Navigating the world of Australian work visas? The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa—subclass 482 is a top choice for job-seeking skilled professionals. It allows overseas workers to live and work in Australia under an employer-sponsored visa 482, with defined pathways to permanent residency.
What Is the 482 Visa (SID Visa)?
The 482 employer-sponsored visa, formally known as the SID Visa (Subclass 482), enables approved Australian businesses to hire skilled foreign workers when no qualified Australian candidate is available. It typically grants employment rights for up to two or four years, depending on your stream. It also features potential PR routes via subclass 186 ENS, especially for medium-term stream applicants.
This visa replaced the former subclass 457 visa in 2018. As of December 7, 2024, it has itself been superseded by the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa. However, applications lodged before this change are still processed under the 482 rules.
482 Visa Streams: Short-Term, Medium-Term & Labour Agreement
1. Short‑Term Stream
- For occupations listed on the Short‑Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Initially valid for up to 2 years, renewable once onshore (max 4 years under certain trade obligations)
- Includes access to PR via ENS for some STSOL roles as of the November 2023 reforms
2. Medium‑Term Stream
- Covers occupations on the Medium & Long‑Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Regional Occupations List (ROL)
- Valid for up to 4 years, with unlimited renewals
- Offers a faster PR route after 3 years via subclass 186 TRT stream
3. Labour Agreement Stream
- For employers with special agreements with the Department of Home Affairs
- Can be more flexible in occupation and salary requirements
- Offers stay of up to 4 years and may include PR pathways
Employer-Sponsored Visa 482 Requirements for Sponsor and Employee (SID Visa)
Employer Obligations: How to Become an Approved 482 Sponsor Visa Holder
The 482 visa requirements for the employer under the SID program remain stringent:
- Be approved as a sponsor – either Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) or Accredited sponsor
- Perform Labour Market Testing (LMT): advertise the job for at least 4 weeks in national media to show that no suitable local candidate exists
- Pay the SAF (Skilling Australians Fund) levy:
- AUD 1,200/year for businesses with annual turnover < AUD 10 m
- AUD 1,800/year if above
- Commit to paying at or above the Australian Market Salary Rate, meeting at least the TSMIT threshold (AUD 73,150 p.a. from July 2023 plus super)
Employee 482 Sponsored Visa Eligibility Criteria
- Have an occupation on STSOL / MLTSSL / ROL, matching ANZSCO criteria
- Hold relevant qualifications and skills, often validated via a skills assessment
- Meet the 482 visa English requirements (e.g. IELTS, PTE, TOEFL) as set out by the Department of Home Affairs
- Possess at least two years’ work experience in the nominated occupation or related field (reduced to one year since November 2024 in some cases under earlier rules)
- Satisfy health and character requirements
Ready to Meet the 482 Visa Requirements for Employer & Employee?
Don’t guess your eligibility for the employer-sponsored visa 482. Our migration experts can assess your profile and your prospective sponsor’s status to ensure every step is compliant. Click below to start your free eligibility check and move closer to your 482 sponsor visa application.
Sponsorship Visa 482 Application Process & Processing Time
- Employer applies for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) – valid for 5 years if approved
- Employer lodges Nomination – specifying the job details, labour market testing evidence, salary & position genuineness
- Employee lodges a 482 sponsored visa application, including documents such as skills assessment, IELTS, police clearances, and medical check
Processing for the employer-sponsored visa 482 times can vary from a few days to up to 6 months, depending on the stream and completeness.
Benefits, Limitations & PR Pathways of the 482 Sponsor Visa
Benefits:
- A legal way to live and work full‑time in Australia in your nominated role
- Bring family members (spouse, dependents) with full rights to work/study
- PR Pathways:
- Medium‑term stream holders can apply for PR via subclass 186 after 3 years
- Short‑term stream STSOL holders now have access to PR options after 3 years due to ENS reforms from Nov 2023 onward
Limitations:
- You are tied to the sponsoring employer—any job or occupation change requires a new nomination & visa. If you need a new 482 sponsor visa, you must find a new employer.
- Once you leave the sponsor, you may have a limited time (180 days once or up to 365 days cumulatively) to remain in Australia while transitioning to a new sponsor, as per visa bridging rules
- You must work in your nominated occupation, or get a new nomination if you change roles (Condition 8607)
Summary Table
| Step | Employer/Sponsor | Employee |
| Step 1 | Lodge a visa application with Home Affairs | Become an approved Sponsor (SBS/ABS) |
| Step 2 | Lodge Nomination (with LMT, salary, SAF levy) | Submit documents, skills assessment, and IELTS |
| Step 3 | Wait for approval | Submit documents, skills assessment, and IELTS |
| Step 4 | Ensure compliance & reporting | Once granted, work for the sponsor in the nominated role |
Tips to Get Started with the 482 Visa in Australia
- Check the Medium/Long-Term (MLTSSL) or Short-Term (STSOL) occupational lists to see where your job fits
- Reach out to recruitment agencies or migration specialists to connect with eligible sponsors
- Ensure you have documentation ready—qualifications, work experience proof, English scores, health & police checks
- Ensure your prospective employer understands their obligations, including SBS approval, LMT, salary, and other relevant details.
