482 Visa: Skills in Demand Visa (SID) (Subclass 482)

There are three visa pathways:

Specialist Skills Pathway (SSP)

This pathway is designed for highly skilled workers. The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) is currently set at $141,210 per annum. This amount is indexed and reviewed annually to reflect changes in national wage trends.

The SSP stream is open to all occupations except trades workers, machinery operators, drivers and labourers.

Core Skills Stream

The Core Skills Stream is open to eligible applicants with occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) for this pathway is $76,515. This figure is indexed annually.

Eligibility

• To be eligible for the Core Skills Stream, you generally must meet the following criteria:
• Be nominated for a position listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
• Have at least one year of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
• Obtain a relevant skills assessment, if required for your occupation
• Work exclusively for your sponsor or an associated entity unless an exemption applies
• Meet the minimum English language proficiency standards unless exempted

With a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, you can generally:

• Work in Australia for up to four years, or up to five years if you hold a Hong Kong passport
• Enjoy unlimited travel to and from Australia while your visa remains valid
• If eligible, apply for permanent residency.

Difference between Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) and Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

There are a number of key differences between the TSS visa and the SID visa.

• Visa processing times are likely to be faster for SID visa applicants. Applications for the Specialist Skills Pathway could be processed within seven days.
• The SID visa will be valid for up to four years. For Hong Kong passport holders, they’re valid for up to five years.
• With the SID visa, it will be easier for employees to qualify for permanent residency. SID visa holders will be able to count any period of employment. This means it will be easier for employees to move between sponsors without the worry of ‘resetting the permanent residency clock.’