If you’re a skilled worker looking to live and work in Australia, the 482 Skills in Demand visa is one of the most popular ways to get started, and in 2025, it’s more relevant than ever.

This blog outlines everything you need to know—from eligibility and salary benchmarks to how you can use it as a stepping stone to permanent residency.

What is the 482 Skills in Demand Visa?

The 482 SID visa allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign workers to fill positions when they can’t find suitably skilled Australian workers. It has three streams:

  • Core Skills Stream: For occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This stream addresses general labor shortages. You will find a helpful link to the CSOL List here! https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Documents/core-sol.pdf
  • Specialist Skills Stream: For occupations requiring specialised skills with higher salary thresholds
  • Labour Agreement Stream: For skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement with the Australian government.

Key Change 2025: Salary Threshold Increases From 1 July 2025!

  • Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): Raised to $76,515
  • Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): Raised to $141,210

Employers must meet these thresholds to remain eligible sponsors. This ensures fair pay and keeps Australian standards high.

Eligibility Criteria To apply for the 482 SID visa, you must:

  • Have a job offer from a registered Standard Business Sponsor (SBS)
  • Work in an occupation listed on the CSOL List
  • Have at least one year of full-time work experience in the occupation
  • Demonstrate English proficiency (e.g. IELTS score)
  • Pass health and character checks

Pathway to PR: Subclass 186 ENS Visa After two years on the 482 SID visa, you may be eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). Requirements include:

  • Two years of employment with the same sponsor
  • Occupation on the CSOL List
  • English language and health requirements

Occupations in Demand In 2025, these industries are actively sponsoring international talent:

  • Healthcare. childcare and aged care
  • Engineering and construction
  • Information technology and cybersecurity
  • Hospitality and trades (cooks, electricians, plumbers)

At Go Access Law, we provide tailored support for skilled workers navigating the 482 visa process. From assessing your eligibility to matching you with approved employers and guiding you through every step of the application, our team is here to make your journey smoother. We also assist with long-term planning so you can move confidently toward permanent residency.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your migration journey, contact us today. Our team is committed to helping you build a secure future in Australia.