There is important news for skilled migrants and employers in South Australia. The Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) for both Adelaide metropolitan and regional South Australia have been extended until 30 June 2026, providing continued access to skilled workers across key industries facing shortages.

This extension comes with several ongoing benefits and one major update: a faster pathway to permanent residency (PR) for holders of the Skills in Demand (SID) 482 visa under the DAMA. 

Extension to 30 June 2026

Both South Australian DAMAs have officially been extended through to mid-2026. This extension gives certainty to employers and migrants alike, supporting economic growth and regional development through skilled migration.

482 to 186 PR Pathway in 2 Years

One of the most significant updates is the reduction in the required period for PR application. Holders of the 482 visa through DAMA can now apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa after only two years on their 482 visa.

Previously, applicants were required to wait three years. This change provides a faster and more appealing path to permanent residency for skilled migrants working in South Australia.

DAMA Concessions

South Australia continues to offer important concessions through the DAMA program, making it more accessible than standard employer-sponsored visas. Depending on the occupation, these can include:

• Age concession: Applicants can be up to 55 years old

• Income concession: A 10% reduction on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

• English language concessions for certain occupations

• Work experience concessions, depending on the role

These flexibilities provide greater opportunities for both employers seeking to fill skill gaps and workers hoping to settle in Australia.

Industry Labour Agreements Take Priority

Starting from 1 July 2025, occupations listed under specific Industry Labour Agreements (ILAs) will no longer be available under the South Australian DAMA if they are already covered by the relevant ILA.

For example, aged care providers will no longer be able to sponsor certain workers under the DAMA and must instead use the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) or alternative programs such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Employers must ensure they are using the correct migration program based on their sector and the occupation they intend to sponsor.

A New Five-Year Statewide DAMA

The South Australian Government has announced its intention to negotiate a new five-year statewide DAMA with the Commonwealth Government during the 2025–26 financial year. This would continue the state’s proactive approach to attracting skilled workers and meeting local workforce needs.

Need Assistance with a DAMA Application?

If you are:

• An employer in South Australia experiencing skill shortages

• A skilled worker seeking a pathway to work and live in South Australia

The DAMA program may be an ideal solution. At Work Visa Lawyers, we assist both employers and individuals with:

• DAMA endorsement applications

• Labour agreements, including Industry Labour Agreements

• Employer nominations

• Subclass 482 visa, 494 visa, and 186 visa applications

• Permanent residency pathways under DAMA concessions

Book a consultation with our team to explore your options with confidence.

Located in Adelaide and assisting clients across Australia and internationally.

Sources: 

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news-events/designated-area-migration-agreements-damas-extension

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/nominating-a-position/labour-agreements/designated-area-migration-agreements

If you're planning to migrate to Australia under a skilled visa, one of the most important steps is to get your skills assessed by an approved authority. For many general professional occupations, that authority is VETASSESS. This blog will walk you through the process in a simple, easy-to-follow format to help you prepare, apply, and succeed in your skills assessment.

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What Is VETASSESS?

VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services) is a leading skills assessment authority appointed by the Australian Government to assess the qualifications and work experience of applicants applying for skilled migration.

If your occupation falls into categories like business, education, arts, science, or administration, chances are that VETASSESS is your assessing body.

Step-by-Step Guide to VETASSESS Skills Assessment

1. Check Your Occupation Requirements

Before anything else, visit the VETASSESS website and look up your ANZSCO occupation code and title. This page will tell you:

• What qualification level is required.
• What fields of study are considered closely related.
• How much and what type of work experience you need.

Each occupation is grouped into a category (A, B, C, D, or E), which influences how your qualifications and work history are assessed.

2. Make Sure You’re Eligible

You generally need:

• A qualification at least equivalent to an Australian Diploma or higher.
• At least 1 year of full-time post-qualification experience in the past 5 years.
• Evidence that your work was paid and highly relevant to your nominated occupation.

3. Gather Your Documents

Here’s what you need to prepare:

Educational Documents:

• Degree or diploma certificates
• Full academic transcripts

Employment Documents:

• Detailed employment references (on company letterhead)
• Payslips, tax documents, or bank statements
• Job descriptions or contracts

Identity Documents:

• Passport (bio page)
• Change of name documentation (if applicable)

If any documents are not in English, provide certified translations.

4. Choose the Right Assessment Type

VETASSESS offers two broad types of assessments:

• General Occupations: Includes professions like marketing specialists, HR advisers, and policy analysts.
• Trade Occupations: Includes electricians, cooks, hairdressers, etc.

