Skills in Demand visa

Overview

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482, formerly the Temporary Skill Shortage visa) lets an approved employer sponsor a skilled worker for a position on the relevant occupation list. It involves three parties, the employer becoming a sponsor, the employer nominating the position, and the worker applying for the visa. Depending on the stream and occupation, it can lead to permanent residence.

How the pathway works

The flowchart below shows the journey and the key decision points along the way. Where the answer is “no”, we show how AuzRoo can help you find another way forward.

What this visa lets you do

• Work in your nominated position for your sponsor
• Bring eligible family members
• Live in Australia for the period of the visa
• Travel to and from Australia
• Move toward permanent residence in many cases

Who can apply

To be granted this visa you generally need to meet all of the following. Every case is assessed on its own facts, so treat this as a guide rather than a checklist.

An approved sponsoring employer

Your employer must be, or become, an approved sponsor and must nominate a genuine position that meets the requirements.

Your occupation

Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the stream you apply under.

Skills and experience

You need the skills, qualifications and relevant work experience for the position, and a skills assessment may be required for some occupations.

English language

You must meet the English requirement for your stream.

Health and character

You and any family members must meet health and character requirements.

How to apply, step by step

1. Confirm your occupation and stream and that the position is genuine.
2. Employer becomes an approved sponsor if not already.
3. Employer lodges the nomination for your position.
4. Prepare your evidence of skills, experience and English.
5. Lodge your visa application linked to the nomination.
6. Plan your PR pathway where the stream allows it.

Costs and processing

Charges apply at the sponsorship, nomination and visa stages, and the employer pays certain costs including the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Separate costs apply for skills assessments, English tests, health and police checks. Government charges and processing times change and depend on your circumstances, so we confirm the current figures for your case during your consultation.

When you have the visa

You must work in your nominated occupation for your sponsor and comply with your visa conditions. If your employment ends, there are timeframes within which you need to find another sponsor or arrange another visa, so seek advice early.