If you’re a skilled worker aiming to live and work in Australia, the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa could be your best opportunity. This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers for up to four years when they cannot find suitable local candidates.
Before applying, it’s essential to understand the core requirements related to skills, qualifications, experience, and English language ability. That’s where we help. As registered migration agents, we provide expert guidance and support to improve your chances of success.
The Subclass 482 SID visa allows skilled workers to stay in Australia for up to four years. To be eligible, you must have:
A valid job offer from an approved sponsor
The skills and qualifications to do the job
Competent English language ability
A genuine intent to work in the nominated occupation
There are three application streams under this visa:
Specialist Skills Stream
Core Skills Stream
Labour Agreement Stream
Each stream has its own requirements, but all focus heavily on whether you have the capability to perform the job.
1. Work Experience – 12 Months Full Time (or Equivalent)
You must have worked in your nominated occupation or a related field for at least 12 months full-time (or equivalent part-time/casual) in the last 5 years.
What is full-time work?
In Australia, this generally means 38 hours per week. If you worked part-time, your total hours must be equivalent to at least one year of full-time work.
The work must be:
Paid (voluntary or unpaid work does not count)
At the correct skill level
In a similar role aligned with the ANZSCO description of your nominated occupation
Work in a related field is acceptable if the tasks are closely aligned and performed at the same skill level. For example, experience as a cook does not qualify for a chef role.
Some industry-specific exceptions apply, including:
Internships or placements during formal CRICOS-registered study
Research experience during PhD or Master’s degrees
Elite athletes or performing artists with at least three years of paid, high-level experience
2. Skills, Qualifications and Employment Background
Your education and work history must match the requirements of the occupation as defined in ANZSCO.
Decision-makers assess:
The required education level for your occupation (e.g. bachelor degree, diploma)
Years of experience typically needed to do the role
Whether your training and experience match the core tasks listed under the occupation
Acceptable evidence includes:
Academic transcripts and certificates
Professional licensing or registration (if required)
A detailed CV or resume
Employment references outlining duties and dates
A valid skills assessment (if mandatory)
Specialisation is acceptable. If you are highly skilled in the main duties of the role—even if you haven’t performed every task listed—this can still meet the requirement.
3. Skills Assessment (if required)
Some occupations require a skills assessment from an approved assessing authority. You must provide:
A valid assessment (no older than three years), or
Proof that you started the assessment before lodging your visa application
We help identify whether this applies to your occupation, refer you to the right body, and support you through the process.
4. English Language Proficiency
Unless you are exempt, you must meet English testing requirements. Accepted test results include:
IELTS: Overall score 5.0, with at least 5.0 in each band
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 36 in each component
TOEFL iBT: Total score of 35, with specific component minimums
OET: Grade B in each component
Cambridge (CAE): Score of 154 in each skill
TOEFL iBT tests completed between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 are not accepted.
You are exempt from testing if:
You hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland
You completed five years of full-time study in English
You are nominated in a role with annual earnings of at least AUD $96,400
You are licensed or registered in Australia and met English requirements through that process
5. Licensing or Registration (if required)
For some roles, such as medical practitioners, you must provide written evidence that your qualifications are recognised by the relevant Australian authority. For other occupations, registration is not required at the time of visa grant, but must be obtained before beginning work, in line with visa condition 8607.
6. Genuine Role and Genuine Intent
You must genuinely intend to work in the nominated role, and the position must be legitimate—not created for the purpose of gaining a visa.
Your qualifications, experience and employment history must align with the responsibilities of the nominated occupation. Applications may be questioned if the role and your background appear inconsistent.
Sports and Performing Arts
Elite athletes and coaches may qualify based on relevant paid experience, even if they do not hold formal qualifications. Income and endorsements from national governing bodies may be required.
Medical and Academic Research
Research experience gained during postgraduate study can count as skilled work.
Vocational Placements and Internships
Internships completed during CRICOS-registered courses may count toward the work experience requirement.
Generalist or Specialist Roles
Specialist experience in core elements of a role may meet the skill requirement, even if all listed ANZSCO duties are not covered.
A strong application typically includes:
A valid employer nomination
Evidence of paid employment (reference letters, contracts, payslips)
Relevant qualifications and transcripts
English test results or exemption evidence
Skills assessment outcome (if required)
CV/resume detailing your professional history
A genuine position statement
We’ll ensure your documents meet the latest legislative and policy requirements.
Applying for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa involves detailed documentation, eligibility rules, and strict compliance with policy.
We help you:
Select the right visa stream and occupation
Identify and manage skills assessments and exemptions
Review and organise all supporting documents
Communicate with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf
Avoid delays and errors that could lead to a refusal
Whether you’re applying from overseas or already in Australia, our team offers expert, end-to-end support.
The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa offers a path to a stable job and future in Australia. With the right support, it can be a smooth and successful process.
Book a consultation with a registered migration agent today and get personalised, expert advice tailored to your occupation, background and goals.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice. Requirements may change based on updates to legislation and policy. Always consult a registered migration agent.