Make sure you select the correct category that applies to your nominated occupation.

5. Create an Online Account

Go to the VETASSESS website and register for an account. Once registered, log in to start your application.

6. Submit Your Application

• Complete all sections of the online form.
• Upload your scanned documents.
• Pay the application fee (from AUD $968 and up, depending on assessment type and urgency).

7. Wait for the Outcome

The standard processing time is usually 12 to 14 weeks. If you're in a hurry, you can pay an extra fee and opt for Priority Processing, which takes around 7–10 business days.

Once processed, you’ll receive an Outcome Letter that says whether your assessment is:

• Positive – your skills meet the Australian standards.
• Negative – your application didn’t meet the criteria (they will tell you why).

8. What Happens After a Positive Assessment?

With a positive outcome in hand, you’re ready to:

• Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
• Apply for a skilled migration visa (e.g., subclass 189 visa, 190 visa, or 491 visa).

Tips for Success

• Always follow the official document checklist for your occupation.
• Ensure all employment letters include the start/end dates, position title, duties, and hours worked.
• Double-check translations and certification for non-English documents.
• If you’re unsure, consult a registered migration agent or lawyer.

The VETASSESS skills assessment is a critical step on your migration journey to Australia. With proper preparation, thorough documentation, and a clear understanding of the process, you can submit a strong application that gets results.

Ready to get started? Head over to the VETASSESS portal and begin your assessment journey today! If you need any help, we can assist you with your Skills Assessment. 

Please contact us if you need assistance. 

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Source: 

https://www.vetassess.com.au/

Kanye West’s Australian Visa Cancelled

The Department of Home Affairs recently cancelled Kanye West’s Australian visa.

The reason for the cancellation is that the American rapper released a song referencing Hitler and promoting Nazism. He has also posted content on his social media accounts supporting Nazi ideology.

The song, released in May this year, was removed from most major music platforms shortly after publication.

This is not the first time Australia has considered blocking West. In 2023, Education Minister Jason Clare condemned West’s “awful” comments about Hitler and the Holocaust and suggested he could be denied entry.

The Minister for Immigration Tony Burke has made the following comments:

to ABC's Afternoon Briefing:

"He's made a lot of offensive comments that my officials looked at again once he released [that] song," he said.

"He's got family here … It wasn't a visa for the purpose of concerts. It was a lower-level [visa] and the officials still looked at the law and said if you're going to have a song and promote that sort of Nazism, we don't need that in Australia."

Kanye West’s Australian Family Connections:

West is currently married to Bianca Censori, an Australian citizen from Melbourne.

So the visa is likely to be a visitor visa, to allow visits to his wife’s family in Australia.

The Power to Cancel under the Migration Act include s116(1)(e) and s501

Under s116(1)(e) of the Migration Act the Minister for Immigration has wide powers, often referred to as God powers.

They can cancel a visa if:

“the presence of its holder in Australia is or may be, or would or might be, a risk to:

(i)  the health, safety or good order of the Australian community or a segment of the Australian community; or

(ii)  the health or safety of an individual or individuals; or “

There are also wide powers under s501 part (2) and (3) to refuse and cancel visas if based on not satifiying the character test.

These include:

501(6)  For the purposes of this section, a person does not pass the character test if:

(iii)  vilify a segment of the Australian community; or 

(iv)  incite discord in the Australian community or in a segment of that community; or 

(v)  represent a danger to the Australian community or to a segment of that community, whether by way of being liable to become involved in activities that are disruptive to, or in violence threatening harm to, that community or segment, or in any other way; or 

The song Heil Hitler could be seen to vilify parts of the Australian community, incite discord and to encourage disruptive and violent activities to a community.

We Predicted this Might Happen to Kanye West – back in 2022:

In an article we published in 2022 in relation to the cancellation of Tennis superstar Djokovic’s visa, we made the following observations.

And we included pictures of Kanye West and also of Greta Thunberg.

If you hold an Australian visa and have social media – be careful:

So, be careful what you publish on social media and other platforms.

The cancellation powers could be applied to you. Your visa could be cancelled if your posts could be seen to be a risk to a community in Australia or to encourage disruptive activities or violence. Australia is not the only country that may check your online activity. For example, the United States requires social media information when you apply for a visa — and they may review it.

Background Requirements

The Department of Home Affairs requires police clearances from any countries in which the person (aged 17 or older) has spent 12 months or more in the last 10 years since turning 16 years old.