Conclusion: Is the SID Visa Right for You?
The employer-sponsored visa 482 in Australia is now delivered through the Skills in Demand (SID) program, providing a highly structured and flexible path for skilled professionals. It provides a clear path for skilled professionals to live and work in Australia on employer sponsorship—with structured steps and strict compliance obligations. Whether you’re applying under the short‑term, medium‑term, or labour‑agreement streams, proper preparation is key. Meet the eligibility criteria, collaborate closely with your employer, and stay informed on visa reforms.
To ensure a smooth application process, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria, required documents, and timelines. For the most up-to-date information, you can always refer to the official Home Affairs 482 Visa page
If you’re exploring your options, our team at Bombay Migrations can guide you through every step — whether it’s a temporary work visa, permanent residency, or other migration pathways.
Secure Your Sponsorship Visa Australia 482
Applying for the employer-sponsored visa 482 can be complex, especially with the new SID streams. Whether you need help with documentation, nomination lodging, or securing your final grant, our team at Bombay Migrations offers end-to-end support. Stop navigating the rules alone.
Click here to book your consultation and ensure a smooth 482 visa application!
FAQs
Who is eligible for an employer-sponsored visa 482?
Eligibility for the employer-sponsored visa 482 (now the Skills in Demand or SID visa) requires criteria to be met by the employee and the employer. The employee must be nominated for an occupation on the relevant skilled list and have at least one year of relevant work experience (reduced from two years under the new rules). You must also meet the English language, health, and character requirements. For the 482 visa requirements for the employer, the Australian business must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor, demonstrate a genuine need for the role (often via Labour Market Testing), and commit to paying the Australian Market Salary Rate. Meeting these criteria is essential for a successful 482 sponsored visa application.
Can a 482 visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes, the 482 employer-sponsored visa provides a path to PR via employer nomination, typically through the Subclass 186 ENS visa. To qualify for the most common transition pathway (TRT stream), you must have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least two years out of the last three years while holding your 482 sponsored visa.
The eligibility for this sponsorship visa Australia 482 transition depends heavily on your nominated occupation (usually requiring the MLTSSL for the standard ENS 186), the employer's willingness to nominate you, and meeting specific age (under 45) and English proficiency standards. The 482 sponsor visa provides a temporary step, but the final PR process has stricter requirements,
How long does it take for a 482 visa to be granted?
Processing times for the employer-sponsored visa 482 (SID visa) vary by stream. Based on recent data, the time it takes to finalise 90% of applications is approximately:
- Specialist Skills Stream: 55 days.
- Core Skills Stream: 4 months.
- Labour Agreement Stream: Up to six months.
To expedite the grant of your 482 sponsored visa, ensure your employer’s sponsorship and nomination are approved first, and submit all required documentation (including skills assessments and LMT evidence) accurately and completely from the outset.
What are the new rules for the 482 visa?
The most significant recent rule is the replacement of the TSS 482 visa with the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, retaining the 482 subclass number. This reform aims to streamline the Australian 482 sponsorship visa process. Key accurate changes include:
- Universal PR Pathway: A pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 186) is now available for all streams after completing two years of full-time employment with an approved sponsor (down from three years).
- Reduced Work Experience: The work requirement for PR (TRT stream) is two years. For the initial 482 employer-sponsored visa application, you generally need at least one year of relevant experience.
- Increased Mobility: The time given to find a new 482 sponsor visa after cessation of employment has been officially increased from 60 days to 180 days.
These changes provide greater certainty for holders of the Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482).
What are the disadvantages of the 482 visa?
The main disadvantage of the employer-sponsored visa 482 (SID visa) is the initial dependency on a specific sponsor and nominated role. However, recent reforms have greatly reduced this restriction. While you must work for your approved sponsor in your nominated occupation (Condition 8607) during employment, if that job ceases, the rules change:
- You have 180 days to find a new 482 sponsor visa holder and get a new nomination approved.
- Crucially, during those 180 days, you are allowed to work for other employers in any reasonable occupation to support yourself.
This flexibility is a major improvement, though the ultimate goal remains securing a new approved sponsor within the timeframe to maintain your 482 sponsored visa status. Other disadvantages include the cost and the employer’s ongoing compliance burden.
