Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) · Work and skilled visas · Stream of Skills in Demand
Specialist Skills stream
The Skills in Demand visa supports employment with an eligible sponsoring business. It has Specialist Skills, Core Skills and Labour Agreement streams. A later 186 application depends on qualifying employment, an employer nomination and the other relevant criteria; a 482 does not automatically become permanent residence.
This visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where they can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
- Stay
Up to 4 years.
- Government charge
From AUD4,015.00
- Visa type
Temporary
Notice from the Department
Skilled visa income thresholds are increasing in line with changes to annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings. For more information see Annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2026.
Official information from the Department of Home Affairs
The material below reproduces English-language information from the Department of Home Affairs about this visa. Requirements may have changed since it was added to this website. Use the source link to check the latest information; I can explain relevant provisions in Vietnamese or English during a consultation.
Reading asFor Applicants
Overview
Stay
Up to 4 years.
Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years.
Government charge
From AUD4,015.00
Concessions apply in limited circumstances.
Cost Concession
From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid visa application. See About this visa.
To see what your visa will cost use the Visa Pricing Estimator. The estimator does not consider the second instalment or other costs.
Processing times
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
With this visa, you can
- work in Australia for up to 4 years or up to 5 years if you are a Hong Kong passport holder
- study (you won't receive government assistance)
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- if eligible, apply for permanent residence.
You must
- be nominated to work in an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) occupation listed in Major Groups 1,2,4,5 or 6. The salary must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold
- have at least 1 year relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
- have a relevant skills assessment if this is required for your occupation
- work only for your sponsor or associated entity, unless you are exempt
- meet minimum standards of English language proficiency unless you are exempt from needing to show this.
Help with your visa
If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, read information on Who can help with your visa application.
About this visa
With this visa, you can
- work in Australia for your sponsor for up to 4 years, or up to 5 years if you are a Hong Kong passport holder
- study (you won't receive government assistance)
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- if eligible, apply for permanent residence
For this stream of the visa, you must be sponsored to work in an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) listed occupation in Major Groups 1,2,4,5 or 6. The nominated salary must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
Your visa will come with conditions attached to it. To see your conditions refer to your visa grant letter or use VEVO.
Cost
The visa costs:
- AUD4,015.00 for the main applicant and for each dependant 18 years and over.
- AUD1,005.00 for each dependant under 18 years old.
Concessions apply in limited circumstances.
You will have to pay other costs for:
- English language tests
- health checks
- police certificates
- biometrics.
To see what your visa will cost use the Visa pricing estimator.
The estimator does not consider the other costs.
Cost concession for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste visa applicants
From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid visa application.
We will charge eligible applicants the lower visa application cost during the application process in ImmiAccount. We will recognise eligible applicants by the valid passport from the specified countries used in the application when they apply.
Family members are also eligible for the lower visa cost. We base this on the passport of the primary applicant (or visa holder who satisfies the primary visa criteria).
The primary applicant must hold a valid passport issued by one of the following countries:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu.
How long you can stay
This is a temporary visa. You can stay in Australia for the period of time your employer nominates you for up to a maximum period of:
- 4 years, or
- up to 5 years if you are a Hong Kong passport holder.
For further information on recent changes regarding Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passport holders read Visa options for Hong Kong - update.
Stay longer
If your visa is expiring and you want to stay in Australia to work for your existing employer:
- your employer will need to submit a new nomination
- you must apply for a new visa.
Your employer may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence through the:
You might be eligible for other skilled work visas. Use our visa finder to find out options for work.
Include family
You can include other family members (called 'secondary applicants') in your visa application. The family members you can add will depend on whether you currently hold a subclass 457 or 482 visa.
You have not previously held a subclass 457 or 482 visa
If you have not previously held a subclass 457 or 482 visa, the secondary applicants you can include in your visa application are those who are members of the family unit.
For this visa, your family members are:
- your partner
- your dependent child or stepchild
- your partner's dependent child or stepchild
- the dependent child or stepchild of your or your partner's dependent child or stepchild
You currently hold a subclass 457 or 482 visa
If you currently hold a subclass 457 or 482 visa and you are applying for a subsequent subclass 482 visa, the secondary applicants who can be included in your application are:
- one of the members of the family unit, or
- a person who currently holds a subclass 457 or 482 visa that was granted on the basis that they were a member of the family unit at the time, and is currently one of the following:
- your spouse or de facto partner
- your or your spouse's or de facto partner's child or step-child who is not engaged, married or in a de facto relationship, and is:
- younger than 23
- aged 23 or older and fully or mostly reliant on you or your partner because they cannot work, due to a partial or total physical or mental disability
- is a dependent child of your or your spouse or de facto partner's child or step-child
To be granted the visa, secondary applicants must be included in the main applicant's nomination, or provide written evidence that the sponsor who nominated the main applicant agrees that the secondary applicant can be a secondary sponsored person.
Secondary applicants who apply for the visa must meet our health and character requirements.
You can’t add family members to your visa application after it has been submitted.
If you have submitted your visa application and it is being processed by the Department, family members that were not included in your visa application can lodge a subsequent entrant application.