For those who have recently lived in many countries, this can mean collecting a few police clearances, while for other people who have lived only in their home country may require less.

How to apply for a police check

Step 1 – figure out which countries you need

When you put together where you are travelling

Step 2 – Go to the Department of Home Affairs web page https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/contact-us/offices-and-locations/list

Step 3 - Search the name of the country for which you are looking for police clearance guidance in the box.

Step 4 – Click details to expand the “Police clearance” tab

Step 5 – Click “View more” to expand for the actual guidance (the information available at first is very limited)

Step 6 – Identify the section that applies to you

Many countries have different processes for citizens and non-citizens, and different processes for applying from in the country or from outside the country.

Our top tips for applying for police clearances:

• Some countries take longer than others, be sure to plan ahead – delays in police clearances can often delay a decision on your visa
• Be careful selecting third parties – in some countries, third parties are necessary to obtain your police clearance, while in Australia often using a third party can lead to getting the wrong police clearance and needing to apply again
• Ensure you get all the clearances you need – for many countries, such as Brazil or the United States, you would need to get more than one police clearance: usually a federal and a state police clearance

Contact us if you need any visa assistance. 

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We’ve recently seen a growing number of inquiries about 188 Business Innovation and Investment visa extensions. This trend is largely due to disruptions caused by COVID-19, which delayed business development and made it harder for some visa holders to meet the criteria for the 888 Permanent Residency visa.

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What is a 188 Business Visa Extension?

A 188 Business visa extension allows eligible holders of the Business Innovation stream to extend their stay in Australia. This additional time gives them the opportunity to meet the requirements for the subclass 888 visa, which is the permanent residency pathway.

Why Might You Need a 188 Visa Extension?

Many applicants request an extension because they haven’t yet met the 888 visa criteria, such as business turnover, asset requirements, or operational timelines. An extension gives them the time they need to continue growing and managing their Australian business.

Who Can Apply for a 188 Business Visa Extension?

You may be eligible to apply if you:

• Hold a subclass 188 Business Innovation stream visa
• Are actively managing a business in Australia
• Have a main ownership interest in one or two Australian businesses
• Maintain daily involvement in the business operations

What’s Involved in the Extension Process?

The extension process involves two key stages:

1. State Nomination – You must first obtain nomination from the relevant state or territory government.
2. Visa Application – Once nominated, you can lodge your extension application with the Department of Home Affairs.

Key Requirements for the 188 Visa Extension

• You must hold a valid 188 Business visa
• Reside in Australia and be actively managing your business
• Demonstrate continued business activity and growth
• Provide strong supporting evidence of business operations
• Secure state or territory nomination before applying

Who Typically Applies?

We’ve recently helped clients from Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh successfully extend their 188 Business visas. These extensions have allowed them to remain in Australia while continuing to build their businesses toward permanent residency.

See below for some examples of when a business can request a 188 visa extension:

Small Business Owner needing to increase turnover:

Need Help with a 188 Business Visa Extension?

If you or someone you know needs to extend their 188 Business visa, don’t wait until the last minute. Early preparation is essential to ensure a smooth process.

Contact our team today for tailored advice and support with your extension and your pathway to permanent residency.

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From 1 July 2025, income thresholds for skilled visas will increase by 4.6%, in line with updates to the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). These changes deliver on commitments outlined in the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy and reflect recommendations from the Migration Review.

This annual indexation ensures that wages for skilled migrants grow in step with Australian earnings—helping to prevent skilled migration from being used to undercut local workers.

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Updated Income Thresholds (Effective 1 July 2025)

Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

• Current: $73,150

• New CSIT (from 1 July 2025): $76,515

• Applies to nomination applications for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand (subclass 482 Visa) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visas.

Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)

• Current: $135,000

• New SSIT (from 1 July 2025): $141,210

• Applies to the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482 Visa).

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

• Current: $73,150

• New TSMIT (from 1 July 2025): $76,515

• Applies to the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494 Visa).

Important Note:

For nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025, employers must offer a salary that meets or exceeds the new threshold or the annual market salary rate —whichever is higher.

These changes do not apply to:

• Existing visa holders, or

• Nominations lodged before 1 July 2025.

High Income Threshold Updates

The High Income Threshold will also raise from 1 July 2025:

• Current: $175,000

• New High Income Threshold (from 1 July 2025): $183,100

The High Income Threshold is one of the factors that may be used to assess the applicant's exceptional and outstanding achievements.

