Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482

Your Skilled Migration Experts – Auzworld Lawyers

At Auzworld Lawyers, we excel in guiding individuals and employers through Australia’s evolving skilled migration framework—including the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482. This temporary visa enables Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers when no suitable local talent is available.

 

The SID Visa replaced the TSS visa on 7 December 2024, introducing a streamlined system with improved clarity, flexibility, and fairness.

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What Is the SID 482 Visa?

The SID Visa offers structured pathways tailored to skill levels and occupations, divided into three distinct streams:

1. Specialist Skills Stream

  • New Salary Threshold (from 1 July 2025): AUD 141,210

  • Previous Threshold (till 30 June 2025): AUD 135,000

  • Geared toward highly skilled professionals in niche roles, excluding trades, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers.

2. Core Skills Stream

  • New Salary Threshold (from 1 July 2025): AUD 76,515

  • Previous Threshold (till 30 June 2025): AUD 73,150

  • For occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

3. Essential Skills Stream

  • Targets lower-paid essential roles in critical sectors, accessed primarily through labour agreements.

  • Subject to ongoing government consultation and regulation.

Indexation & Strategic Insight: Why It Matters

  • All new nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2025 must meet the updated threshold—or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)—whichever is higher.

  • These revised thresholds reflect a 4.6% salary increase, aligned with rising national wage trends—specifically, Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).

  • Existing visa holders and applications lodged before 1 July 2025 remain unaffected.

  • Additionally, from 1 July 2025, the Superannuation Guarantee rate will increase from 11.5% to 12%. Employers must ensure this change doesn’t inadvertently reduce guaranteed annual earnings for visa holders.

Summary of Key Changes

Stream

Previous Salary Threshold (till 30 June 2025)

New Threshold (from 1 July 2025)

Core Skills (CSIT)

AUD 73,150

AUD 76,515

Specialist Skills (SSIT)

AUD 135,000

AUD 141,210

Temporary Skilled Migration (TSMIT)

AUD 73,150

AUD 76,515

Implications for Employers and Applicants

Employers

  • Review all upcoming nominations—lodging before 1 July may allow use of the current thresholds.

  • Update salary packages and budget planning to align with higher thresholds.

  • Ensure salaries meet the higher of the threshold or AMSR, and adjust for the super contribution changes.

Applicants

  • Confirm your occupation stream eligibility (Core, Specialist, or Essential).

  • Make sure your employment contract meets the updated salary requirement or AMSR.

  • Take advantage of the reduced work experience requirement (1 year, introduced late 2024).

  • Track forthcoming changes in processing times, compliance, and documentation expectations.

How Auzworld Lawyers Can Help

As always, we’re here to support every step of your SID Visa journey—whether you’re an employer or a skilled professional.

 

  • We monitor evolving thresholds and regulatory updates closely.

  • We review employment contracts for compliance with updated thresholds.

  • We guide you on strategic application timing and salary structuring.

  • We assist with navigating pathways to permanent residency and labour agreements.

Requirements for the Subclass 482 Visa

The requirements for a TSS 482 visa vary depending on the stream, but general criteria include:

1. Employer Requirements

  • Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS): The employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor.
  • Genuine Position: The role must be genuine and align with the business’s activities.
  • Labour Market Testing (LMT): Employers must demonstrate they advertised the position locally and found no suitable Australian candidates.
  • Salary Threshold: The role must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of AUD 73,150  unless negotiated for a lesser salary.

2. Employee Requirements

  • Skills and Qualifications: Must have the qualifications and work experience relevant to the nominated occupation.
  • Skills Assessment: Some occupations may require formal skills assessments through designated authorities.
  • English Proficiency: Proof of English language skills (e.g., IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL) unless exempt.
  • Health and Character: Must pass a medical examination and provide police clearances.
  • Private Health Insurance: Required for the duration of your stay in Australia.

Step-by-Step Process for the Subclass 482 Visa

The SID Visa offers structured pathways tailored to skill levels and occupations, divided into three distinct streams:

Step 1

Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Approval

Employers must apply for approval as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) to nominate workers for a TSS visa. The application requires evidence of:

 

  • Active and lawful business operations.
  • Compliance with sponsorship obligations.
  • Financial capability to sponsor workers.

 Processing Time: Typically 1-2 weeks.

Step 2

Nomination Application

The employer nominates a specific position for sponsorship. This step requires:

  • Evidence of a genuine need for the role.
  • Proof of labour market testing (advertisements and recruitment efforts).
  • Details of the salary package, ensuring it meets market rates and TSMIT.
  • Information about the nominee’s qualifications and work history.

Processing Time: Varies but generally around 1-2 months.

Step 3

Visa Application

The nominated employee (visa applicant) submits their visa application. Key requirements include:

  • Proof of skills, qualifications, and work experience.
  • Results of any required skills assessment.
  • Valid English language test scores.
  • Health and character documentation (e.g., police clearances, medical exams).
  • Evidence of private health insurance.

Processing Time:

  • SID visa: Typically 1-2 months.
  • Old applications: 3-6 months.
  • Labour Agreement Stream: May vary depending on the agreement.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 482 Visa

  • Live and Work in Australia: Work in Australia for up to 4 years, depending on your stream.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: Medium-Term Stream visa holders may transition to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 for permanent residency.
  • Bring Your Family: Include eligible family members (spouse and children) in your visa application.
  • Flexibility for Employers: Enables businesses to fill critical skills shortages and grow their operations.

Why Choose Auzworld Lawyers?

  1. Expert Guidance: Our migration professionals are well-versed in all aspects of the SID 482 visa process, from Standard Business Sponsorship applications to individual visa lodgements.
  2. Compliance Focus: We help ensure you meet all Department of Home Affairs requirements, reducing the risk of application refusals or delays.
  3. Personalized Solutions: We tailor our advice and services to your unique circumstances, whether you’re an employer or a skilled worker.
  4. Up-to-Date Knowledge: We stay informed about the latest changes to Australia’s migration laws and skilled occupation lists to provide accurate, timely advice.

Contact Us for Professional Assistance

Whether you’re an employer seeking to sponsor skilled workers or an individual exploring opportunities to work in Australia, Auzworld Lawyers is here to help.

 

Disclaimer: The above information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and requirements are subject to change. Please consult us or a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your circumstances.

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