Alternatively, if we have granted you a visa, family members may apply to join you in Australia later as a subsequent entrant.
Apply from
You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa, but not in immigration clearance.
If you are applying in Australia, you must hold a:
- substantive visa or
- Bridging visa A, Bridging visa B or Bridging visa C.
You can be in or outside Australia when we decide on your application.
Processing times
For an indication of processing times for this visa based on recently decided applications, use the visa processing time guide tool.
We assess applications on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:
- whether you have lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents
- how quickly you respond to any requests for additional information
- how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
- how long it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements
We might ask for more information. We are not obligated to request further information or documents and can make a decision on the information provided. It is your responsibility to ensure all relevant supporting/evidentiary documentation is attached to your application.
Your obligations
You and your family must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws.
You must begin your employment within 90 days of:
- entering Australia, if you are outside Australia when grant the visa
- the visa grant date, if you are in Australia when we grant the visa
Travel
You can travel outside Australia and return as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
The time you spend outside Australia does not extend the visa.
Visa label
We will digitally link your visa to your passport. You will not get a label in your passport.
If we grant you a visa, we will send you a grant notification letter containing the visa grant number. You can use this number to check your visa details and conditions through VEVO.
Work
Conditions attached to this visa include that you work in Australia only in the occupation you were nominated for and only for your nominating business or in some circumstances, an associated entity of the business.
Your family can also live, study and work in Australia.
Learn more about conditions on this visa.
Eligibility
Be this age
There is no age requirement for this visa.
Be the holder of an appropriate visa
If you are applying in Australia, you must hold:
- a substantive visa, or
- a Bridging visa A, Bridging visa B or Bridging visa C
Have complied with previous visa conditions
If you are in Australia at the time of decision, you must have substantially complied with any conditions that apply or applied to your last substantive visa or bridging visa held.
Be nominated by an approved sponsor
Before you can apply for a Skills in Demand (SID) visa, your proposed employer will need to lodge a nomination application for you. They will only be able to do this if they are an approved sponsor or have at least lodged an application to become a Standard business sponsor.
Your employer must have nominated you to fill an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) listed occupation, excluding occupations listed in Major Groups 3, 7 or 8, where the nominated salary for the position meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
Work for your nominating employer
Australian business sponsor
You must be employed:
- in your nominated occupation and
- in that business or an associated entity
Overseas business sponsor
You must be employed:
- in your nominated occupation and
- in that business only (not an associated entity)
You might be exempt from this criterion if you have a certain occupation.
Have relevant skills, qualifications and employment background to perform occupation
If you are the primary visa applicant, you must demonstrate that you have the skills and experience necessary to perform the nominated occupation.
Some applicants must undertake a skills assessment to demonstrate this – see Have a positive skills assessment below.
If it is not mandatory for you to undertake a skills assessment, you are still required to provide other evidence to demonstrate that you meet these requirement. See Skills and occupation documents under the Step by Step tab.
Medical Practitioners
If the nominated occupation is a medical practitioner, you must have your qualifications recognised by the relevant authority in Australia for the registration of medical practitioners as entitling you to practise as a medical practitioner.
Have worked in your nominated occupation or a related field for at least 1 year
You must have at least 1 year relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.
Work experience must be completed while working in the nominated occupation or performing tasks at the same skill level in a related field.
Work experience gained in a related field would involve tasks which are the same or closely related to those of the nominated position you intend to work as outlined in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
You should have gained your experience on a full-time, part-time or casual basis within the last 5 years. Work carried out on a part-time or casual basis must be equivalent to at last 12 months full-time work. The period of work does not need to be continuous.
Other ways you may be able to demonstrate your work experience could include where you have gained your experience:
- as part of a Masters and/or PhD - for relevant occupations, such as medical and research occupations
- while studying through a formal arrangement such as a clinical or industry placement, internship or apprenticeship
If the formal arrangement as specified above was:
- part of a CRICOS registered course, the study must have been relevant to the nominated occupation. For example, medical practitioners could count experience gained through internships or their final year of medical training, including periods of clinical placements.
- not part of a CRICOS registered course, the study must have been undertaken at the skill level of the relevant occupation
Have a positive skills assessment
Some primary SID visa applicants must undergo a mandatory skills assessment as part of the visa application process. Applicants who fit into this category and the type of assessment required are outlined in the IMMI 18/039: Mandatory Skills Assessment—Subclass 482 Visa. Depending on your nominated occupation, this will be a skills assessment by Trades Recognition Australia or VETASSESS.
Important: where a mandatory skills assessment is required, it must be commenced before submitting your visa application or your application will not be valid and will not be processed. As a result, you will be asked to provide a relevant skills assessment reference number when completing your application form.
The mandatory skills assessment must have been undertaken or commenced within the 3 year period ending immediately before the day the SID visa application is made.
You are encouraged to complete the skills assessment process before submitting your visa application to reduce processing delays.
