Applying for the subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa? Here’s every document you’ll need, sorted by category, plus fees, timelines, and where to get expert help.
Quick answer: A 482 visa application needs identity documents, a valid job offer and nomination from your sponsor, evidence of your skills and work experience, English test results (unless exempt), a health check, and police certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months. Missing even one of these can delay your grant.
The Subclass 482 visa — now officially the Skills in demand visa Australia program — replaced the old Temporary Skill Shortage visa back in December 2024. It’s still the most common way for skilled overseas workers to live and work here on employer sponsorship. But getting the paperwork right the first time makes all the difference between a smooth grant and months of delay.
What Is the Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482?
The Skills in Demand Visa subclass 482 lets an approved Australian employer sponsor a skilled overseas worker for a role they genuinely can’t fill locally. It runs across three streams — Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement — each with its own occupation list and salary rules.
Depending on your stream, you can work in Australia for up to four years, and many holders later move on to permanent residency through the Visa Subclass 186.
Who Needs to Meet This 482 Visa Requirement?
Anyone applying as the main applicant, plus any family members joining them, needs to satisfy the 482 visa requirement for documents. Family members (partner, dependent children) generally submit a lighter document set but still need identity, health, and character checks.
What Documents Are Required for a 482 Skills in Demand Visa?
Here’s the full checklist, broken down by category. Keep certified copies and, where documents aren’t in English, get certified translations ready too.
Identity and Personal Documents
- Valid passport (with at least six months’ validity)
- Passport-style photo
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate or evidence of de facto relationship (if including a partner)
- Birth certificates for dependent children (if applicable)
Employer Sponsorship and Nomination Documents
- Approved sponsorship notice from your employer
- Approved nomination for the position
- Signed employment contract showing salary, hours, and job duties
- Evidence the role meets the relevant salary threshold (Core Skills or Specialist Skills)
Skills and Qualification Documents
- Academic transcripts and qualification certificates
- Skills assessment (mandatory for some occupations — check before you lodge, as the application can’t proceed without it if required)
- Employment reference letters confirming relevant work experience, usually at least one year
- Professional registration or licensing documents (for regulated occupations like nursing or trades)
English Language Documents
- IELTS, PTE, or another accepted English test result (many applicants need a minimum overall band, though exemptions apply for some passport holders and occupations)
Health and Character Documents
- Health examination results (arranged through a panel physician via ImmiAccount)
- Police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more since turning 16
- Completed character declaration forms
Financial and Additional Documents
- Evidence of the visa application charge payment
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Any requested statutory declarations or supporting statements
Missing paperwork is one of the top reasons applications stall. If you’re unsure whether a document applies to your occupation, it’s worth getting a proper check before you lodge — not after.
482 Skills in Demand Visa Fees and Requirements at a Glance
| Item | Indicative Figure (2026) |
| Base visa application charge (main applicant) | From AUD $4,015 |
| Sponsorship application (employer) | Around AUD $420 |
| Core Skills Income Threshold | AUD $79,423 (from 1 July 2026) |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold | AUD $146,576 (from 1 July 2026) |
| SAF levy (per year, small business) | AUD $1,200 |
| SAF levy (per year, other business) | AUD $1,800 |
| Minimum relevant work experience | Usually 1 year |
| English requirement | IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent), exemptions may apply |
Figures are indicative only and change regularly — always confirm current charges on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging.
What Is the 482 Skills in Demand Visa Processing Time?
The 482 skills in demand visa processing time depends on three separate stages — sponsorship, nomination, and the visa itself — and each is assessed one after the other. For a complete, well-prepared file, the visa stage typically takes between one and six months, though sponsorship and nomination can add extra time at the front end for new sponsors.
Incomplete applications or those needing extra information from the Department almost always take longer. That’s why having every document ready before lodgement genuinely matters.
Latest Policy Update (2026)
From 1 July 2026, the Core Skills and Specialist Skills income thresholds rose again, and from 29 November 2025, only work performed under an approved sponsor now counts toward the Temporary Residence Transition work experience requirement for a future Subclass 186 PR application. If you’re planning a PR pathway after your 482, this change is worth factoring into your career planning now, not later.
Get Your 482 Visa Application Right the First Time
Sorting the right documents for a 482 visa application can feel overwhelming, especially with three separate approval stages and constantly updated thresholds. A registered migration agent takes the guesswork out of it, checks your file before it’s lodged, and flags gaps before the Department does.
Book a consultation with an experienced immigration agent in Perth today and get your 482 visa application moving with confidence.
FAQs
Do I need a skills assessment for the Subclass 482 Visa Australia pathway?
Only for certain occupations. If it’s mandatory for your role, you must start it before lodging — the application can’t proceed without it. Check your occupation against the official skills assessment list first.
Can my family come with me on an SID 482 visa?
Yes, your partner and dependent children can be included in your application or apply later as subsequent entrants. They’ll need their own identity, health, and character documents.
How long is the 482 Skills in Demand Visa valid for?
Most grants run up to four years, depending on your stream and labour agreement (if applicable). Some Labour Agreement stream visas may have different terms.
What happens if my documents aren’t in English?
You’ll need certified translations alongside the original documents. Uncertified translations are generally not accepted by the Department.
Is a health check always required?
Most applicants need a health examination through an approved panel physician, though requirements can vary slightly by country of residence and occupation.
Can I switch employers while on a 482 visa?
Yes, but your new employer must sponsor and nominate you again before you start the new role — you can’t simply move without a fresh nomination.