Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482): The New Pathway for Nepali IT and Healthcare Professionals

What Is the Skills in Demand Visa?

The Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) was introduced in December 2024, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. It allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers in skilled occupations for up to 4 years, with an improved pathway to permanent residence.

Three Streams

• Specialist Skills Stream: Occupations earning AUD $135,000+/year. No occupation list restriction — sponsor can sponsor virtually any occupation if salary meets threshold.
• Core Skills Stream: Occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List. Salary minimum: AUD $73,150. Covers most IT, engineering, healthcare, and accounting roles.
• Essential Skills Stream: Specific lower-skilled occupations in sectors facing critical shortages.

Why This Matters for Nepali Graduates

Under the new 482 framework, employer-sponsored workers can apply for permanent residence (subclass 186) after 2 years (down from 3 years under TSS). The Skills in Demand visa is increasingly the fastest PR pathway for Nepali IT and healthcare graduates who cannot reach high enough points for the independent skilled visa.

How to Get Sponsored

1. Secure a job with a Standard Business Sponsor (Australian employer registered with Home Affairs)
2. Employer lodges nomination (their cost — you should not have to pay for this)
3. You lodge your visa application