If you’ve received a job offer from an Australian employer, you may be wondering whether you meet the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa eligibility and requirements. Understanding where you stand can help you prepare the right documents and move through the application process with greater confidence.
This guide from Ten Heads Immigration explains who is eligible, the requirements you need to meet and what to expect before applying.
Who is eligible for a 482 visa in Australia?
The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa is designed for skilled workers who have received a genuine job offer from an eligible Australian employer. To be considered, you must be nominated for an eligible occupation and meet the visa criteria for the stream you are applying under.
The three main applicant streams are:
- Core Skills Stream: For nominated occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- Specialist Skills Stream: For eligible ANZSCO occupations where the nominated salary meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
- Labour Agreement Stream: For workers sponsored under a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.
Without employer sponsorship, this visa pathway is not available. If you do not have an employer sponsor, you may wish to explore other skilled migration options available.
What are the main requirements for the subclass 482 visa?
The main requirements involve meeting the visa criteria for your stream and providing evidence to support your application. As of July 2026, the following applies:
Requirement | Core Skills Stream | Specialist Skills Stream | Labour Agreement Stream |
Approved sponsor | Required | Required | Required |
Employer nomination | Required | Required | Required |
Occupation requirement | Must be on the CSOL | Must be an eligible ANZSCO occupation | Must be covered by the labour agreement |
Salary requirement | Must meet the Annual Market Salary Rate and Core Skills Income Threshold | Must meet the Annual Market Salary Rate and Specialist Skills Income Threshold | Must meet the terms of the labour agreement |
Work experience | At least 1 year of relevant work experience | At least 1 year of relevant work experience | Depends on the labour agreement |
English requirement | Required unless an exemption applies | Required unless an exemption applies | Required unless a concession or exemption applies |
Skills assessment | Required for some occupations | Required for some occupations | Depends on the labour agreement and occupation |
Health and character checks | Required | Required | Required |
Some occupations or visa streams may have additional requirements, which is why it’s important to check what applies to your circumstances before you apply.
Is the Temporary Skill Shortage visa the same as the Skill in Demand Visa?
No. The Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa in December 2024.
You may still see information online about temporary skill shortage visa requirements, as this was the previous framework for the subclass 482 visa. While some core principles remain similar, the current Skills in Demand visa has updated streams, occupation rules and income thresholds to meet.
Can I include my family in my application?
Yes. Eligible family members may be covered in your application if they meet the relevant requirements.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
- your spouse or de facto partner
- your dependent children
If your migration plans are based on your family relationship instead, you may also wish to learn more about the Partner Visa or Parent Visa pathways.
Need help understanding your eligibility for a 482 visa in Australia?
Working out whether you meet Australia’s employee-sponsored visa eligibility requirements can be complex. At Ten Heads Immigration, we assess your circumstances, explain your available options and manage your application from start to finish.
If you already have an employer sponsor and would like advice on the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, our team is here to help. If your long-term goal is permanent residency through employer sponsorship, we can also advise whether the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) may be an appropriate pathway for your circumstances.
Authorised by:
Pradeep Brar, Registered Migration Agent
MARN: 1575911
Sumit Bansal, Registered Migration Agent
MARN: 2318052
Our Fresh News and Insights
