Australian 482 Visa Requirements 2025: Complete Eligibility Checklist for Skills in Demand Visa

Are you dreaming of working in Australia in a high-demand role? The Skills in Demand visa eligibility has evolved significantly in 2025, making it easier for skilled professionals to secure temporary work and even transition to permanent residency. As of December 2024, the old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa has been replaced by the new Skills in Demand visa (still subclass 482), offering clearer pathways for those meeting the updated 482 visa requirements.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the skills in demand visa checklist, including streams, income thresholds, and how to move from a 482 visa to PR. Whether you’re an employer sponsoring talent or a skilled worker applying, this up-to-date information will help you navigate the process confidently.

At Edvise Hub, we specialize in guiding applicants through complex Australian visa applications. Our registered migration agents provide personalized support to ensure your application is strong and compliant, increasing your chances of approval.

What’s New with the Skills in Demand Visa in 2025?

Exciting changes have made the Skills in Demand visa more flexible and worker-friendly. Launched on 7 December 2024, this visa replaces the previous subclass 482 TSS visa and introduces a three-tiered system:

• Specialist Skills Stream: For high-earners (over AUD 141,210 in 2025-26).
• Core Skills Stream: The most common pathway, targeting occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) with a minimum salary of around AUD 73,150–76,515.
• Labour Agreement Stream: For specialized roles under employer-government agreements.

Key benefits include:

• Up to 4 years stay across all streams.
• Reduced work experience requirement: Just 1 year (down from 2).
• Easier employer changes with extended grace periods.
• Clearer pathways for 482 visa to PR.

These updates aim to attract top talent while protecting Australian jobs. If your occupation aligns with Australia’s skill shortages, now is a great time to apply!

Skills in Demand Visa Eligibility: Your Complete Checklist

Meeting the skills in demand visa checklist is crucial for success. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the core 482 visa requirements in 2025:

1. Employer Sponsorship

• You need an approved Australian employer to nominate you.
• The employer must be a Standard Business Sponsor and prove they can’t fill the role with an Australian worker.

2. Occupation and Skills

• Your job must be on the relevant list (e.g., CSOL for Core Skills Stream).
• Provide evidence of qualifications and at least 1 year of relevant post-qualification work experience in the last 5 years.
• Skills assessment may be required for certain occupations.

3. English Language Proficiency

• Achieve minimum scores in approved tests (e.g., IELTS 5.0 overall, no band below 4.5; higher for some streams).
• Exemptions apply for passport holders from English-speaking countries or those with 5 years of English-medium study.

4. Salary and Income Thresholds

• Meet the stream-specific threshold to ensure fair pay:
  • Core Skills: At least the Core Skills Income Threshold (indexed annually, around AUD 73,150+).
  • Specialist Skills: AUD 141,210+ (2025-26).
• Salary must match market rates.

5. Health and Character

• Pass health examinations and provide police clearances.
• Maintain health insurance for the visa duration.

6. Age and Other Factors

• No strict age limit for the visa itself, but pathways to PR may have considerations (under 45 for some exemptions).
• Genuine temporary entrant criteria apply.

Pro Tip: Use this skills in demand visa checklist early to identify gaps. Many applicants overlook salary proof or English test validity, leading to delays.

From 482 Visa to PR: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency

One of the biggest advantages of the Skills in Demand visa is the streamlined 482 visa to PR route. After just 2 years of full-time work in Australia (with any approved employer in many cases), you can apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) via the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

• No need to stay on the occupation list indefinitely.
• Faster processing for eligible applicants.
• Family members can be included for PR too.

This makes the Skills in Demand visa a strong stepping stone to settling permanently in Australia.

How Subclass 485 Visa Fits into Your Journey

If you’re a recent international graduate, the subclass 485 visa (Temporary Graduate) is a popular bridge to skilled work visas like the Skills in Demand. In 2025:

• Stay and work for 2–4 years post-study (depending on qualification).
• Age limit: Under 35 (exceptions for higher degrees or certain passports).
• Gain Australian experience to boost your skills in demand visa eligibility.

Many graduates use the subclass 485 visa to build the 1-year experience needed for employer sponsorship.

Why Choose Edvise Hub for Your Visa Application?

Navigating 482 visa requirements can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Edvise Hub, our expert team offers:

• Free initial assessments.
• Full application support, from sponsorship to submission.
• Updates on the latest changes to ensure compliance.
• High success rates for skilled migration visas.

Contact Edvise Hub today for tailored advice and let us help turn your Australian dream into reality!

Most Asked FAQs About the Skills in Demand Visa 2025

1. What replaced the old 482 visa?

The Skills in Demand visa (still subclass 482) replaced the TSS visa from 7 December 2024, with improved flexibility and PR pathways.

2. How long can I stay on the Skills in Demand visa?

Up to 4 years, with options to extend or transition to PR.

3. Can I change employers on this visa?

Yes! You have up to 180 days (max 365 total) to find a new sponsor without leaving Australia.

4. Is there a pathway from subclass 485 visa to Skills in Demand?

Absolutely—use your post-study work experience on the 485 to meet the 1-year requirement for employer sponsorship.

5. What if my salary is below the threshold?

You won’t qualify for most streams. Consult Edvise Hub to explore alternatives like Labour Agreements.

6. How long does processing take?

2–6 months typically, faster (7 days) for Specialist Skills.

Ready to apply? The Skills in Demand visa eligibility opens doors to exciting opportunities in Australia. Stay informed, prepare thoroughly, and reach out to professionals like the team at Edvise Hub for smooth sailing.

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