Note:
- we can request a skills assessment as part of the visa application process even where it is not mandatory. We will request it in writing where this is the case
- a relevant skills assessment is different to being registered with an appropriate regulatory body
Exemption to a mandatory skills assessment
You might be eligible to claim an exemption. Relevant exemptions are recorded under Part 2, section 7 of the IMMI 18/039: Mandatory Skills Assessment—Subclass 482 Visa.
Have health insurance
Primary and secondary visa applicants are personally liable for healthcare costs while in Australia. Health insurance helps limit your financial liability.
You must maintain adequate health cover for the whole of your intended period of stay if you are granted this visa. Your insurance should cover you for medically necessary treatment, including transport. It will be a condition of the visa that you maintain adequate health insurance while you remain in Australia.
See a guide to what we consider adequate health insurance.
Learn more about health insurance for overseas visitors.
Reciprocal healthcare agreements
Some countries have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia. Find out more from Services Australia about reciprocal healthcare agreements.
Meet our health requirement
You and any secondary applicants who apply for a SID visa must meet the health requirement. The results of health examinations are generally valid for 12 months.
Important: You should organise your health examinations upfront before lodging a visa application to reduce processing times.
Meet our character requirement
You and family members aged 16 years and over who apply for the visa with you must meet our character requirement.
Important: if you are sponsored by an accredited sponsor, you are not required to obtain police certificates from countries other than Australia provided you attach a reference from your accredited sponsor confirming that you are of good character and that you have not been convicted of any criminal offences. You must still, however, provide any required Australian police clearances where applicable or when requested to do so.
Have not contravened ‘paying for visa sponsorship’ legislative provisions
Paying for visa sponsorship refers to asking for, offering, receiving or providing a benefit in return for a sponsorship related event, whether the event occurs or not. You or any secondary applicants must not have, in the past 3 years, engaged in any such conduct. You may still satisfy this criterion if you have engaged in such conduct, and the Minister considers it reasonable to disregard it.
Have this level of English language
Primary visa applicants must meet certain minimum standards of English language proficiency, unless exemptions apply.
Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused
We will consider your immigration history when we make a decision on your application, which means you might not be eligible for this visa if you have had a visa cancelled or refused.
In some circumstances you may still apply for a permanent visa if you have had a visa cancelled or an application refused see Limitations on applications in Australia.
If applying for a visa from outside Australia see Can I go to Australia.
If you want immigration assistance, see Who can help with your visa application.
Have no debt to the Australian government
If you or any family members (including those who don't apply for the visa with you) owe the Australian government money, you or they must have paid it back or arranged to pay it back.
Sign the Australian values statement
If you and any secondary applicants are 18 years of age or older, you must confirm that you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws when you agree to or sign an Australian Values Statement.
Step by step
1Before you apply
Things you will need to arrange before you apply could include obtaining a skills assessment, an English proficiency exam or undertaking a health assessment. You might also want to get help with your application.
Be nominated by your prospective employer
Ensure your prospective employer has or will nominate you for a nominated position in their business.
You will need the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) for the nomination application that your employer has lodged on your behalf when you submit your SID visa application online at step 3. You can request this information from your employer if you do not have this number.
Check your passport
You need a valid passport or other travel document for this visa. If you plan to get a new passport, you should do so before applying for your visa.
Get your skills assessed
For some occupations and classes of applicants, it is mandatory to obtain a skills assessment, or have organised to obtain one at the time you apply for your SID visa.
Check if you need to get a skills assessment for your occupation.
If you are required to undertake a mandatory skills assessment we prefer that the assessment is completed before you apply for the visa. However, you can apply once you have the skills assessment reference number. You will need to record the skills assessment reference number in your SID visa application when submitting your online application. It cannot be submitted after you submit your application.
Organise English exams
If you need to show you meet the minimum standards of English language proficiency, organise to take your English language tests. English language test results can be no more than 3 years old.
Organise health exams
You will need to have health examinations. You can complete them before you apply or you can wait until we tell you to have them.
Find out the examinations you need and how to arrange them before you apply.
Get help with your application
Only some people can help you with your application. If you appoint someone to give you immigration assistance they must be:
You can appoint anyone to receive documents on your behalf relating to your visa matter.
2Gather your documents
Documents you may have to provide could include documents for your identity, character, skills, work experience, health and English language proficiency.
Provide accurate information
Provide accurate information. See what happens if you can't prove your identity or don't provide true information.
Identity documents
We need proof of your identity. If you can't prove your identity:
- we will refuse your visa application
- we might not grant you another visa for 10 years
- we might not grant any family members you listed on your application a visa for 10 years
Provide the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates.
Also provide proof of change of name, if this applies.
Documents that prove a change of name include:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
- deed poll certificate
- statutory declaration if the differences are small
Skills and occupation documents
If it is mandatory for you to provide a skills assessment or proof that you have arranged to obtain one
We won't process your application if you don't provide this.
- For SID skills assessment by Trades Recognition Australia, your application must include the relevant skills assessment reference number.
- For the occupations of Project and Program Administrator or Specialist Manager not elsewhere classified you must include the relevant skills assessment reference number for your VETASSESS Skills Assessment.
