Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
The main employer-sponsored work visa, with three streams and a pathway to permanent residency.
About this visa
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa allows an approved business to sponsor a skilled worker to fill a genuine position that it cannot readily fill from the local labour market. It is the country's principal temporary skilled work visa and a common first step for skilled migrants who have an employer willing to sponsor them.
The visa is built around three streams - Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Essential Skills - which target different occupations and salary levels. The stream you fall into affects your requirements and your route to permanent residency, so getting the classification right at the start matters.
For workers, the SID visa provides the right to live and work for an approved sponsor, bring eligible family members, and - for most holders - a defined pathway to permanent residency after a qualifying period. For employers, it is the main way to bring in skilled talent while meeting sponsorship and salary obligations.
This may suit you if
- You have, or are seeking, a job offer from an approved sponsor
- Your occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation list
- You meet the skills, experience and English requirements
- You want a work visa that can lead to permanent residency
Eligibility & key requirements
- Nomination by an approved business sponsor for a genuine position
- An occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list for your stream
- A suitable skills assessment where required for your occupation
- The required level of English (with some exemptions)
- Relevant work experience in your nominated occupation
- Salary that meets the market rate and the applicable income threshold
The three streams
- Core Skills - for occupations on the core skills list at the required salary
- Specialist Skills - for higher-earning specialist and senior roles
- Essential Skills - for defined lower-paid essential occupations
- Work rights for you and eligible family members
- A pathway to permanent residency for most holders
How the process works
Every application follows the same disciplined path, so you always know the next step.
Assess
We review your full profile, confirm the visas you realistically qualify for and recommend the strongest route for your goals.
Plan
You receive a clear written plan setting out timelines, costs, the documents needed and any gaps to close before lodging.
Prepare
We draft your submissions, complete every form and assemble your evidence so the application is accurate and decision-ready.
Lodge
We lodge your application, track its progress and respond on your behalf to any request from the authorities.
Outcome
We see you through to the decision, and support you afterwards with arrival, conditions, renewals and future permanent residency or citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer before I apply?
Can an employer-sponsored visa lead to permanent residency?
How long will my application take?
Can I include my family?
Do I have to visit your office in Jalandhar?
From first question to grant
- Confirm your occupation is on the relevant list and check any caveats
- Manage the skills assessment and English requirements
- Prepare the nomination and visa together, decision-ready
- Plan the pathway from a temporary visa to permanent residency
Questions about this visa?
Book a consultation or request a free assessment. We will give you a clear, honest view of your options.