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Australia

Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand visa

Australia's primary employer-sponsored work visa. Replaced the old subclass 457 in 2018 (then known as TSS — Temporary Skill Shortage), and rebranded again in late 2024 to "Skills in Demand". Up to 4 years validity with a clear pathway to permanent residence via subclass 186.

The three streams

Specialist Skills stream (most common from SA)

For occupations earning at least A$135,000/year (the Specialist Skills Income Threshold). 12-month median processing target. Up to 4-year visa. Direct path to PR via 186 ENS after 2 years on the visa.

Core Skills stream

The standard route — covers occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List earning at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold (A$73,150/year as of 2026, indexed annually). Also up to 4 years; PR pathway after 2 years.

Essential Skills stream

For lower-paid essential roles below the Core Skills Income Threshold but still on the official labour agreement list. More limited; typically negotiated directly between the employer and the Department of Home Affairs.

Who's eligible

Sponsoring employerEmployer holds active SBS approval from DHA

Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)

Nominated occupationOr eligible for a Labour Agreement (Essential Skills)

On the Core Skills Occupation List

Skills assessmentFrom the relevant assessing authority for the occupation

Required

EnglishLower threshold than 189 (which needs 6.0). PTE/TOEFL/OET equivalents accepted.

IELTS 5.0 each band

Work experienceIn the nominated occupation or related field

2+ years recent

SalaryA$73,150 (Core Skills) or A$135,000 (Specialist Skills) in 2026

At or above the relevant income threshold

Health + characterMedical exam + police clearances from countries lived 12+ months

Standard requirements

The PR pathway via 186

The 482 isn't PR by itself. The standard employer-sponsored PR route is:

Get a 482 visa with an SBS-approved employer
Work for that employer for at least 2 years (Temporary Residence Transition stream of 186)
Employer nominates you for subclass 186 ENS — Direct Entry stream available without TRT for high-skill roles
Apply for 186, lodge with all docs, pay A$4,640
Decision: PR granted, no time-limit visa

Citizenship follows the standard 4-year residence rule after PR.

Pros and cons vs the points-tested 189

Pros (vs 189)

• No points test — you don't need 85+ competitive score
• No long EOI wait for an invitation
• Lower English threshold (IELTS 5.0 vs 6.0)
• Faster initial visa (45-90 days median vs 8-18 months)
• Get to AU and start working sooner

Cons (vs 189)

• Tied to one sponsoring employer
• Not PR — additional 186 step required
• Employer must hold SBS (not all employers do)
• Salary threshold can be a barrier in lower-paid roles
• Total time to PR: ~2.5 years minimum vs 189's direct route

Notes for South African applicants

SA tech and trades workers are a major source of 482 applicants. Common occupations with strong demand: software engineers, civil engineers, registered nurses, diesel mechanics, electricians, chefs, and panelbeaters.

Finding a sponsoring employer remotely is the hard part. LinkedIn, AU-specific job boards (Seek), and recruitment agencies that specialise in international placements (Robert Half, Hays, OptiSec) are typical channels. Many SA candidates start with a 1-2 week scoping trip to interview in person.

Employer SBS check — verify your prospective employer actually holds active Standard Business Sponsorship before signing anything. DHA publishes a public sponsor list.

Salary in the offer letter must meet the threshold. If the job offer is A$70k but the Core Skills Income Threshold is A$73,150, the visa will be refused. Negotiate salary up if needed.

See your eligibility

Set up your profile to see how you'd score against AU subclass 189 and 190 (points-tested) plus how 482 compares to CA + NZ employer-sponsored options.

General information only. Self Migrate is not a registered migration agent. For advice specific to your situation consult a MARA-registered migration agent.

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