The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa subclass 482, now also known as the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill positions they cannot source locally. Understanding which occupations qualify for this visa is crucial for both employers and potential applicants.

The Three Streams of the 482 Visa

The 482 visa program is divided into three distinct streams, each with different occupation eligibility criteria:

1. Specialist Skills Stream

• For positions with annual salaries of at least AUD 135,000
• No specific occupation list restrictions
• Offers a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years with the same employer
• Valid for up to 4 years^7

2. Core Skills Stream

• For positions with salaries between AUD 73,150 and AUD 135,000
• Occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
• Offers a pathway to permanent residency after 2 years with the sponsor
• Valid for up to 4 years^9

3. Labour Agreement Stream

• For employers with special agreements with the Australian government
• Salary is negotiated as part of the agreement
• Pathway to permanent residency through sector-specific agreements
• Valid for up to 4 years^1

Recent Changes to Eligible Occupations

The Australian government implemented significant changes to the 482 visa occupation lists on December 7, 2024, reflecting shifting demands in the Australian labor market^1.

Occupations Removed from the List

Over 100 occupations were removed from the eligible list, including:

• Various agricultural roles (Cotton grower, Fruit or nut grower, Grape grower, etc.)
• Management positions (Public relations manager, Childcare centre manager, Café or restaurant manager)
• Arts and creative professionals (Dancer, Musician, Photographer)
• Financial roles (Commodities trader, Financial brokers)
• Healthcare professionals (Chiropractor, Osteopath, Acupuncturist)^1

Occupations Added to the List

Several occupations were added to the CSOL, including:

• Office Manager
• Optical Dispenser/Dispensing Optician
• Retail Manager (General)
• Sales Representatives (Industrial Products and Medical/Pharmaceutical Products)
• Travel Agency Manager
• Travel Consultant
• Tour Guide
• Tree Worker^1

Top High-Demand Occupations for 2025

According to recent data, these occupations are particularly in demand under the 482 visa program:

1. Registered Nurses (Healthcare sector, Critical priority)
2. Various IT and technology roles
3. Construction professionals
4. Education specialists
5. Agricultural experts^9

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsorship

For an occupation to qualify for 482 visa sponsorship, it must meet several criteria:

1. Occupation List Inclusion: The position must be on the appropriate skilled occupation list (CSOL for Core Skills Stream)^7
2. Skill Level: Most eligible occupations require high skill levels, typically equivalent to at least AQF Certificate IV or higher^5
3. Caveats: Some occupations have additional restrictions or “caveats” that set minimum requirements beyond the standard criteria. For example, Marketing Specialists and Conference/Event Managers require positions with annual earnings of at least AUD 65,000^4
4. Labour Market Testing: Employers must demonstrate they’ve attempted to hire Australian citizens or permanent residents before sponsoring overseas workers^4

Application Process for Employers and Visa Applicants

The process for obtaining a 482 visa involves several steps:

1. Employer applies for sponsorship – The business must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) or Overseas Business Sponsor (OBS)^4
2. Employer receives sponsorship approval – Sponsorship is typically valid for 5 years^6
3. Employer nominates the candidate – The employer must nominate a specific position and candidate^5
4. Employer pays the Skilling Australians Fund levy – Small businesses (turnover less than AUD 10 million) pay AUD 1,200 per year, while larger businesses pay AUD 1,800 per year^5
5. Candidate applies for the visa – After nomination approval, the candidate submits their visa application^5

Important Considerations

• No Payment for Sponsorship: It is illegal for employers to ask for or receive payment in exchange for sponsorship. Penalties include fines up to AUD 63,000 for corporations and AUD 12,600 for individuals^8
• Salary Requirements: Employers must pay the market salary rate and meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of AUD 73,150 plus superannuation (as of July 2023)^4
• Visa Duration: Short-term stream visas are valid for up to 2 years (or 4 years if an International Trade Obligation applies), while medium-term stream visas can be valid for up to 4 years^3
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: The 482 visa can lead to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)^3

Understanding the eligible occupations and requirements for the 482 visa is essential for both employers looking to address skill shortages and overseas workers seeking opportunities in Australia. With the right occupation and employer sponsorship, the 482 visa offers a valuable pathway to work in Australia with potential routes to permanent residency.