Transforming Employer Sponsored Work
On 7 December 2024, Australia changed its 482 employer-sponsored visa program. The transition from the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa to the Skills in Demand 482 Visa involved a shift to a tiered migration system designed to give employers quicker access to highly paid skilled migrants.
This resulted in several key changes for employers, including:
- Three tiers of skilled migration – the Specialist, Core and Labour Agreement/Essential Skills Streams – each with unique advantages
- A consolidated Core Skills Occupation List
- Annual indexation of salary thresholds
- Clearer pathways to Permanent Residence (PR)
- Reduced work experience requirements for eligibility
- New mobility arrangements making it easier for workers to switch employers
To discuss how your organisation can leverage the benefits of the program, we encourage you to contact Interstaff’s team of Registered Migration Agents.
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Streamlined Employer Nomination and Sponsorship
The Skills in Demand Visa represents a shift in how businesses can attract and retain global talent. By simplifying the employer nomination process, the visa aims to make Australia a more competitive destination for skilled professionals across various industries.
Under the 482 Skills in Demand Visa system, employers may benefit from:
- Faster Processing Times: The Government has committed to clear service standards, with processing times as quick as 7 days for the Specialist Skills Stream. This rapid turnaround allows businesses to fill critical roles more efficiently than ever before.
- Flexible Sponsorship Arrangements: The new visa allows for greater mobility among sponsored workers. Periods of employment are possible with employers other than the visa holder’s sponsor in limited circumstances, giving both employers and employees more flexibility over working arrangements.
- A Clear Pathway to Permanent Residence (PR) for Sponsored Workers: One of the most attractive features of the Skills in Demand Visa is the provision of Permanent Residence pathways for temporary sponsored workers.
Understanding the Three Streams of the Skills in Demand Visa
The Skills in Demand Visa utilises a tiered system with three distinct streams, each designed to meet different workforce needs:
Specialist Skills Stream
This pathway is tailored for highly skilled professionals who are paid high salaries in the Australian market. Key features include:
- Eligibility: Open to applicants in any occupation, except for trades workers, machinery operators and drivers and labourers.
- Salary Threshold: Applicants must be paid at least AUD $135,000 per annum (for 2024/25 – indexed annually)
- Processing Time: A 7-day median visa processing time is expected for this stream.
This pathway is ideal for businesses needing to quickly secure top-tier talent.
Core Skills Stream
The Core Skills Stream is designed to address persistent skills shortages in key occupations across Australia. Its features include:
- Occupation List: Eligibility is based on a data-driven Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Workers must be suitably experienced and qualified in an occupation on this list.
- Salary Requirements: Applicants must be paid at least the ‘Core Skills Income Threshold’ of $73,150 per annum (for 2024/25 in line with the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) that applied to the TSS Visa), which will be indexed annually.
- Processing Time: While not as rapid as the Specialist Stream, the Core Skills Stream still offers streamlined processing. The Government expects to process applications in 21 business days for decision-ready applications.
This pathway is crucial for businesses in sectors facing ongoing skills shortages, providing a reliable means to access global talent.
Labour Agreement / Essential Skills Stream
This pathway is being finalised by the Government. It is currently referred to as the Labour Agreement Stream but is expected to be replaced with the Essential Skills Stream in 2025. It retains settings from the TSS Visa until the Government finalises the proposed Essential Skills Stream.
It appears that this stream recognises the importance of essential workers who may not command high salaries but are crucial to the functioning of certain sectors. The Government is continuing consultation regarding the design of this pathway.
Key aspects may include:
- Sector Focus: For example – for the care and support economy, with potential expansion to other sectors yet to be confirmed.
- Regulation: Likely to be more heavily regulated and potentially subject to caps.
- Addressing Specific Shortages: Designed to fill critical roles in sectors struggling with persistent workforce shortages.
Permanent Residence: A Clear Pathway for Sponsored Workers
The provision of Permanent Residence pathways is an attractive incentive for temporary sponsored workers.
This offers several benefits:
- Employee Retention: Businesses can leverage the certainty of Permanent Residence as a tool for retaining valuable employees.
- Long-term Workforce Planning: Employers can invest in training and development with greater confidence, knowing that sponsored employees may have the option to stay in Australia long-term.
- Attracting Global Talent: The promise of a clear route to Permanent Residence makes Australia a more attractive destination for skilled workers that may be considering an international move.
How can my organisation leverage the Skills in Demand Visa?
Businesses should seek to take full advantage of opportunities the Skills in Demand Visa presents:
- Review Your Workforce Strategy: Assess your current and future skills needs.
- Consider Accredited Sponsorship: Explore the benefits of becoming an accredited sponsor to access benefits such as faster visa processing.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest developments and timelines regarding the Skilled in Demand Visa, including any further legislative changes.
- Seek Expert Advice: Consult with migration agents that are specialists in skilled migration to understand how any changes affect your specific business needs.
At Interstaff, our team of Registered Migration Agents provide guidance and advice to employers on how they can leverage the benefits of the program.
With over 35 years of experience in Australian immigration law, we can help you navigate the Skills in Demand Visa system and optimise your global talent strategy.
Ready to discuss your options? Simply contact one of our Registered Migration Agents.
Interstaff Immigration News and Insights
Check out the latest employer sponsored migration news and updates from Interstaff.
03
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482 Visa Processing Times 2025 | Interstaff Is your team waiting on a 482 Visa outcome from the Department of Home Affairs? As a result of the 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa transition to the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa in December 2024, processing for both programs are… Read More »
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03
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Regional Visa Review | Interstaff As part of Australia’s Migration Strategy released in 2023, the Government committed to reviewing regional visa and migration settings. Now, in 2025, this focus on regional migration appears to be gaining momentum following the Government’s implementation of the Skills in Demand 482 Visa. Immigration… Read More »
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“The Interstaff team can consistently be depended on to manage the concurrent migration of multiple visa holders without compromising on attention to detail. We rely upon the quality of their migration advice to manage our visa and immigration matters so that the relocation process is smooth and efficient for our employees. The level of strategic insights provided by Interstaff are highly valued by our team and I would not hesitate to recommend their services.”
International organisation in oil and gas industry
Disclaimer
This content is not advice. It serves as a general overview of topics of interest. It is not exhaustive, and its accuracy is subject to change, therefore Interstaff is not responsible for the accuracy or timeliness of the information or any actions taken based on it. We recommend that you seek professional advice before making decisions or relying on the information provided – please enquire with our team of Registered Migration Agents for specialist advice so that your specific circumstances can be considered.