Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand visa

The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa replaced the older 457 visa and is the main employer-sponsored temporary work visa in Australia. It lets an Australian business sponsor a skilled worker for an occupation on the relevant skills list, for up to four years.

Streams

• Specialist Skills — for highly skilled workers earning above a defined income threshold.
• Core Skills — for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List.
• Essential Skills — for lower-paid roles in essential sectors, with conditions.
• Labour Agreement — for businesses with negotiated workforce agreements.

Eligibility

• An Australian employer sponsoring you for a nominated occupation.
• The occupation appears on the relevant skills list for your stream.
• You meet the skill, experience, and English-language requirements for the occupation.
• Skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for many occupations.
• Health, character, and insurance requirements.

Pathway to permanent residence

Most 482 streams provide a pathway to the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme after a period of working with the sponsor (typically two years). This is the most common employer-led pathway from temporary skilled work to Australian permanent residence.

Why it matters for international students

Many international students transition from a Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa onto a Subclass 482 once they secure ongoing employment with a sponsor. The 482 then provides the runway toward the 186 ENS or other PR options.