If you are claiming an exemption from undertaking a mandatory skills assessment because of an exemption specified in the legislative instrument you must provide relevant evidence with your application.
If it is not mandatory for you to undertake a skills assessment
You are still required to provide other evidence to demonstrate that you have relevant skills, qualifications and employment background to undertake the nominated occupation.
This may include, but is not limited to:
- a copy of relevant qualification certificates (professional and educational)
- a copy of any required registration/licensing
- previous employment reference
- your curriculum vitae or resumé
- previous employment references
Registration/licensing
Where relevant, you must provide evidence from the relevant Australian registration or licensing authority (in the state or territory in which you will be working) that you hold or will be able to meet necessary registration or licensing requirements. The information relating to registration or licensing required must specify the type of registration or licensing held and the name and contact details for the registering or licensing authority. Your approved sponsor should be able to provide you with the necessary licensing and registration information.
Registration for Medical Practitioners
You must provide written evidence that the relevant medical board has recognised your qualifications and that you have been registered or will be given medical registration.
Curriculum vitae (CV) / Resume
Curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé that you provide must include full employment and educational history, including dates and positions held, for at least the last 5 years.
Employment references
Employment references that you provide should cover a period sufficient to demonstrate relevant skill level. They must be on the letterhead of the employer and include:
- the name, title and contact details of the referee
- employment details your position
- dates of service
English language proficiency documents
Provide proof that you meet the minimum standards of English language proficiency, or that you are exempt from the requirement to show this.
Health insurance
You will need to provide evidence of adequate health insurance for you and any secondary applicants for the duration of your stay in Australia.
Reciprocal healthcare agreements
Some countries have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia. Find out more from Services Australia about reciprocal healthcare agreement.
Character documents
Provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16.
We only accept complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police. We do not accept standard disclosure certificates or national police certificates issued by Australian state or territory police.
For immigration purposes, Australian police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Also provide:
- an overseas police certificate from every country, including your home country, where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16
- if required, penal check letters are available by contacting espd@homeaffairs.gov.au and include the words “Front end load – Penal Check Letter” in the subject line of your email.
- military service records or discharge papers if you served in the armed forces of any country
Further information is available at: Character requirements for visas
If you are sponsored by an accredited sponsor, you are not required to obtain police certificates from countries other than Australia provided you attach a reference from your accredited sponsor confirming you are of good character and you have not been convicted of any criminal offences.
We will tell you if you also need to complete and provide the following forms:
Partner documents
Provide:
- identity documents
- character documents
- documents about other relationships, if applicable
Provide either:
- your current marriage certificate or
- enough documents to prove you are in a de facto relationship with your partner
Documents that prove your de facto relationship include:
- joint bank account statements
- billing accounts in joint names
- joint leases or mortgages
- documents that show you have lived at the same address as your partner
Dependants under 18 documents
For every dependant under 18 years old who is applying with you, provide:
- the pages of their current passport showing their photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates (if your child is under 5 years old you can include them in the application without a passport)
- copies of birth certificates or the family book showing the names of both parents of all your dependent children
- copies of the adoption papers, if applicable
- character documents, if applicable.
Parental responsibility documents
You must get consent for the child to come to Australia from anyone who:
- has a legal right to decide where the child lives and
- is not coming to Australia with the child
They must complete either:
- Form 1229 Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years
- a statutory declaration giving their consent for the child to visit Australia on this visa
Include a document with the signature and photo of the person who completed the form or declaration, such as a:
- passport
- driver’s licence
Dependants over 18 documents
For every dependant 18 years old or older who is applying with you, provide:
- identity documents
- documents about their other relationships, if applicable
- character documents
Proof of dependency
Where you need to prove that a person is dependent on you, provide:
- a completed Form 47a Details of a child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over
- proof of your relationship with the dependent such as a birth certificate or adoption papers
You must also prove this person has been financially dependent on you for at least 12 months before you apply. You could provide:
- proof they live with you
- their tax records
- proof they are currently studying
Tell us you are getting help
To nominate someone to:
- receive your correspondence, use Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient
- provide immigration assistance, use Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person.
Upload your written notification or your forms to ImmiAccount.
Prepare your documents
Translate
Have all non-English documents translated into English.
Provide original and translated documents in your application.
Translators in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
Translators outside Australia do not have to be accredited. But on each translation, they must include their:
- full name
- address and telephone number
- qualifications and experience in the language they are translating
These details must be in English.
Note: You do not need to have any documents certified.
Scan or photograph
Scan or photograph all documents (English and non-English) in colour.
The scans and photos must be clear.
If a document is more than one page, save it all as one file.
Attach
Attach a document only once, even if you are using it to show more than one thing.
Learn more about attaching documents.
3Apply for the visa
You apply for this visa online.
Apply for the visa online in ImmiAccount
- Log in or create an ImmiAccount
- Attach documents
- Pay the application fee. We will not process your application until you pay the fee.
- Note the Transaction reference number
Each family member must have their application charge paid and documents attached to their application.
4After you apply
We will let you know when we have received your application and documents. See what you can and must do after you apply.
