Skills in Demand Visa

The Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) is a four-year temporary work visa designed to attract skilled workers to Australia.

This offers employees greater flexibility to change employers and provides clear pathways to permanent residency. This visa addresses the skill shortages in critical sectors by enabling employers to sponsor highly skilled workers.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for the Skills in Demand Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria that vary depending on the stream they apply for.

General Eligibility (For All Streams)

All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Work Experience: At least one year of full-time relevant work experience within the last five years.
English Language Proficiency: IELTS score (or equivalent) of level 5 overall, with a minimum of 5 in each component.
Skills and Qualifications: Meet any required qualifications and complete any necessary skills assessments.
Health and Character: Meet health and character requirements.
Stream-Specific Criteria: Meet the specific requirements for the stream you are applying under.

Stream-Specific Eligibility

1. Specialist Skills Stream:

Minimum Salary: $135,000 annually.
Occupations: Available for most ANZSCO occupations, excluding trade workers, machinery operators, and laborers.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Yes, through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

2. Core Skills Stream:

Minimum Salary: $73,150 annually.
Occupations: Must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Yes, after completing the temporary work period.

3. Labour Agreement Stream:

Eligibility: Available to workers sponsored by an employer who has entered into a labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
Salary and Occupation: Subject to the conditions outlined in the labour agreement.

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Application Process

The application process for the Skills in Demand Visa involves three main steps:

Sponsorship Application:
Employers must become approved sponsors and meet specific criteria, including compliance with Australian workplace laws and meeting training requirements.
Nomination Application:
The employer nominates a skilled position, ensuring the role meets salary requirements and adheres to labour market testing requirements where applicable.
Visa Application:
The applicant (worker) submits their visa application, providing necessary documents such as a skills assessment, qualifications, work experience, and evidence of English language proficiency.

Visa Benefits and Conditions

Holders of the Skills in Demand Visa enjoy several benefits and conditions, including:

Work Rights: Ability to work in the nominated occupation for the sponsoring employer.
Employer Flexibility: Ability to change employers with a new nomination, with up to 180 days to find a new sponsor.
Permanent Residency Pathway: Eligibility for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
Family Inclusion: Visa holders can include their family members, who can also work and study in Australia.
Travel Rights: Ability to travel in and out of Australia during the visa validity period.

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