Australia

Employer Sponsored Visa

Overview

The Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa, formerly known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, allows Australian employers to address labor shortages by bringing in skilled workers from overseas when they cannot find suitable local candidates. This visa enables skilled professionals to live and work in Australia for an approved period, typically up to four years, depending on the stream.

The Skills in Demand stream specifically targets occupations that are in shortage across Australia, offering faster processing and a clear pathway to permanent residency for eligible visa holders.

This visa supports Australia’s economic needs while providing skilled individuals and their families with the opportunity to work and live in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

Eligibility

To sponsor and be nominated under the Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand visa, both the employer (business) and the nominee (skilled worker) must meet specific eligibility requirements:

For Businesses (Sponsors):

Must be a legally operating business in Australia.
Must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor or apply for sponsorship approval.
Must demonstrate a genuine need for a skilled position that cannot be filled locally.
The nominated occupation must be listed on the Skills in Demand List.
Must offer market salary rates and comply with Australian workplace laws.

For Nominees (Skilled Workers):

Must be nominated for a skilled occupation on the relevant list.
Must have at least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated role.
Must meet minimum English language requirements.
Must have the necessary skills, qualifications, or licensing for the position.
Must meet health and character requirements as set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Benefits

The Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa offers several valuable benefits for both skilled foreign workers and Australian employers.

Work in Australia for up to 4 Years

Visa holders can live and work full-time in Australia for their sponsoring employer, typically for up to four years depending on the stream and occupation.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Eligible visa holders can apply for permanent residency after working in Australia for a specified period, often through the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.

Include Family Members

Visa holders can bring eligible family members (spouse/partner and children) who can live, work, and study in Australia.

Travel Flexibility

Unrestricted travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid, allowing you to maintain personal and professional ties internationally.

Addressing Critical Skill Shortages

Employers gain access to skilled professionals in high-demand fields, helping to fill roles that are difficult to source locally.

Pathway to Retain Skilled Talent

Through pathways to permanent residency, employers can retain high-performing employees long-term, reducing recruitment and training costs over time.

Costs Involved

Initial Consultation fee	$250
Legal fees	From $ 7800 onwards
Standard Business Sponsor Application fee	$420
Nomination Application fee	$330
SAF Levy	$3000 – $5000
Visa Application Fee	$3115
Supporting Document Services	$3500 – $8000

Application Process

Step 1: Sponsorship Application (by Employer)

The employer applies to become an approved sponsor. Sponsorship is generally valid for 5 years once approved.
*If the employer is already an approved sponsor, this step can be skipped.

Step 2: Nomination Application (by Employer)

The employer nominates a specific position to be filled by an overseas worker.

The nominated occupation must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
Must provide evidence of labor market testing (in most cases).
Must ensure the position meets the market salary rate and employment conditions.
Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

Step 3: Visa Application (by Employee/Nominee)

The skilled worker applies for the visa.