Are you a skilled worker looking to work in Australia? The Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482 could be the right fit for you. This visa is designed to help employers in Australia fill skill shortages by sponsoring workers from overseas. Whether you have general skills in a high-demand area or more specialised expertise in a specific field, there’s a stream of the Subclass 482 visa to match your qualifications.
One of the most important factors to consider when applying for the Subclass 482 visa is the cost. Understanding the visa fees, both for yourself and any dependants, is crucial for budgeting and planning your move to Australia. In this guide, we’ll break down the fees for each of the four visa streams, as well as additional costs you may need to factor in. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what the visa application will cost and how to prepare for it.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Let’s explore the details and help you get a clear understanding of the costs involved in your move to Australia.
Overview of the 4 Streams
The Subclass 482 visa has four different streams, each designed to address different requirements. Let’s look at each stream in detail:
| Visa Streams | Description |
| Core Skills Stream | The Core Skills Stream is for workers whose skills are in high demand across Australia. If your occupation falls under this category, your employer can sponsor you to fill the gap. |
| Specialist Skills Stream | If you’re highly skilled in a niche area and have the expertise to fill an advanced role, the Specialist Skills Stream might be for you. It helps employers recruit top talent in specialised fields that require specific knowledge. |
| Labour Agreement Stream | If your employer has a labour agreement with the Australian government, the Labour Agreement Stream allows you to work in Australia under special arrangements. |
| Subsequent Entrant Stream | The Subsequent Entrant Stream is for family members of Subclass 457 or Subclass 482 visa holders. It allows them to join their loved ones in Australia while they work. |
Now that you’ve explored the different streams of the Subclass 482 visa, let’s understand more about it. Let’s now look at the fee structure for the four visa streams so you can prepare for the financial side of your application.
Fee Structure for the 4 Streams
When applying for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa, one of the key things you’ll need to consider is the cost of your visa application. The fee structure is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to understand how it works, as there are costs associated with both the main applicant and any dependents you might include in your application. Let’s break it down in detail:
1. Main Applicant Fee
The Skills in Demand visa application fee for the main applicant (the skilled worker who will be sponsored by an employer to work in Australia) is AUD 3,115.00. This fee is applicable to all four streams of the Subclass 482 visa, whether you’re applying through the Core Skills Stream, Specialist Skills Stream, Labour Agreement Stream, or Subsequent Entrant Stream.
It’s essential to note that this fee is paid by the primary applicant when they submit their visa application. This fee is non-refundable, meaning that even if your application is rejected, you won’t be able to recover this cost.
2. Dependant Fee
If you plan to bring your family along with you to Australia, you’ll also need to account for the visa fees for your dependents. The fee for dependants depends on their age:
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Dependants Aged 18 Years and Over:
For each dependent who is 18 years old or older, the fee is also AUD 3,115.00 per person. This applies to your spouse, children, or any other dependents who meet the age requirement. Keep in mind that each dependent will need to have their own visa application, meaning you’ll need to pay this fee for each family member aged 18 or older who plans to accompany you to Australia.
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Dependants Under 18 Years Old:
For children under 18 years of age, the fee is lower, at AUD 780.00 per person. This is the fee for each child or dependent under the age of 18 who will be included in the visa application.
In addition to the visa fees, there are other expenses you’ll need to consider when planning your application. Let’s take a closer look at these additional costs.
Additional Expenses to Consider
In addition to the application fees, there are some extra costs you may need to account for when applying for the Subclass 482 visa:
1. English Language Tests
Depending on your nationality and the role you’re applying for, you may need to take an English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL). This can add to the overall cost.
2. Health Checks
As part of the visa process, you may need to undergo a health examination to meet Australia’s health standards.
3. Character Certificates
You may be required to provide character clearance certificates from any country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
4. Biometrics
In some cases, you may also ask to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) as part of the application.
These costs can vary, so it’s important to budget accordingly when applying for your visa. Once you’ve planned for the costs, it’s equally important to understand the benefits this visa offers. Let’s explore these in more detail.
Benefits of the Skills in Demand Visa
Here’s an overview of what this visa allows you to do and the opportunities it offers.
1. Work Rights
The visa allows you to work for your sponsor in Australia for up to 4 years. If you’re a Hong Kong passport holder, you can stay for up to 5 years.
2. Study Rights
You can study in Australia while on this visa. However, you won’t be eligible for government assistance to support your studies.
3. Travel Rights
You can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want as long as your visa is valid.
4. Family Inclusion
You can include family members in your visa application, allowing them to join you while you work in Australia.
5. Processing Time
Visa processing typically takes up to 5 months, although this can vary depending on your specific situation.
6. Permanent Residency
If you meet the necessary requirements, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after working in Australia on this visa.
This visa offers a great opportunity for skilled workers to live and work in Australia, but it’s important to be aware of the costs involved.
Final Thoughts
The Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482 offers skilled workers a great opportunity to live and work in Australia. Regardless of whether you’re applying through the Core Skills, Specialist Skills, Labour Agreement, or Subsequent Entrant stream, it’s crucial to understand the fees and additional costs involved to ensure a smooth application process.
If you’re ready to begin your application or have questions about the visa process, Knowbal is here to help. At Knowbal, we assist you with the entire Subclass 482 visa application process. Whether you’re ready to start your application or have questions along the way, our team is here to ensure everything is handled correctly, giving you the best chance to live and work in Australia. Get in touch with us today to get started!