Status updates
We can’t give updates on applications within the standard processing time.
We might ask for more information. We are not obligated to request further information or documents and can make a decision on the information provided.
Travel after you apply
Do not arrange to travel to Australia until we let you know, in writing, that we have granted you the visa.
Health exams
If you didn't have health examinations before you applied, we will let you know if you need them.
Biometrics
We might ask for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). We will let you know if you need to provide them.
Attach more information
If you didn't send us all documents when you applied, attach them as soon as you can in ImmiAccount.
We might also ask you to provide more information.
We are not obligated to request additional information or documents and can make a decision on your visa application based on the information available at the time.
Stay lawful
If you are in Australia, make sure you stay lawful by holding a valid visa while we process your application. You must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, Bridging B or Bridging C visa for your visa application to be processed.
If you were in Australia when you applied for this visa, you may have been granted a Bridging visa. If your current visa expires before we decide on your application, the Bridging visa will start. You can stay in Australia on the Bridging visa while we process your new visa application.
Do not ask us to cancel your current visa. If your visa is cancelled, you will:
- be staying in Australia unlawfully
- not be eligible for a Bridging visa.
Learn more about travelling on your visa.
Learn about visa expiry.
Add family
Refer to Include other family members for details of family members who can be included in your visa application.
You can't add family members to your visa application after it has been submitted.
If you have submitted your visa application and we are processing it, certain family members that were not included in your visa application can submit a subsequent entrant application.
Alternatively, if we have granted you a visa, certain family members may apply to join you in Australia later as a subsequent entrant.
Newborn children
Find out what to do if you have a child after you applied for this visa.
Mistakes on your application
Let us know as soon as you can.
Help with your application
Let us know if you no longer want someone to:
- receive your correspondence - complete Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient
- provide immigration advice - complete Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person.
Upload your written notification or your forms to ImmiAccount.
For more information see Who can help you with your application.
Tell us if things change
Things you need to let us know about after you have applied include:
- changes to your phone number, email, address or passport
- changes to your marital or de facto status
- the birth of a child
- you want to withdraw your application
See how to tell us if your situation changes.
5Visa outcome
You can be in or outside Australia when we decide on your visa application.
We must have approved your employer’s nomination before we can grant you a SID visa.
We will let you know our decision about your visa application in writing. We will tell you:
- your visa grant number
- the date your visa starts
- your visa conditions
Keep a copy of the decision with you when in Australia.
If we refuse your visa we will let you know in writing. We will tell you:
- why it was refused
- whether you have a right to a review of the decision
We will not refund the application fee if we refuse your application.
When you have this visa
Coming to Australia
Before you leave
Check your travel documents
You must have a valid:
- visa to enter Australia
- passport or other travel document.
At the border
Completing an Incoming Passenger Card
All people arriving Australia must complete the Incoming Passenger Card. You will get a card on your flight.
Leaving the airport faster
We have an automated process that uses facial recognition technology and your ePassport. You might be able to leave the airport faster if you use a SmartGate.
In Australia
What you can do when you have this visa
- Work in Australia for up to 4 years for your sponsor
- Study (no government assistance)
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- If eligible, apply for a permanent residence.
Your visa will come with conditions attached to it. To see your conditions see you grant letter or use VEVO.
What you must do when you have this visa
You and your family must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws.
You must begin your employment within 90 days after your:
- entry to Australia, if you were granted the visa outside Australia
- visa grant date, if you were granted the visa in Australia.
Learn more about conditions for this visa.
Tell us if things change
Things you need to let us know about include:
- changes to your phone number, email, address or passport
- changes to your employer
- changes to your employment status including promotions and changes in hours
- changes to your relationship status
- the birth of a child.
See what to do if your situation changes.
See how long you can stay
This is a temporary visa. You can stay in Australia for the period of time your employer nominates you for up to a maximum period of 4 year.
To see when you must leave, see your grant letter or use VEVO.
Staying longer
If your visa is expiring and you want to keep working in Australia for your employer:
- your employer will need to submit a new nomination
- you must apply for a new visa.
You can’t stay longer by extending the visa.
Your employer may also be able to sponsor you for permanent residence through the:
You might be eligible for other skilled work visas. Explore visa options for working in Australia.
Travelling on your visa
You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
Time spent outside Australia does not extend your length of stay in Australia.
Proving you have a visa
To prove you have a visa and show your conditions to someone, use VEVO.
Working
Usually you can only work for the business that sponsored you. If your sponsor is an Australian business, you can work for that business or one of its associated entities.
When you work in Australia, you are protected by Australian workplace law. See your workplace rights and entitlements.
Learn more about your visa conditions about work.
Options if you have lost your job
If you have been laid off and are currently unemployed, you have up to 180 days to find a new employer or make arrangements to leave Australia.
Bringing family
Secondary applicants can apply for their own SID visa as a subsequent entrant.
Leaving Australia
Before you leave
Check your travel documents
You must have a valid passport or other travel document to leave Australia.
Ensure your visa is still valid
Check your conditions and the expiry of your current visa in VEVO
See what you can and must do if your visa has expired or is about to expire.