The High Income Threshold may also be used if the applicant for sc-186 Visa - Temporary Residence Transition stream is over 45 years old and claiming for an age exemption.

Contact our team at Work Visa Lawyers for tailored advice and assistance.

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Sources: 

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1308

https://www.fwc.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/news/increase-application-fee-2025-26

June 2025 marks the final month of the 2024–2025 financial year, and several major updates have already been announced for the new financial year and the new migration year starting 1 July.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• Key changes expected from 1 July

• State closures for the 190 and 491 visas and their reopening dates

• A rise in both applications and refusals for the 482 visa

• National Innovation Visa (NIV) criteria across states and territories

Recent Visa Grants

This month we’ve had a range of visa grants, including:

• Employer-sponsored 482 visa

•  Employer-sponsored 186 visas

• 494 DAMA visas

• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 visas

• An adoption visa grant

Three Key Changes Expected from 1 July 2025

1. Visa Fee Increases 
All visa application fees will increase from 1 July. A significant rise is expected for student visas—from $1,600 to $2,000—as previously proposed by the Labor government. We’ll confirm this if officially announced.

2. Higher Salary Requirements for Employer-Sponsored Visas

• The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will rise from $73,150 to $76,515. 

• The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from $135,000 to $141,210. 

These are the minimum salaries that the employer must pay when sponsor someone on a 482, 186 or 494 visas.

3. New Allocations for the 189, 190, and 491 Visas 
The federal government is expected to release updated nomination allocations soon. Once states receive this information, they will publish new criteria and reopen their nomination systems.

For the 189 visa, the most recent 189 visa invitation round was in November 2024. The next round is expected around August or September 2025.

What Else Happened in June 2025?

Increase in 482 Visa Applications and 482 Visa Refusals

There has been a 41% increase in 482 visa applications compared to the previous year, suggesting more opportunities for applicants. However, refusals have also risen. 

A common reason is that the Department finds the nominated position is not genuine—e.g., a small café sponsoring a full-time chef when the need does not appear justified.

We’ll soon post a video on our YouTube channel on how to avoid a 482 visa refusal.

482 Visa Processing Delays

Many applicants have asked about the delays in 482 visa processing. We’ve addressed this in a video available now on our YouTube channel.

Growth in DAMA applications

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) continue to gain popularity, offering key benefits for employers and skilled workers in regional areas. These benefits include:

• Access to more occupations (e.g., aged care workers, skilled horticultural workers)

• Concessions on salary and age (up to 55)

• Possible English language concessions

At the recent MIA Regional Migration Conference in Adelaide, it was reported that South Australian DAMA lodgements increased from 600 to 1,700 in the past year.

190 and 491 Visa Updates

The following states and territories are currently closed to new EOIs:

• South Australia

• Queensland

• Northern Territory

• Victoria

• New South Wales – already reached its quota for 2024–2025

• Tasmania – 90% of places used; closing soon

• Western Australia and ACT – expected to close in the coming weeks

Once the government releases the 2025–2026 allocations, states will update their criteria and reopen—typically between July and October.

While waiting, consider completing your skills assessment and improving your English test scores to maximise your points.

National Innovation Visa (NIV) Updates

The NIV (subclass 858) is a permanent residency visa for internationally recognised individuals with exceptional talent.

South Australia and New South Wales have published their state nomination criteria for the National Innovation Visa.

South Australia Criteria National Innovation Visa

South Australia (SA) is the first state to open for the NIV process. 

Key highlights:

• Evidence of current employment in SA or a job offer

• Option to include a support letter from a South Australian Government agency

• SA has a Registration of Interest system (ROI). If the application progresses, the applicant will be contacted by South Australia. Their assessment process will include a panel interview of candidates.

• Not eligible if your investment involves cafes, restaurants, consulting firms, franchises, or buying existing businesses

Having connections to South Australia is a clear advantage.

New South Wales (NSW) Criteria

NSW has strong requirements that focus on benefits to the state:

• Entrepreneur Pathway: NSW wants an “innovative and scalable venture with high growth potential in NSW”

• Investor Pathway: NSW wants "Innovative ventures, contributing to their success and the growth of the innovative ecosystem in NSW"

• NSW will have a seven-stage EOI process, including independent expert endorsement at stage 4

Thinking about to apply for the National Innovation Visa? Check your eligibility with our FREE NIV assessment.

Those are the key updates from June 2025. We’re expecting even more changes and announcements as the new financial year begins.

