EMPLOYER-SPONSORED VISAS
The Skills in Demand subclass 482 visa allows Australian businesses to sponsor suitably skilled workers for eligible positions they cannot fill locally.
The Skills in Demand visa has three streams. The appropriate pathway will depend on the nominated occupation, proposed salary, employer and any applicable labour agreement.
Subclass 482
For skilled workers nominated in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List where the position meets the applicable salary and employment requirements.
Subclass 482
For highly skilled workers nominated in an eligible ANZSCO occupation with earnings that meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
Subclass 482
For skilled workers sponsored by an employer operating under a labour agreement negotiated with the Australian Government.
A subclass 482 application may involve business sponsorship, employer nomination and the skilled worker’s visa application. Borderless Migration coordinates the requirements of each stage to help prepare a complete and consistent submission.
We assess the business, proposed position, nominated occupation, salary, worker’s experience and relevant visa stream to identify the appropriate sponsorship strategy.
We guide the employer through sponsorship and nomination requirements, including labour market testing, salary evidence, position details and supporting business documents.
We provide a tailored checklist and review the worker’s identity, qualifications, employment history, English, skills assessment, health, character and family documents.
We coordinate the sponsorship, nomination and visa application, monitor progress, assist with information requests and keep the employer and applicant informed until a decision is received.
A permanent visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer through the Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition stream.
A provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by an eligible employer in a designated regional area of Australia.
A temporary visa for eligible applicants undertaking workplace-based occupational training or professional development in Australia.
The subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa allows an eligible Australian business to sponsor a suitably skilled overseas worker for a nominated position. It replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa for new applications on 7 December 2024 and can generally allow the worker to remain in Australia for up to four years.
The worker must be nominated by an eligible employer, have the skills required for the position, generally have at least one year of relevant work experience and meet the applicable English, health and character requirements. A skills assessment may be required for certain occupations and applicants.
For nomination applications lodged between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027, the Core Skills Income Threshold is $79,423, and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is $146,576. The proposed salary must also meet the Annual Market Salary Rate, where applicable. These thresholds are indexed and may change each financial year.
A subclass 482 visa may provide a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa. Under the Temporary Residence Transition stream, applicants usually need at least two years of eligible full-time sponsored employment and must satisfy the remaining nomination and visa requirements. Permanent residency is not automatic.
There are many other reasons why Australian visa applications get refused including:
Processing times vary according to the stream, sponsorship status, occupation, application completeness, processing priorities and whether additional information is required. Current estimates should be checked using the Department of Home Affairs visa processing time guide.
Whether you are an Australian employer seeking a skilled worker or an applicant with a sponsorship opportunity, Borderless Migration can assess the position, business and visa requirements before you proceed.
