482 Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) – Core Skills stream

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa Name	Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream
Stay Length	Up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passports)
Base Cost	From AUD 4,015.00
Cost Concessions	Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026
Work Rights	Work for nominating employer in nominated occupation
Study Rights	Allowed without government assistance
Travel Facility	Multiple entries while visa is valid
Location at Application	In or outside Australia (not immigration clearance)
Location at Decision	In or outside Australia
Age Requirement	No age limit
Work Experience	At least 1 year relevant experience
Income Threshold	At least AMSR and no less than CSIT
Skills Assessment	Mandatory for specific occupations; commenced before applying
Health Insurance	Must maintain adequate health cover
Medicare Access	Not stated in the source
Path to Permanent Residence	Eligible holders may apply (e.g., subclass 186)
Citizenship Pathway	Not stated in the source
Family Sponsorship	Partner and dependent children can be included
Visa Record	Digitally linked to passport; no label

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Purpose & Overview

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled overseas workers when an appropriately skilled Australian worker cannot be sourced.

Length of Stay & Extensions

• Standard stay: Up to 4 years, depending on the period nominated by the employer.
• Hong Kong passport holders: Up to 5 years (including British National Overseas passport holders).
• Visa extensions: You cannot extend this visa. To stay longer with the same employer, the employer must lodge a new nomination and you must apply for a new visa.
• Permanent residence: Employers may sponsor eligible visa holders for permanent residence through pathways such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

Costs & Concessions

• Main applicant: From AUD 4,015.00.
• Dependants aged 18 and over: AUD 4,015.00 each.
• Dependants under 18: AUD 1,005.00 each.
• Additional costs: English tests, health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics.
• Pacific Island and Timor-Leste Concession: Starting 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to primary applicants (and their family members) holding a valid passport from:
  • Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, or Vanuatu.

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: There is no age limit for this visa.
• Nomination: You must be nominated by an approved Standard Business Sponsor (or an employer who has applied to become one) in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The nomination must be approved before the visa can be granted.
• Salary: You must be paid at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and no less than the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT).
• Work Experience: You must have at least 1 year of relevant full-time work experience (or part-time/casual equivalent to 12 months full-time) in the nominated occupation or a related field gained within the last 5 years. Experience may include relevant Master/PhD research or formal CRICOS-registered clinical/industry placements, apprenticeships, or internships.
• Skills Assessment: If mandatory for your occupation under legislative instrument IMMI 18/039, the assessment (via Trades Recognition Australia or VETASSESS) must be commenced or completed within the 3 years before applying. The reference number must be provided at the time of application.
• Medical Practitioners: Must have qualifications recognised by the relevant Australian registration authority.
• English Proficiency: Must meet minimum English language proficiency standards unless exempt. Test results must not be older than 3 years.
• Health & Character: Must meet the health requirement and character requirement (including police checks for countries lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years since turning 16). Accredited sponsor references can waive foreign police clearance requirements under specific terms.
• Health Insurance: You and your family must maintain adequate health insurance covering medically necessary treatment and transport for your entire stay.
• Visa History: You must have complied substantially with previous visa conditions and must not have had a visa cancelled or refused (subject to section 48 limitations).
• Paying for Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must not have engaged in "paying for visa sponsorship" conduct within the last 3 years.
• Australian Values & Debts: Must sign the Australian Values Statement (if 18+) and have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.

Visa Rights & Conditions

• Work Rights: You must work only in your nominated occupation. If sponsored by an Australian business sponsor, you may work for the sponsor or an associated entity. If sponsored by an overseas business sponsor, you must work for that business only.
• Workplace Protections: You are entitled to Australian workplace rights and protections under Fair Work legislation.
• Study Rights: You may study, but you will not receive Australian government educational assistance.
• Travel Rights: Multiple entries to and from Australia while the visa is valid. Time spent outside Australia does not extend the visa validity.
• Commencing Work: You must commence employment within 90 days of arriving in Australia (if granted offshore) or within 90 days of visa grant (if granted onshore).
• Cessation of Employment: If you are laid off or become unemployed, you have up to 180 days to find a new sponsor or make arrangements to depart Australia.

Family Members

You can include eligible secondary applicants in your visa application:

• Partner: Spouse or de facto partner.
• Dependent Children: Children under 23, or children aged 23 and older who are financially dependent due to physical or mental disability.
• Previous Visa Holders: Specific definitions apply if currently holding a subclass 457 or 482 visa.
• Adding Family: Family members cannot be added to an application after it has been submitted. They must lodge a separate subsequent entrant application.

Required Evidence & Documents

• Identity: Passport identity pages, proof of name change (marriage certificate, deed poll, or statutory declaration).
• Employment & Skills: CV/resumé covering at least the last 5 years, employment reference letters (on company letterhead specifying position, dates, and referee details), certificates/qualifications, licensing/registration proof, or skills assessment reference number.
• English: Valid English test results (less than 3 years old) or proof of exemption.
• Character: Complete disclosure AFP National Police Certificate (if 12+ months spent in Australia) and overseas police clearances for all countries lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years after turning 16. Form 80 and Form 1221 if requested.
• Family Documents: Marriage certificate or de facto proof (joint bank accounts, joint leases, shared address records); birth certificates; Form 1229 for children travelling without both parents; Form 47a for dependants aged 18 and older.
• Translations: Clear colour scans of original documents. Translations must be in English by NAATI-accredited translators (in Australia) or include translator credentials (outside Australia). Certified copies are not required.

Application Steps

1. Before Applying:

• Obtain the nomination Transaction Reference Number (TRN) from your employer.
• Complete or initiate your mandatory skills assessment (if required).
• Complete English language exams and arrange upfront health assessments.

1. Gather Documents: Prepare colour scans and English translations of identity, skills, health insurance, character, and relationship documents.
2. Apply Online:

• Log in to ImmiAccount.
• Complete the form, attach all documentation, and pay the visa application charge.

1. After Applying:

• Maintain lawful status (hold a substantive or bridging visa if applying in Australia).
• Provide biometrics or additional documents promptly if requested.
• Notify Home Affairs of changes in circumstances or mistakes using Form 1023.

1. Visa Outcome: Decisions are provided in writing with grant details and conditions. Visas are recorded electronically; no physical passport label is issued.

Important Warnings

• Accurate Information: Providing fraudulent documents or false information will result in visa refusal and a potential 10-year ban on future visa grants for you and your family.
• Do Not Cancel Existing Visas: If onshore, do not request cancellation of your current visa while awaiting a decision, as this will make you unlawful and disqualify you from a Bridging visa.
• Travel Confirmation: Do not finalize travel plans to Australia until you receive written notification of your visa grant.