At the border
Leaving the airport faster
We have an automated process that uses facial recognition technology and your ePassport. You might be able to leave the airport faster if you use a SmartGate.
After you leave
Get your superannuation (if you are leaving Australia and do not intend to return).
You are likely to have some money in a superannuation fund if you worked in Australia and you are:
- 18 years old or older
- paid AUD450 or more before tax in a month.
See how to access your super.
Proving you have been to Australia
To prove you have been to Australia request your travel records.
Reading asFor Sponsors
Overview
Stay
The applicant can stay for up to 4 years
Government charge
AUD330.00 to nominate a worker. You need to also pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy.
Processing times
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
With this visa the applicant can
- Live, work and study in Australia.
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as they want, while the visa is valid.
You must
- Be or have applied to be a Standard Business Sponsor.
- Have nominated the visa applicant in an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) listed occupation in Major Groups 1,2,4,5 or 6, where the nominated salary for the position meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
See all conditions
About this visa
Scope
You can nominate and sponsor a skilled worker to work in an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) listed occupation in Major Group 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, where the nominated salary for the position meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
You can also sponsor eligible family members of the skilled worker who apply for the visa with them or apply later as subsequent entrants.
If the skilled worker you are nominating already holds a Subclass 457 or 482 visa and has family members accompanying them as secondary applicants, you must include them in your nomination.
You must be or have applied to be a Standard Business Sponsor. Your sponsorship must be approved, for your nomination to be approved.
A Standard Business Sponsor can apply to become an Accredited Sponsor.
The Global Talent Scheme
The Global Talent Scheme (GTS) is an Australian Government pilot scheme for employers to fill highly skilled positions that cannot be filled:
- by Australian workers
- through other visa programs - in particular, the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa Core Skills stream and Specialist Skills stream (this visa stream).
See more about the GTS.
Cost
It costs AUD330.00 to nominate a worker. You must also pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy
Nominating a skilled worker
You must lodge the nomination for the skilled worker you wish to sponsor before, or at the same time as, their visa application.
We must approve your nomination, before we can grant a visa to your nominee. Find out more about nominating a skilled worker in the Step by step tab.
How long your nomination lasts
Your nomination lasts for 12 months from the approval date or until:
- the day on which we receive written notification of the withdrawal of the nomination by the sponsor
- the day on which any visa application made by the nominee on the basis of the nomination has been finally determined
- the day on which the visa application is finally determined or withdrawn
- the day the nominee is granted a SID visa
- the day we receive your written notification to withdraw your nomination application
- 3 months after the day on which your approval as a standard business sponsor ceases unless a new sponsorship application submitted before that date remains unfinalised
- the day your approval as a standard sponsor is cancelled
- the day on which the labour agreement ceases if approval of the nomination is given to a party to a labour agreement.
Your nomination must be approved and valid at the time we decide on the nominee's visa application.
The nominee must begin employment within 90 days of:
- entry to Australia if they are outside Australia when we grant the visa
- the visa grant date if they are in Australia when we grant the visa.
If the nominee has not begun working within this timeframe, their visa could be cancelled.
Sponsor obligations
You must meet your obligations as a standard business sponsor under the SID visa program.
You are responsible for meeting these obligations even if you appoint someone, such as a migration agent, to act for you. Learn more about your sponsorship obligations.
Eligibility
Be a Standard Business Sponsor
You must be, or have applied to become a Standard Business Sponsor.
See how to:
- become a Standard Business Sponsor
- become an Accredited Sponsor
Nominate the worker for an eligible occupation
You must nominate the worker. The occupation you nominate them for must be an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) listed occupation in Major Group 1,2,4,5 or 6, where the nominated salary for the position meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
Be unable to find an Australian worker
You must be unable to find an Australian citizen or permanent resident with the skills and experience needed for to fill the nominated position.
You must do labour market testing to show us you can't find an Australian to do the work.
Pay the annual market salary rate
If the nominee will be paid an annual salary of less than AUD250,000, you must determine and show us that you will pay the nominee at least the annual market salary rate (AMSR) for the nominated position.
Have a genuine position available
The position associated with the nomination must be genuine. This means that the position must exist and be what it says it is. Things we consider for genuineness include:
- whether the skills and duties of the position are consistent with the skill level and the tasks of the nominated occupation as listed in ANZSCO
- whether the position is consistent with the nature of your business (for example, whether it fits clearly within the scope of the activities of the business and the scale of your business)
- whether the position was created just to help your nominee stay in, or migrate to, Australia.
The position must also be full-time. A full-time position is generally considered one where the employee works:
- 38 hours per week or
- a period between 32 and 45 hours that is specified under:
- an industry award or agreement and
- is consistent with the National Employment Standards (NES).
Engage nominee under written contract of employment
Australian business sponsors
If the nominated occupation does not fall within one of these exemptions, your nominee must be engaged under a written contract of employment to work only for your business, or for an associated entity of your business.
Overseas business sponsors
If the nominated occupation does not fall within one of these exemptions, your nominee must be engaged under a written contract of employment to work only for your business. Nominees are not permitted to work for an associated entity of your business in Australia.
