482 Visa Apply: Employer Sponsored Visa Requirements and Process
Learn 482 visa requirements in Australia, including eligibility, salary rules, visa streams, employer sponsorship, documents and PR pathway options.
482 Visa Australia: Requirements, Eligibility, Salary Rules and Application Process
Australia continues to need skilled workers across many industries. For overseas professionals, this can create a strong opportunity to work in Australia through an employer sponsored visa.
If you have received a job offer from an Australian employer, or you are planning to work in Australia, understanding how to apply for a 482 visa is an important first step.
The process is not just about having a job offer. You must meet the correct visa stream, occupation, salary, skills, English, health and character requirements.
What Is the 482 Visa?
The Skills in Demand Visa Australia, also known as the Subclass 482 visa, is a temporary employer sponsored visa. It allows an approved Australian employer to sponsor a suitably skilled overseas worker when they cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian worker for the position.
The Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa from 7 December 2024.
What Can the 482 Visa Allow You to Do?
The visa application charge starts from AUD 4,015 for the main applicant, although fees can change and extra charges may apply for family members or other requirements.
Types of 482 Visa Streams
The Skills in Demand Visa subclass 482 has three main streams. Choosing the right stream is important because each one has different occupation, salary and sponsorship requirements.
The Core Skills Stream is for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. Your nominated occupation must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List, commonly known as CSOL.
The Specialist Skills Stream is designed for highly skilled workers. The nominated occupation must fall under eligible ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, and the salary must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
The Labour Agreement Stream is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a valid Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. A Labour Agreement may be used where standard visa programs do not fully meet an employer’s workforce needs.
482 Visa Eligibility Checklist
Before you apply for a 482 visa Australia, you should check whether you meet the basic eligibility requirements.
Primary applicants must generally show English language ability by meeting the required test result, unless they are exempt.
482 Visa Salary Requirements Updated July 2026
For a 482 visa nomination to be approved, the offered salary must meet the relevant income threshold and the Australian Market Salary Rate.
The Australian Market Salary Rate means the salary should be in line with what an Australian worker would normally be paid for the same role in the same location.
| Visa Stream | Minimum Salary Requirement |
|---|---|
| Core Skills Stream | AUD 79,423 or above, known as the Core Skills Income Threshold |
| Specialist Skills Stream | AUD 146,576 or above, known as the Specialist Skills Income Threshold |
| Labour Agreement Stream | Salary depends on the approved Labour Agreement |
These thresholds increased from 1 July 2026. The Core Skills Income Threshold increased to AUD 79,423, and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold increased to AUD 146,576.
This is one area where many applications go wrong. A job offer may look strong, but if the salary does not meet the correct threshold or market salary rule, the nomination can face problems.
How to Apply for a 482 Visa
The 482 visa apply process usually involves both the employer and the visa applicant. Here is the simple step-by-step process.
First, confirm your occupation, work experience, qualifications, English level and visa stream. You should also check whether your occupation needs a skills assessment, licensing or registration.
You need a job offer from an Australian employer who is already an approved sponsor or is willing to become one. Without employer sponsorship, you cannot apply for this visa independently.
Your employer must nominate the position. This includes details about the business, job role, occupation, salary, work location and why the position is genuine.
You will need to prepare passport, resume, employment references, qualification certificates, English test results, skills assessment, police clearance, health examination details and family documents if required.
Once the nomination is ready, you can lodge your visa application online. You must provide correct information and attach all required documents.
The Department of Home Affairs will assess the sponsorship, nomination and visa application. They may request more documents, medical examinations or police checks.
If the application meets the requirements, the 482 visa may be granted. The visa conditions will explain your work rights, employer obligations and other requirements.
482 Visa Document Checklist
A complete and well-prepared application is important because Home Affairs advises applicants to provide all required supporting documents as early as possible.
Can a 482 Visa Lead to PR?
Yes, a 482 visa can lead to permanent residency for some applicants. Many workers may later move to an employer sponsored permanent visa such as the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186, depending on their occupation, employer, work history and eligibility at the time.
Choosing the wrong occupation, accepting an unsuitable salary or submitting weak documents can affect your future PR pathway. It is better to plan properly from the start.
Common 482 Visa Mistakes to Avoid
Many 482 visa problems happen because applicants or employers rush the process. A strong application needs the right structure, not just documents uploaded at the last minute.
Get 482 Visa Help from CG Migration Services
Applying for a 482 visa in Australia can be a strong career move, but the process must be handled carefully. From checking your eligibility to preparing your documents and understanding employer sponsorship requirements, every step matters.
CG Migration Services can help with employer sponsored visa guidance, 482 visa eligibility assessment, document review and application support.
Planning to Apply for a 482 Visa?
If you are planning to apply for a 482 visa, speak with CG Migration Services and get clear guidance before you lodge your application.
Book a ConsultationDisclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not be taken as legal or migration advice. Migration requirements can change, and your eligibility depends on your personal circumstances. Always get professional advice before making a visa decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can family members be included in a 482 visa?
Yes. You may be able to include eligible family members such as your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. If they are not included at the beginning, they may be able to apply later as subsequent entrants, subject to eligibility.
Do I need a job offer to apply for a 482 visa?
Yes. The Skills in Demand visa subclass 482 is an employer sponsored visa. You need a genuine job offer from an eligible Australian employer.
Can a 482 visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes, it can. Some 482 visa holders may later become eligible for permanent residency through employer sponsored pathways such as the subclass 186 visa, depending on the rules and eligibility requirements at that time.
Can I change employer on a 482 visa?
Yes, but you cannot simply start working for a new employer. The new employer usually needs to be an approved sponsor and must lodge a new nomination before you can legally work for them under your 482 visa.
What is the processing time for a 482 visa?
Processing time can vary depending on the visa stream, occupation, employer sponsorship status, document quality and Home Affairs workload. A complete application with health, character and skills documents can help avoid unnecessary delays.
What is the minimum salary for a 482 visa in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD 79,423, and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is AUD 146,576. The Labour Agreement Stream depends on the approved agreement.
Who can help me apply for a 482 visa?
A registered migration agent can assess your eligibility, review your documents and guide you through the employer sponsored visa process. CG Migration Services can help you understand the right pathway before you apply.