Introduction
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa 482 is a sub-class of employer sponsored visas, which allows employers to address the labour shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers where they cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian. International workers can apply for this visa only if they have an Australian sponsor who agrees to nominate them. A highlighted benefit of this visa is that Skills in Demand visa holders can work full-time in the nominated position and will have the chance to gain Permanent Residency after working for the sponsored employer for 2 years.
What are the benefits of a 482 visa?
If granted with a SID Visa 482, you can:
- Work full-time in Australia for the sponsored employer
- Study in Australia
- Travel from and to Australia for unlimited times
- Transition to permanent visa (subclass 186) after working for the sponsored employer for 2 years
You can also bring your family members to Australia under a visa 482.
- Your partner can study/work full-time in Australia
- Your children can attend public schools without any costs
What is the salary threshold for a visa 482?
As obtaining a Skilled Visa (Australia) becomes increasingly challenging, the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa 482 provides a greater opportunity for international students and workers to live and work in Australia. While this visa offers significant benefits, applicants must meet specific salary threshold requirements to qualify for this visa
The Updated Cost for a 485 Visa Application
- The current application cost as of Jan 2025
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- The cost for main applicant is AUD1,945.00
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- The cost for additional applicant 18 years old or above is AUD 975.00
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- The cost for additional applicant below 18 years old is AUD 490.00
- The updated cost from 1 Feb 2025
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- The cost for main applicant is AUD2,235.00
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- The cost for additional applicant 18 years old or above is AUD 1,115.00
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- The cost for additional applicant below 18 years old is AUD 560.00
As the cost for 485 visa will increase from 1 Feb 2025, lodge your application before this date to avoid additional expenses.
Core Skills Stream
To apply under the Core Skills Stream, you must:
- Secure sponsorship from an Australian employer for a nominated occupation.
- Receive a minimum salary offer of AUD 73,150 per year (excluding superannuation) as of 2024.
This salary is considered the average wage required to cover living expenses in Australia. However, from July 1, 2025, the salary threshold is expected to increase to AUD 76,515.
Specialist Skills Stream
For the Specialist Skills Stream, the salary threshold is:
- AUD 135,000 annually (excluding superannuation) from July 2024.
- Expected to increase to AUD 141,210 from July 2025.
This stream is designed for highly skilled professionals with specialised expertise, so the salary requirements will be higher.
What is the issue of this threshold?
While the salary requirements aim to ensure that international workers who wish to stay and work in Australia earn enough to cover living expenses, this requirement presents a significant challenge.
Many occupations listed on the Skilled Occupation List have average salaries lower than the required threshold, making it difficult for international workers to find suitable sponsoring employers.
For example, below are the entry-level salary rates for common occupations in Australia:
| Occupation | Annual Rate (Entry Level) |
| Chef | AUD 59,869 |
| Childcare Worker | AUD 58,272 |
| Community Service Workers | AUD 61,584 |
The salary will increase following your work experience and skills. However, as a fresh graduates, it is quite challenging for them to meet the salary threshold.
Given that the salary threshold will increase from 01 July 2025, it is advisable that you should apply as soon as before this date. Need help with a 482 visa application? Contact experienced Migration Agents at 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com today.