On-hire arrangements
Employers who propose to supply the services of SID visa holders to unrelated businesses can't do so under standard business sponsorship.
Not engage in discriminatory practices
You must not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices. We will investigate any allegations which raise concerns about the composition of the sponsor's workforce and recruitment practices. We take all allegations of misconduct seriously.
Employment conditions must be equivalent to Australian workers
The employment conditions that will apply to the nominee must not be less favourable than those that apply/ would apply to an Australian worker performing equivalent work at the same location.
No adverse information
There must be no adverse information known about your business or any person associated with your business, unless it is reasonable for us to disregard the known adverse information. See more about adverse information.
Step by step
1Before you apply
Be an approved standard business sponsor
Before you can nominate and sponsor someone for this visa you must be, or have applied to become, a standard business sponsor. If you aren't a sponsor already, see how to apply to become a Standard Business Sponsor.
Accreditation
Standard business sponsors can apply to become Accredited Sponsors.
We give accredited sponsors priority when we process Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) nomination and visa applications. Certain SID nomination applications from accredited sponsors will also receive streamlined processing.
Nomination
You must nominate the overseas worker before they can apply for the visa.
Before you lodge your nomination application:
- check that your employee meets the eligibility requirements
- carry out labour market testing, unless you are exempt
- determine the annual market salary rate (AMSR) for the nominee, unless you are exempt.
2Gather your documents
Gather your nomination documents.
Identification of employee and the employment location
Provide the nominee's:
- full name
- date of birth
- Transaction Reference Number (TRN), Application ID or Visa Grant Number for all visas they already hold or have applied
- the postcode relating to the location of the nominated occupation. The location provided should be where the position is actually going to be performed, not the head office location of the sponsoring company
- names of all known members of the family unit who will accompany them. If your nominee is an existing subclass 482 or subclass 457 visa holder and you do not want to include their family member who currently holds a subclass 482 or subclass 457 visa in the nomination application form, you must outline your reasons for not including them.
Contract of employment (standard business sponsors only)
A copy of the employment contract signed and dated by both parties unless the occupation is exempt.
See the exempt occupations.
Proof you will pay the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) or that you are exempt
Provide evidence that you will pay:
- the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the position
- at a rate equal (excluding benefits) to the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
or
- the employee an annual salary of AUD250,000 or more
The visa programs can't be used to lower operating cost. Overseas workers must have similar work agreements to local workers. If you are paying the nominee less than the AMSR we will likely refuse the nomination.
See determining the Annual Market Salary Rate.
Clearly explain how you determined this rate. We may refuse your nomination if the AMSR has not been determined using the method specified in the relevant legislative instrument.
- If there is a difference between the AMSR and the nominee's proposed salary, explain why.
- If a 'salary range' exists for the position and you intend to pay a salary at the lower end of the range, provide a detailed statement explaining why.
- If there is no equivalent Australian worker, attach a detailed statement outlining how you determined the annual market salary rate if:
- the nominee's salary package contains significant allowances and / or non-monetary benefits; or
- the market salary evidence reflects a wide range of salary data, with potentially inconsistent information.
Proof of your labour market testing
Unless you are exempt from this requirement, labour market testing must be undertaken and evidence provided in accordance with the legislative instrument.
We will refuse your application if you do not provide this evidence.
Proof you are exempt from labour market testing
Provide documents that show that there is an international trade obligation (ITO) in place.
Proof that the position is genuine
Show that the nominated position exists and that it is what you say it will be. This could include evidence that:
- the nominee will spend most of their time on tasks of the nominated occupation
- the business needs those skills to operate
Documents you could provide include:
- a duty statement of the responsibilities of the nominated position (duties should not just be copied from ANZSCO, although they should substantially align with the tasks listed in ANZSCO)
- a structure chart showing how the position fits into the business and the full names of current employees and details of any visas held
- a brief description of the nature of the business and how the nominated position fits within it
- proof that the position existed before you lodged the nomination or if the position is new, any related plans for expansion that may have created the new position
- information about who used to perform the tasks of the position
- evidence that the position has gone through a transparent recruitment process including the number of candidates interviewed and why they were not suitable
Provide additional documents if:
- the nominee might undertake a broader range of duties - show the position is at the appropriate skill level and that broader duties will be undertaken only on an ad hoc basis
- the nominated position does not seem to fit within the scope of your business, for example, hiring an accountant for an automotive workshop - explain why the position is consistent with the nature of your business
- the size of the business does not appear to support such a position - show how the position fits within the context of the business
If possible, your evidence should be independently verifiable, for example:
- copies of contracts or leases
- purchase orders from third parties
Where a caveat applies
Under the SID program there are caveats that apply to certain occupations. These caveats can exclude an occupation from use under the SID visa program in certain circumstances. Check that you meet the caveats before nominating as this may lead to a refusal if you cannot meet the caveat.
If you want us to consider broader circumstances when we assess turnover and salary caveats. For example, for turnover and salary caveats of an overseas 'parent company', provide a written submission requesting this.
