Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) Specialist Skills Stream
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (Subclass 482) Specialist Skills stream is an excellent pathway for addressing labour shortages in Australia. This visa allows Australian employers to bring in skilled workers when they cannot source appropriately skilled Australian employees. Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding the SID visa and its requirements for both applicants and sponsors.
Key Benefits of the Skills in Demand Visa
With the SID visa, successful applicants can:
Work in Australia for their sponsor for up to 4 years (or up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
Study in Australia (without government assistance).
Travel to and from Australia as many times as they want during the visa’s validity.
Apply for permanent residence if eligible.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
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There are no age restrictions for this visa.
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If applying from within Australia, you must hold:
A substantive visa, or
A Bridging visa A, B, or C.
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Applicants currently in Australia must have substantially complied with the conditions of their last substantive visa or bridging visa.
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Your employer must:
Be an approved sponsor or have applied to become one.
Nominate you for an eligible occupation listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) in Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6. Occupations in Major Groups 3, 7, and 8 are excluded.
Ensure the nominated salary meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold. The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) applications under the Specialist Skills stream are required to meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), which is set at AUD 135,000 for nomination applications lodged between 7 December 2024 and 30 June 2025.
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If sponsored by an Australian business, you must work in your nominated occupation within that business or its associated entity.
If sponsored by an overseas business, you must work in your nominated occupation within that business only.
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Applicants must demonstrate:
Adequate skills, qualifications, and experience to perform the nominated occupation, which should align with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) requirements. This includes holding relevant degrees, certifications, or trade qualifications pertinent to the specific role.
Relevant work experience of at least 1 year in the nominated occupation or a closely related field within the last 5 years is mandatory. This experience should thoroughly demonstrate the ability to perform the tasks and responsibilities outlined in the ANZSCO description for the role, encompassing a deep understanding of the skills required and proven expertise in executing them effectively. Part-time or casual work may be considered, provided it equates to at least 12 months of full-time employment. This includes professional roles in the industry where the applicant actively applied their skills in practical settings. Additionally, work experience can include clinical placements, internships, or apprenticeships, particularly when undertaken during formal education. For instance, medical practitioners can count supervised internships or final-year training involving direct patient care. Other ways to meet this requirement could include contributions made during advanced degrees such as a Master's or PhD, provided the tasks performed align closely with the nominated role. All work experience should be documented with precise details, such as duration, roles, and responsibilities, as outlined by the ANZSCO standards.
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Some applicants must undergo a mandatory skills assessment conducted by authorised bodies such as Trades Recognition Australia or VETASSESS. This assessment ensures that the applicant’s qualifications and professional experience align with Australian standards for the nominated occupation. It is a critical step that must be initiated before lodging the visa application to validate its eligibility. The assessment process typically involves evaluating educational qualifications, certifications, and prior work experience. Depending on the occupation, applicants may also need to demonstrate practical skills through tests or interviews. Failing to commence this assessment prior to the visa application submission will render the application invalid and ineligible for processing.
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You must maintain adequate health insurance throughout your stay in Australia. This can include coverage through reciprocal healthcare agreements, where applicable.
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You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
Police clearances may be waived if sponsored by an accredited sponsor, but Australian police clearances might still be required.
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You must not have engaged in paying for visa sponsorship practices within the past 3 years unless deemed reasonable by the Minister.
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You must meet specific English language requirements unless exemptions apply.
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Applicants may be ineligible if they have had a visa cancelled or an application refused. However, exceptions might apply for certain permanent visa pathways.
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Applicants must not owe money to the Australian Government or must have arranged to pay back any debt owed.
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Applicants aged 18 or older must sign the Australian Values Statement, committing to respect Australian laws and culture.
Responsibilities of the Employer (Sponsor)
Standard Business Sponsorship
The employer must:
Be, or have applied to become, a Standard Business Sponsor.
Nominate the worker for an eligible occupation within ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6.
Labour Market Testing
Employers must prove that they were unable to find a suitably skilled Australian citizen or permanent resident for the role.
Genuine Position
The nominated position must:
Be genuine and consistent with the employer’s business activities.
Exist as a full-time role that aligns with National Employment Standards (NES).
Pay Conditions
Employers must:
Pay the nominee at least the annual market salary rate (AMSR) for the position.
Ensure employment conditions are equivalent to those offered to Australian workers performing similar roles.
Employment Contracts
Nominees must have written employment contracts.
Australian sponsors must employ nominees only within their business or associated entities.
No Discriminatory Practices
Sponsors must ensure recruitment practices are non-discriminatory and align with Australian laws.
Compliance with Sponsorship Obligations
Sponsors must:
Uphold obligations under Australian law.
Avoid adverse information that could affect their standing as a sponsor.
Final Thoughts
The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) Specialist Skills stream offers tremendous opportunities for both employers and skilled workers. For applicants, it provides a chance to contribute to Australia’s economy and potentially transition to permanent residency. For employers, it addresses critical labour shortages and enhances workforce capabilities.
Navigating the process can be complex. For tailored advice and assistance, contact Visamigo Lawyers. Our experienced team will guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and successful application process.
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.
