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Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), formerly the TSS Visa

On 7 December 2024, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa. It keeps the subclass number 482, so you will still see it called the “482 visa”.

The Skills in Demand visa lets Australian employers sponsor skilled overseas workers for up to four years when they cannot find a suitable Australian worker for the role. Most visa holders can move to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

Three steps to a 482 Skills in Demand visa

Step 1: Sponsorship. The employer applies to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor. The business must be lawfully operating.

Step 2: Nomination. The employer nominates the role, shows it has tested the local labour market, and pays the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

Step 3: Visa application. The worker applies for the visa, showing relevant skills, at least one year of relevant work experience, English language ability, and that they meet health and character requirements.

Am I eligible for a 482 Skills in Demand visa?

The three streams

  • Core Skills stream: the occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and the salary must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the annual market salary rate.
  • Specialist Skills stream: for highly paid roles. There is no occupation list, but the salary must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT). Trades workers, machinery operators, drivers and labourers are excluded.
  • Labour Agreement stream: for employers with a labour agreement with the Australian Government. The agreement sets the terms.

2026–27 salary thresholds

For nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026:

  • Core Skills Income Threshold: $79,423
  • Specialist Skills Income Threshold: $146,576
Is my business eligible to sponsor under the 482 Skills in Demand visa?

Key changes from the TSS visa

  • Work experience is now one year instead of two.
  • There are no more short-term and medium-term streams. All streams now have a pathway to permanent residence.
  • Workers have more time to find a new sponsor if their job ends: up to 180 days at a time, and 365 days in total over the visa.
  • Time with any approved sponsor counts toward the two years needed for 186 permanent residence.
Am I eligible for a 482 Skills in Demand visa?

Already on a TSS visa?

Your TSS visa stays valid on its current conditions. Your time on it counts toward 186 permanent residence. If you are unsure how the changes affect you or your employer, book a consultation with our migration agents.

Can my business sponsor under the 482 Skills in Demand visa?

Book your no-obligation consultation today with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne, and find out the right visa options for your unique circumstances.