Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) Core Skills Stream
The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa, Subclass 482, under the Core Skills stream, offers a gateway for Australian employers to address labour shortages by bringing in highly skilled workers when suitable local candidates are unavailable. This comprehensive blog explores the key aspects of this visa for both applicants and sponsors, outlining the benefits, eligibility criteria, and obligations.
Key Benefits of the Skills in Demand Visa
For applicants, the SID visa offers:
Work Flexibility: Employment in Australia for up to four years, extendable to five years for Hong Kong passport holders.
Educational Opportunities: The ability to study in Australia (note: government assistance is not provided).
Unlimited Travel: Freedom to travel to and from Australia while the visa remains valid.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Eligibility to apply for permanent residence, subject to meeting specific criteria.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
-
There is no maximum age limit for the SID visa, making it accessible to skilled professionals across all age groups.
-
Applicants already in Australia must hold:
• A substantive visa, or
• A Bridging Visa A, B, or C.
-
You must have substantially complied with all conditions attached to your previous visas.
-
Your proposed employer must nominate you for a position listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) (link here), which includes a wide range of occupations critical to addressing labour shortages in Australia. To be eligible to nominate, the employer must either:
• Be an Approved Standard Business Sponsor: This status ensures that the employer has met rigorous requirements to sponsor overseas workers and demonstrates a commitment to fair employment practices.
• Have Submitted an Application to Become an Approved Sponsor: Employers in the process of obtaining approval are also eligible to nominate workers, provided their application aligns with sponsorship guidelines.
-
To qualify, you must:
• Demonstrate Relevant Skills and Experience: You need to showcase your expertise and proficiency in the nominated occupation. This can include formal qualifications, certifications, and work experience that align with the duties and skill level outlined in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
• Document Past Work Experience: Applicants must provide evidence of at least 1 year of relevant full-time work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related field. This work experience should be completed within the last five years and can include part-time or casual work equivalent to full-time employment. The tasks performed during this period should align with those specified for the nominated position in ANZSCO.
o Structured Experience During Education: Work experience gained through formal arrangements, such as internships, clinical placements, or apprenticeships as part of a CRICOS-registered course, may also count if relevant to the nominated occupation. For example, medical practitioners can include internships or final-year clinical placements as part of their experience.
o Special Considerations for Higher Education: For roles such as researchers or academic positions, work experience obtained during the completion of a Master’s or PhD program may be considered, provided it is directly relevant to the occupation.
o Field Relevance: Experience in a related field must involve tasks closely mirroring those of the nominated position. This ensures the applicant’s expertise remains pertinent to the requirements of the occupation.
• Submission of Supporting Documents: Ensure all work experience is supported by documents such as employment contracts, reference letters, and detailed job descriptions. If applicable, include payslips, tax records, and any formal evaluations from prior employers to validate the experience.
-
• Health: Meeting Australia’s health requirements involves undergoing mandatory health examinations, which may include medical checks, X-rays, and tests to ensure you do not pose a risk to public health or place undue demand on the Australian healthcare system. These examinations are generally valid for 12 months.
• Character: Fulfilling the character requirements is vital to ensuring applicants have no history of criminal behaviour or activities that may pose a risk to the Australian community. Applicants and their family members aged 16 and over must provide police clearance certificates from all countries where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
-
• No outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
• No involvement in “paying for visa sponsorship” within the last three years.
-
Primary applicants must meet minimum English language standards unless exempted
Responsibilities and Requirements for Sponsors
1. Standard Business Sponsorship
To sponsor a worker, your business must:
Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor.
Nominate an occupation listed on the CSOL.
2. Labour Market Testing (LMT)
Demonstrate genuine efforts to hire an Australian worker by fulfilling LMT requirements.
3. Fair Employment Conditions
Ensure employment terms are equivalent to those of Australian workers performing the same role, including:
Paying at least the annual market salary rate (AMSR) for positions under AUD 250,000. Applications for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) under the Core Skills stream and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) nominations lodged on or after 7 December 2024 must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT). For nomination applications under the ENS and SID Core Skills Stream lodged between 7 December 2024 and 30 June 2025, the CSIT is set at AUD 73,150.
Providing written employment contracts.
Offering full-time roles as per industry norms.
4. Genuineness of Position
The nominated position must:
Align with the skills and duties outlined in the ANZSCO for the occupation.
Be consistent with the scale and nature of the sponsoring business.
5. Non-Discriminatory Practices
Sponsors must:
Avoid discriminatory recruitment practices.
Maintain transparency and fairness in all employment-related dealings.
6. Compliance with Legal Obligations
Ensure no adverse information exists about the business or its associates unless deemed reasonable to disregard.
The Path to Success
The SID visa, Subclass 482, opens doors to talented professionals worldwide and provides Australian businesses with the skilled workforce they need. Both applicants and sponsors must meet a robust set of criteria to ensure a smooth and successful process.
For tailored guidance and professional assistance, contact Visamigo Lawyers. Let us help you navigate your journey to Australia’s thriving job market.
Contact Information
Phone: +61 439 184 999
Website: visamigo.com.au
DISCLAIMER: Important notice for all our social media followers as well as website readers. Content shared here by Visamigo Lawyers and its affiliates is not to be considered as immigration or legal advice. It's intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance. This material offers general insights (accurate at the time of posting, subject to updates) and is not exhaustive. Prior to any application, it's recommended you consult an Australian Lawyer for personalised advice. Your journey matters, so ensure you're properly informed.
