Employer’s Guide to Sponsoring Workers on a Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa 

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is a temporary visa that allows employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for roles they cannot fill locally. This guide outlines the key requirements, processes and obligations for businesses considering visa sponsorship under the 482 visa program.

Visa streams 

The subclass 482 visa includes three distinct streams depending on the occupation and/or salary being sponsored by the business:

Core Skills Stream 

This stream is for occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). It targets roles that are in consistent demand across Australia. Employers must offer a salary that meets the Core Skills Income Threshold of A$76,515.

The visa allows the worker to stay for up to four years and may lead to permanent residency.

Specialist Skills Stream 

Designed for highly paid professionals, this stream does not require the occupation to be listed on the CSOL. The minimum salary threshold is A$141,210. It is suitable for niche or emerging roles where market demand exceeds local supply. The visa under this stream also allows the worker to stay for up to four years and may lead to permanent residency.

Labour Agreement Stream 

This stream is for employers who have negotiated a formal labour agreement with the Commonwealth. These agreements cater to specific industry needs and allow for tailored occupation and salary requirements. The visa duration and conditions are defined within the agreement.

Employer eligibility 

To sponsor a worker under the 482 visa, employers must meet several criteria which are summarised below:

• Be lawfully operating in Australia 

• Apply for and obtain Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval (if not already approved). Overseas businesses establishing a presence in Australia can apply to become Overseas Business Sponsors.

• Demonstrate genuine need for the role through Labour Market Testing (LMT) unless exempt

• Offer salary that meets or exceeds the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and relevant income threshold 

• Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy 

Employers must also show a commitment to training Australian workers and complying with Australian commonwealth and workplace laws.

Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirements 

Labour Market Testing required employers to genuinely test the local labour market before sponsoring an oversea worker to ensure that no suitable Australian worker is available for the role.

Employers must advertise the nominated position unless exempt:

• For at least 4 weeks within the 4 months prior to nomination 

• On at least two platforms (e.g. job boards, industry publications) 

• Include job title, duties, salary, location and skills required 

Salary requirements 

Salaries offered to sponsored workers must meet several criteria:

• The Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) 

• The relevant income threshold: 

• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): currently A$76,515.00* 

• Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): currently A$141,210.00* 

Non-monetary benefits (e.g. accommodation, vehicles) are excluded from threshold calculations. 

*These salary thresholds are indexed annually on 1 July however are only applicable at time of nomination. Salaries are not required to (but can) align with any indexation each year.

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy 

The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is a financial contribution that is intended to support the training of Australian workers. It is payable at the time of nomination and varies based on the turnover of the sponsoring employer:

• Small business (turnover < A$10 million): A$1,200 per year of visa 

• Large business (turnover ≥ A$10 million): A$1,800 per year of visa 

Example: A large business nominating a worker for 4 years pays A$7,200.00.

Sponsorship process 

The sponsorship process involves three key steps:

Step 1: Apply for business sponsorship approval

Employers must submit an application via ImmiAccount to become a Standard Business Sponsor. This includes providing evidence of lawful operation, financial viability and a commitment to training Australians. Once approved, sponsorship approval status is valid for a period of five years and can be renewed.

Step 2: Nominate the position 

The employer must lodge a nomination application for the nominated position. This includes:

• Labour Market Testing evidence (unless exempt)
• Detailed job description and employment contract
• Evidence of a genuine position
• Salary details meeting AMSR and threshold requirements
• Payment of the SAF levy

Step 3: Visa Application by worker 

The nominated worker is required to submit their Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa application and provide evidence that they:

• Meet English language and character requirements 

• Have the relevant skills to perform the role

• Demonstrate at least 1 year of relevant work experience in the last 5 years

Business sponsor obligations 

Once approved as a business sponsor, employers must comply with ongoing obligations:

• Ensure the visa holder works only in the nominated occupation and location
• Notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to the business or employment arrangement
• Maintain accurate records and cooperate with compliance audits
• Cover reasonable costs for the worker’s return travel if employment ends early

These obligations continue for two years after the sponsorship ends and are designed to protect both the worker and the integrity of the migration program. Further information on business sponsorship obligations can be found here.

Pathway to Permanent Residency for Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa holders

The subclass 482 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. To be eligible, the visa holder must:

• Hold a subclass 482 visa and have worked full time for their sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation for at least two of the last three years
• Be nominated by the most recently approved business sponsor that nominated them on their SC482 for a permanent position
• Meet the age requirement (generally under 45 years of age, unless exempt)
• Satisfy English language proficiency and health and character requirements

Need assistance?

Ethos Migration Lawyers specialises in visa sponsorship and employer sponsored migration, offering expert guidance and representation across all stages of the process.

Whether you are a business seeking to sponsor overseas talent or navigating compliance obligations, our team provides strategic advice tailored to your industry and workforce needs.

Contact us today to ensure your migration strategy is compliant, efficient and aligned with your business goals