The new 482 visa... what to expect

'Skills in Demand' Visa… replacing the 482 TSS visa

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The current 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is expected to be stopped with a new Skills in Demand (SID) visa set to replace it. 

When is this new 482 visa expected to start? 

Per the Migration Strategy this is to come into effect towards the end of 2024.  This is only 3-4 months away and still no further information has yet been released about this visa. As this is such an important and vital visa for workers in Australia, I welcome any delays to this release date if it means that the visa will have a better and robust eligibility framework.  Perhaps this change would be better commenced toward the new financial year, July 2025?

The New 482 visa will have 3 pathways

1. Specialist Pathway:

Recognises highly skilled migrants are hugely beneficial to Australia’s national productivity, including through their support of critical sovereign capabilities and potential to grow the skills and expertise of the Australian workforce. Applicants can be in any occupation except trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers who are earning at least $135,000 (indexed annually) and no less than Australian workers in the same occupation.

2. Core Skills Pathway:

Designed to bring in the skilled employees Australia needs now and into the future to ensure that we are able to provide ourselves with the goods and services we need to support our way of life.  This will include trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers even if they earn over the $135K.
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Applicants will need to meet one of the occupations on the CSOL and will be earning the minimum amount legislated by the Government.  As of today it is $73,150 – but will be indexed with the change of financial year.

3. Essential Skills Pathway:

This visa will be sector specific, capped, have minimum standards and embedded with stronger regulation as these skills are in high-demand (such as aged-care workers) however generally not meeting the minimum pay required to meet the Core Skills Pathway.

Will there be changes to the Occupations available for Sponsorship Nomination?

The new occupation list – Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) – will be the core criteria for the SID visa and will target the core skills Australia’s workforce needs. The CSOL will operate in a similar manner to the current Skilled Occupation Lists (STSOL & MTLSSL) for the 482 TSS visa.

A draft CSOL is being formed based on labour market analysis for ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3 occupations.  These skill levels have been selected as they (for the most part) meet the objective of ensuring that Australia’s skilled visa addresses Australia’s current, future and emerging workforce needs.
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Although the list is not set through legislation as yet, there has been a draft proposal showing 3 lists – definitely ON the list; OFF the list; and IN CONSULTATION (so in other words – may be on the list, may be not).  Note though that those occupations that are OFF the list, could end up on the list – so don’t organise your migration pathways just yet.  Make sure you speak with a registered migration agent who can give you advice and assistance.

on the list...

There are over 180 skilled occupations that are already deemed to make it onto the list - some of these are:

• Sales and Marketing Manager
• Organisation and Methods Analyst
• Variety of Engineering professions
• Veterinarian
• Teachers at all levels of schooling
• Retail Pharmacist
• Medical professionals
• Registered Nurses
• Network or Database Administrators
• Psychologists
• Many trades such as Carpenters, Electricians, Printing Machinist
• Retail Buyer

off the list...

Some skills are just not seen as necessary (at the moment) as they can be filled by the local market.  Some of these are:

• PR Manager
• Child Care Centre Manager
• ICT Project Manager
• Cafe or Restaurant Manager
• Economist
• Graphic Designer
• ICT Support Engineer
• Welfare Worker
• ICT Support
• Real Estate Agent / Rep / Property Manager

still in consultation...

There are an abundance of skills that there is still ongoing decisions to be made.  Perhaps this is why we are yet to have any more juicier information about this visa:

• Finance Manager
• HR Manager
• Accountant and other financial based roles
• Analysts - various fields
• Variety of Engineering professions
• Middle School and Vocational Teachers
• Hospital Pharmacist
• ICT Engineers
• Trades such as Panel Beaters, Painter, Glazier, Plasterer
• Chefs, Cooks, Pastrycook, Baker

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There is still much to be considered for this visa, but this is why choosing your area of study and work experience is important. Reviewing this future visa skills list in conjunction with the current list can help you start on the right path. Talk to us if you are looking for more guidance... we are ready to help you!