Skills in Demand Visa and Skills Assessment Exemptions (2)

Skills in Demand Visa and Skills Assessment Exemptions

Unlock New Opportunities in Australia

Australia has several visa options for skilled workers to help fill job shortages and support the economy. One of the most flexible options is the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482), which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa on December 7, 2024. This visa allows Australian employers to hire skilled workers from overseas when no qualified Australians are available.

The SID visa has different streams designed to meet specific needs, making it a great option for professionals looking for temporary work opportunities in Australia. Some visa holders may also qualify for skills assessment exemptions, making the process simpler and more flexible for certain occupations.

If you’re thinking about applying for this visa, Knowbal can help you through the process.

Take the first step today—Book a One-on-One Consultation with Us Today

Overview of the Skills in Demand Visa Streams

The SID Visa (Subclass 482) is divided into three primary streams, each designed to address specific workforce needs. Additionally, a Subsequent Entrant Stream allows family members of visa holders to join them in Australia.

Core Skills Stream:
Addressing Short-Term Labor Needs

This stream is designed to fill urgent skill gaps where Australian employers cannot find suitable local candidates.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must be nominated for an occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
  • At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field within the last five years.
  • A skills assessment may be required, depending on the occupation.
  • Applicants must work exclusively for their sponsoring employer or their associated entity unless an exemption applies.
  • The minimum English language requirement includes an IELTS overall band score of 5.0, with at least 4.5 in each component, or an equivalent score in other accepted English language tests.


This stream is particularly useful for employers who need skilled professionals to support business operations in critical industries.

Specialist Skills Stream: For Highly Specialized Roles

This stream caters to professionals with advanced expertise, particularly in occupations where skilled labor is scarce in the Australian job market.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must be nominated for an occupation in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6.
  • Must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold, which requires an annual salary of at least AUD 135,000.
  • At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field within the last five years.
  • A skills assessment may be required.
  • Applicants must work exclusively for their sponsoring employer or an associated entity unless an exemption applies.
  • The minimum English language requirement includes an IELTS overall band score of 5.0, with at least 5.0 in each component, or an equivalent score in other recognized language tests.


This stream is designed for professionals in highly specialized roles where their expertise is essential for business growth and industry development.

Labour Agreement Stream: Addressing Industry-Specific Needs

This stream is available to employers who have entered into a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government, enabling them to fill roles that are not included in the standard occupation lists.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must be nominated for a specified occupation under the terms of a Labour Agreement.
  • At least 12 months of relevant full-time work experience (or the equivalent in part-time or casual work) within the last five years.
  • A skills assessment may be required.
  • Applicants must work exclusively for their sponsoring employer.
  • The English language requirements for this stream vary depending on the conditions specified in the Labour Agreement.


This stream provides a flexible approach to hiring for industries with unique workforce requirements.

Subsequent Entrant Stream: Supporting Family Reunification

This stream allows family members of current Subclass 482 or 457 visa holders to join them in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must be a partner or dependent of a current Subclass 482 or 457 visa holder.


This pathway enables families to remain together while skilled workers contribute to the Australian economy.

Find out which stream is right for you—schedule a consultation with Knowbal today!

+61 3 9448 1800

Under standard visa conditions, SID visa holders are required to work exclusively for their sponsoring employer. However, exemptions exist for certain occupations, providing additional flexibility to eligible workers.​

Occupations Eligible for Exemptions

The following occupations, along with their respective Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) codes, are eligible for exemptions from the requirement to work solely for the nominating employer:​

  • Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111)
  • Corporate General Manager (111211)
  • General Medical Practitioner (253111)
  • Resident Medical Officer (253112)
  • Anaesthetist (253211)
  • Specialist Physician (General Medicine) (253311)
  • Cardiologist (253312)
  • Clinical Haematologist (253313)
  • Medical Oncologist (253314)
  • Endocrinologist (253315)
  • Gastroenterologist (253316)
  • Intensive Care Specialist (253317)
  • Neurologist (253318)
  • Paediatrician (253321)
  • Renal Medicine Specialist (253322)
  • Rheumatologist (253323)
  • Thoracic Medicine Specialist (253324)
  • Specialist Physician (nec) (253399)
  • Psychiatrist (253411)
  • Surgeon (General) (253511)
  • Cardiothoracic Surgeon (253512)
  • Neurosurgeon (253513)
  • Orthopaedic Surgeon (253514)
  • Otorhinolaryngologist (253515)
  • Paediatric Surgeon (253516)
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon (253517)
  • Urologist (253518)
  • Vascular Surgeon (253521)
  • Dermatologist (253911)
  • Emergency Medicine Specialist (253912)
  • Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (253913)
  • Ophthalmologist (253914)
  • Pathologist (253915)
  • Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist (253917)
  • Radiation Oncologist (253918)

Medical Practitioners (nec) (253999)

Understanding the Exemptions

For SID visa holders in the occupations listed above, the standard condition to work exclusively for the sponsoring employer does not apply. This exemption allows these professionals greater flexibility in their employment arrangements, enabling them to engage in work with multiple employers or pursue additional professional opportunities while still complying with visa requirements.​

Implications of the Exemptions

These exemptions are particularly beneficial for professionals in high-demand sectors, such as healthcare and executive management, where flexible work arrangements are often necessary. For instance, medical practitioners may have the opportunity to practice in various healthcare settings, thereby addressing broader community health needs.

Not sure if you qualify for an exemption? Contact Knowbal for clarity and expert guidance!

Knowbal's Visa Application Process (Subclass 500)

Applying for a visa can feel complicated, but at Knowbal, we make it easy for you.