If there is a risk that a caveat could apply to your nominated occupation and we may assess the occupation as inapplicable because of this, provide documents to show that this is not the case.
For example, a caveat for the occupation of chef is that the nominated position not be in a limited service restaurant, such as a fast food or takeaway food service. To prove that your nominated occupation will not be working in a limited service restaurant, you could provide:
- a detailed position description
- an explanatory statement and evidence that describes the core activities of your business
- a copy of the menu
- a link to your website
- a floor plan
- photographs of the premises that show the size and type of your establishment
- details of food preparation done on the premises
- details of table service provided and the volume of in-restaurant dining
- any other evidence you consider relevant.
See caveats in the Skilled Occupations List.
Documents for occupations with caveats
We exclude the applicability of some positions in certain occupations because the company turnover or the annual salary falls below specified thresholds. If the occupation you want us to consider has such an exclusion, you must explain why. You must do so in writing. Examples of reasons can include the:
- turnover of the overseas 'parent company' meets the requirements
- nominee will receive other benefits as well as their salary.
Cook or chef
You can't nominate someone for the position of cook or chef if the following caveats apply:
- the position is in a factory doing mass production
- the position is in a limited service restaurant. A limited service restaurant includes:
- fast food or takeaway food services
- fast casual restaurants
- drinking establishments that offer only a limited food service
- limited service cafes, for example coffee shops or mall cafes
- limited service pizza restaurants.
If your business is one of the types listed above, and you believe your business needs someone in the nominated occupation, you must show us why. Evidence to explain why you need someone in the nominated occupation can include:
- the detailed position description
- an explanatory statement and / or evidence describing the core activities of your business
- a copy of the menu
- a link to your website
- your floor plan
- photographs of the premises which shows the size and type of your café/restaurant
- details of food preparation done at your business
- details of table service provided and the volume of people eating at your business
- any independently verifiable evidence you think is relevant.
Proof that an ITO applies
If you believe that testing the labour market is inconsistent with an ITO, provide documents showing us that your nominee is one of the below:
Citizen, national and permanent residents of selected countries
Send us a copy of the personal details page of their passport or citizenship certificate if their nominee is a citizen / national of:
- China
- Japan
- Thailand
- Chile
- South Korea
- New Zealand
- Singapore
Send us a copy of the nominee's permanent resident status if your nominee is a permanent resident of:
- Chile
- South Korea
- New Zealand
- Singapore
Nominee is an employee of an associated entity of your business
The associated entity has to be in one of the following countries:
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Chile
- China
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- New Zealand
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Vietnam
We will need the following documents:
- copy of the employment reference on the company letterhead, stating who your nominee works for
- copies of your nominee's current payslips or employment contract
- company registration documents showing that the association of the two companies
Responsibility for the company's operations
If the nominee manages all or a large part of the company's operations, show us
- the company organisation chart showing the position names and occupation
- a detailed job description / duty statement
Nominee is from a World Trade Organization (WTO) member country
If your nominee is a citizen of a WTO member country and has worked for you in the nominated position for the last 2 years, give us:
- a copy of the personal details page of their passport or citizenship certificate
- copy of their employment contract or letter of offer with the date they started working for you
3Apply
Submit your nomination application in ImmiAccount.
You will have to pay the nomination fee and other charges when submitting your application.
ImmiAccount will calculate the Skilling Australians Fund payment. See costs of sponsoring.
4After you apply
You need to tell us if anything changes.
Withdraw your nomination application
You can withdraw your nomination application any time before we make a decision on the nomination or on the nominee's visa application.
To withdraw your nomination, email the processing area.
Note: Removing your application from ImmiAccount does not withdraw the nomination. Generally, we do not refund the nomination fee if the application has been approved.
Tell us if things change
While we are assessing your application, attach any new information or a submission explaining the changes to your application in ImmiAccount.
You can also complete and upload Form 1022 Notification of changes in circumstances.
5Nomination outcome
If we approve your nomination, we will send you a letter containing your nomination approval number.
If it is not approved, we will send you a letter stating:
- why your nomination was refused
- your rights (if any) to a merits review of the decision and relevant time limits.
When you are a sponsor
How long your sponsorship lasts
Sponsorship of the visa holder and their family lasts as long as they hold a valid subclass 482 visa and continue to work for you.
Your obligations
You must meet your obligations as a standard business sponsor under the Skills in Demand visa program.
You are responsible for meeting these obligations even if you appoint someone, such as a migration agent, to act for you.
Learn more about your sponsorship obligations.
Tell us if things change
Things you need to let us know about might include if:
- you terminate the visa holder's employment or they cease working for you
- you change the visa holder's hours, duties or pay
- the visa holder's visa is expiring
See what else you must let us know and what you can do if there is a change in situation.
All streams of the Skills in Demand
Official source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. © Commonwealth of Australia. Refer to the source website for its copyright and conditions of use.
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Next step
Have a visa question or need help getting started?
A 30-minute consultation gives us time to discuss your circumstances, consider initial options and identify the documents that need checking. Some matters require a further review of the records before I can give a complete assessment.