australian permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).

Temporary Residence Transition pathway:

• At least two years of eligible full-time sponsored employment in Australia in the three years before applying
• Can be with one or multiple employers in the same occupation
• Employer nominates you for permanent role
• Must be under 45 (exemptions available for high earners)
• Need Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
• Approval depends on Home Affairs assessment of the lodged evidence

8. Do I need a skills assessment for a 482 visa?

Generally no. Unlike many other visa categories, a formal skills assessment is not required for most 482 visa occupations.

Exceptions requiring skills assessment:

• Certain trades (electricians, plumbers, etc.) – typically assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
• Some licensed professions requiring Australian registration
• Specific occupations designated by the Department

For most professional occupations (IT, finance, engineering, healthcare managers, etc.), your qualifications and work experience as demonstrated in your application are sufficient. The Department will evaluate your claimed skills against the job requirements without a separate skills assessment.