Here’s how we assist you:

We’ll get to know your background, skills, and goals to figure out the best visa option for you. Our experts explain the entire process, including timelines and required documents, so you know what to expect.

A dedicated migration agent will guide you through the process, giving you personal support and advice. They’ll answer all your questions and ensure your case is managed smoothly.

We’ll help you collect all the paperwork you need, like proof of qualifications, work experience, and English skills. Our team will check everything to make sure it meets Australian requirements and avoids delays.

We’ll prepare your application carefully to meet all the rules and lodge it on time. This gives you the best chance of success without any unnecessary stress.

We’ll keep you informed about the progress of your application. If you have any questions or concerns, we’re always here to help.

Start your journey today! Let Knowbal handle the details while you focus on your plans for Australia. Contact us now!

+61 3 9448 1800

Why Choose Knowbal?

At Knowbal, we’re here to make your migration experience smooth and stress-free. Here’s where we stand out:

1

Expert Visa Advice

Our team knows all the latest immigration rules and uses this knowledge to guide you. We make sure you meet all the requirements before you apply, saving you time and effort.

2

Complete Support

We handle everything, from your first consultation to submitting your visa application. You can relax knowing every detail is taken care of.

3

Proven Success

We’ve helped many people successfully migrate to Australia. Our happy clients are proof of our commitment to excellent service.

4

Tailored Help

Everyone’s situation is different, so we create solutions that work for you. Whether it’s a skilled visa, student visa, or family visa, we’ll customise our help to suit your needs.

Choose Knowbal to make your migration journey easy and successful. Contact us today to get started!

Client Success Stories - Hear from People Who’ve Made It!

We believe that the best testament to our service is the success of our clients. Here’s what a few of our clients have to say about their experience with Knowbal:

Jasmini Chaudhari
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“I recently had the pleasure of working with Sushanti at Knowbal for my 482 visa application. Impressed with the entire experience, from the initial consultation to the final submission of paperwork, the process was smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Very professional, responded. Highly recommend Knowbal Migration, Sushanti > 100”
Sanny Prajapati
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“I am thankful to Knowbal Immigration for their outstanding support in helping me secure my 189 visa. A special thanks to Rishavbhai and Kunalbhai for their professionalism, and expert guidance throughout the process. I highly recommend Knowbal Immigration to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy immigration agent. They truly go above and beyond to ensure all successful outcome. Thanks again for your incredible service.”
Tushar marwaha
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“I had an amazing experience with Knowbal Migration! I got my 186 Visa as a Chef 👨🏻‍🍳 in less than 3 months. A huge thanks to Sushanti for her outstanding support, expertise, and clear guidance throughout the process. She made everything structured and manageable, always addressing my concerns with patience and professionalism. Her timely updates and attention to detail gave me peace of mind. Special thanks to Shweta for her valuable assistance. Both went above and beyond to ensure a smooth, successful outcome. I highly recommend Knowbal Migration for their professionalism and reliability. Thank you for making this possible!”
Jitu desai
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“Knowable migration and Shushanti made the immigration process smooth and stress-free. They were knowledgeable, responsive, and guided me through each step with clarity. Their attention to detail and dedication kept everything on track, and I always felt well-informed. Highly recommend Shushanti and knowable migration to anyone needing reliable, professional immigration support!”
Ruby Jane
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I am incredibly grateful to Knowbal Migration for their outstanding assistance throughout my 407 visa process. Their expertise and dedication made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. A special thanks to Mr. Rishav, whose constant support and timely updates were invaluable. He was always available to answer my questions and provided clear guidance on every requirement needed for the visa application. His professionalism and commitment to ensuring a successful outcome were evident in every interaction. From the initial consultation to the final approval, Knowbal Migration demonstrated a high level of knowledge and efficiency. I felt well-informed and confident throughout the entire process, knowing that I was in good hands. Thank you once again, Knowbal Migration, and especially Mr. Rishav, for your exceptional service. I highly recommend Knowbal Migration to anyone in need of visa assistance.

Each story is unique, but they all share one thing in common—a smooth, reliable experience with Knowbal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Subclass 482 Visa, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, allows Australian employers to hire skilled workers from overseas when no qualified Australians are available. It includes streams for short-term, specialist, and labour agreement roles.

It depends on the visa type. For most permanent residency pathways, such as the Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas, a positive skills assessment is required. However, exemptions may apply for certain occupations or under employer-sponsored visas like the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) if you meet specific criteria.

Yes, in some cases. If you’re applying under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, you may not need a skills assessment if you have worked in your nominated occupation for your sponsoring employer on a Subclass 482 or 457 visa for at least three years. However, skills assessments are generally required for the Direct Entry stream.

If you fail a skills assessment, you can:

  • Reapply after addressing the issues outlined in the assessment result.
  • Seek advice from a migration expert to explore other pathways, such as employer-sponsored visas that may not require a skills assessment.


Failing the assessment doesn’t mean you can’t migrate—it just means you may need to reassess your options or improve your qualifications.

Yes, 482 visas can be rejected if the application does not meet requirements, such as:

  • Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
  • Insufficient evidence of skills or qualifications.
  • The employer failing to meet sponsorship criteria.
  • Not meeting English language proficiency requirements.


To avoid rejection, it’s essential to carefully prepare your application and seek expert advice.

Have more questions? Contact Knowbal today for tailored advice and professional support for your Australian visa application!

Start Your Australian Journey with Knowbal Today!

Whether you’re applying for a Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) or need guidance on skills assessment exemptions, Knowbal is here to simplify the process for you. Our experienced team will provide personalised advice, expert support, and a seamless application experience.

Don’t wait—book your consultation with Knowbal and take the first step towards your future in Australia!

+61 3 9448 1800