482 - Skills in Demand (SID) visa

The 482 or Skills in Demand (SID) visa is the Australian Government’s primary employer sponsored work visa, replacing the existing 457 visa.

While largely an exercise in political re-branding, the 482 has introduced a number of additional hurdles posed to make sponsoring visa holders more challenging (and expensive) for both visa applicants and employers.

One significant change includes a  Labour Market Testing (advertising) requirement that applies to all new nomination applications. It is now a requirement that all employers wanting to sponsor international candidates in any occupation will be required to have placed a minimum of 2 advertisements on advertising mediums with national reach. In addition, a minimum advertising period of 28 days applies per advertisement, both of which must have been placed in the previous 4 months. 

Another critical change with the 482 visa is the introduction of a minimum 1 year work experience requirement for all visa applicants. It is no longer possible to rely on qualifications alone to meet the skill requirement. 

To avoid critical and costly errors in not meeting Labour Market Testing specifications, visa skill requirements for your occupation, and other important nomination and visa criteria, we recommend seeking advice from a registered migration agent.

To speak with a migration agent about sponsoring an international candidate, or making a 482 visa application as an individual, please contact MAPS on 1300 899 734.