Skills in Demand (Subclass 482): 2025 Streams, Thresholds & PR
Australia’s Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is the current employer-sponsored temporary visa. It replaced the TSS 482 for new applications on 7 December 2024. The SID framework is being rolled out with new income thresholds and a streamlined structure. Thresholds are indexed each 1 July.
What is the Skills in Demand (SID) visa?
Australia’s Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is the current employer-sponsored temporary visa. It replaced the TSS 482 for new applications on 7 December 2024. The SID framework is being rolled out with new income thresholds and a streamlined structure. Thresholds are indexed each 1 July.
SID Visa Streams
| Stream | Who It Suits | Occupation List | Minimum Guaranteed Earnings | Processing Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialist Skills Stream | Very highly paid, hard-to-source specialists | No list (but trade/labourer/machinery operator groups are excluded) | A$135,000 (7 Dec 2024–30 Jun 2025) A$141,210 (1 Jul 2025–30 Jun 2026) |
7 business days median |
| Core Skills Stream | The majority of skilled roles | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) | A$73,150 (7 Dec 2024–30 Jun 2025) A$76,515 (1 Jul 2025–30 Jun 2026) |
21 business days median |
| Labour Agreement Stream | Roles covered by an approved company/industry/DAMA labour agreement | Set by the agreement | Varies by agreement | Varies by agreement |
Note: Essential Skills pathway is still a proposed pathway in the Government’s Migration Strategy and not open to applicants at the time of writing.
Stay Period, Work Mobility & PR
- Stay period: Up to 4 years (length nominated by the employer/stream settings).
- Changing employers: Strengthened mobility lets SID/TSS holders change sponsors with increased flexibility introduced in 2024. (Provides up to 180 days at a time / 365 days total across the visa to find a new sponsor, work for a prospective sponsor, apply for another visa, or depart.)
- Pathways to PR:
- ENS 186 (Temporary Residence Transition): Usually after 2 years of eligible, full-time sponsored employment in the same occupation while holding 457/482, with the nomination approved within 6 months before applying. (Service with more than one sponsor can count.)
- ENS 186 (Direct Entry): Available to occupations on the CSOL with skills assessment and 3 years’ experience (where applicable).
Core Eligibility Snapshot
| Requirement | Core Skills Stream | Specialist Skills Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation Eligibility | Must be on the CSOL | No list, but certain ANZSCO groups are excluded; salary must meet SSIT |
| Income Thresholds | Must meet market salary rate and CSIT | Must meet market salary rate and SSIT |
| Labour Market Testing (LMT) | Employers generally must advertise domestically (e.g., at least 2 ads for at least 4 weeks) | |
| English Language & Experience | Settings align with Home Affairs guidance; requires recent skilled work experience | |
Processing Expectations (Decision-Ready Cases)
- Specialist Skills: 7 business days median
- Core Skills: 21 business days median
(Home Affairs “visa processing priorities” actual times vary.)
Fees (Quick Note)
Visa application charges change and can vary by stream/family composition. Use the Visa Pricing Estimator and check the SID page before you lodge.
Practical Tips (2025)
- Pick the right stream first. If your role is on the CSOL, Core Skills is the default. If not, check whether you meet SSIT for Specialist, or whether a labour agreement/DAMA route applies.
- Salary evidence. Your nomination must show the role meets both market salary and the stream’s minimum income threshold for the entire nomination period.
- Make it decision-ready. Clean LMT evidence, correct stream, current occupation code (CSOL), and complete documents can help you hit the 7/21-day targets.
- Think ahead to PR. If your goal is ENS 186 TRT, map the 2-year period in the same occupation (you can change sponsors). If your role is on the CSOL, you may also consider Direct Entry.
At a Glance
- 7 Dec 2024: SID launched for new applications; TSS 482 moved to “repealed visas” for new lodgements.
- 1 Jul 2025 → 30 Jun 2026: SSIT A$141,210; CSIT/TSMIT A$76,515 (indexed annually).
- Processing targets: 7/21 business days for decision-ready Specialist/Core.