We understand this period can be overwhelming—especially if policy changes affect your migration pathway. If you need guidance, our team is here to help.

Book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents or immigration lawyers to discuss your options.

Sources: 

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news-events/national-innovation-visa-nominations-open-high-performing-individuals

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news-events/update-registration-interest-onshore-applications-2024-2025

https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/news-events/news/2025/update-victorias-skilled-visa-nomination-program-2024-25-has-closed-to-new-roi

https://migration.qld.gov.au/visa-options/skilled-visas

https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/skilled_migration

https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas

https://theterritory.com.au/migrate/migrate-to-work/northern-territory-government-visa-nomination

https://migration.wa.gov.au/

https://www.act.gov.au/migration/home

National Innovation Visa and State Nomination SA, NSW and QLD

The National Innovation Visa (NIV), previously known as the Global Talent Visa, is an Australian permanent residency visa for internationally recognised individuals with exceptional talent. 

South Australia and New South Wales have now published their criteria for NIV nominations.

Queenlsand has made industry presentations about the development of their framework.

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Why State Nomination Can Help You Secure an NIV Invitation Faster!

If one state or territory nominates you, you ​w​ill have a better chance to be invited for the National Innovation Visa. 

​Under Directon 112, those nominated by a state get the second highest priority. The highest priority is for international prize winners, such as the Nobel prize. 

For a further breakdown of the priorities see our information page on NIV.

Three Stage Process

State nominations being open mean for many NIV applicants this will involve a three-stage process:

1. Obtain State Nomination (Completed form 1000 and letter/statement of support)
2. Submit Expression of Interest to the Department of Home Affairs; and
3. If invited, submit Visa application for NIV.

Which State is Best for NIV Nomination?

The short answer, if you have a proven business track record or a collaboration lined up in a state, then that is the best state. If you don’t have an existing relationship or collaboration with a state, it’s the perfect time to begin making that connection.

Below is a quick comparative table of the frameworks of the states who have announced their criteria:

For a detailed summary of the abovementioned State’s nomination process refer to our information page on NIV.

When Can I Apply?

South Australia nominations are open now, meaning you can apply right not for their state nomination.

New South Wales nominations are anticipated for July 2025.

Interested in Applying?

Having successfully assisted hundreds of applicants for the Distinguished Talent and Global Talent visas, we are now helping clients with the latest talent-focused visa—the National Innovation Visa.

If you’re interested in applying for the National Innovation Visa, we encourage you to contact us. You can also complete our free assessment to determine your eligibility for an invitation.

Complete our free NIV assessment so our team can provide you with a free evaluation of your eligibility.

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Stay Updated!

We will share more updates on the NIV soon, including the nomination allocations for the new financial year once they are released.

Share this article if you know someone that is highly talented.

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If you’re considering migrating to Australia as a skilled worker, one of the most common questions is: Should I apply for the Temporary Core Skills 482 Visa or go straight for the 186 Direct Entry Permanent Residency Visa?

In short, if you meet the requirements for the 186 Visa, going straight to permanent residency is often the best path. But not everyone qualifies immediately—and that’s where the temporary 482 Visa becomes a valuable stepping stone to living and working in Australia.

In this blog, we’ll explain what each visa involves, their pros and cons, and how to decide which one fits your situation best.

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Requirement for the 482 Visa and the 186 Direct Entry Visa

To apply for 482 or 186 visas, you must have an Australian employer to sponsor and nominate you.

We know this can be difficult—especially if you’re currently overseas—but it’s not impossible. Thousands of skilled workers secure employer sponsorship in Australia every year.

We’ve created a video and a blog with tips on how to find a sponsor in Australia to assist you in this journey. 

Skills in Demand 482 Visa – Temporary Visa with Permanent Residency Pathway

The Skills in Demand 482 Visa (Core Skills Stream) allows you to live and work in Australia for up to four years. It is a more accessible option for many skilled workers and enables them to start working in Australia sooner.

482 Visa Requirements:

1. Have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List – There are 456 eligible occupations including Registered Nurse, Civil Engineer, Chef, ICT Business Analyst, Marketing Specialist, Content Creator, Agricultural Technician and Mechanic.

2. Skills Assessment often not required (unless you're a tradesperson or applying for certain administrative roles).

3. Have at least 1 year of work experience in the last 5 years.

4. Lower English requirement – IELTS 5.0 or PTE 36

5. No age limit – There is no age limit to apply for a 482 visa. We’ve seen applicants over 45 successfully obtain and renew 482 visas for years. However, to apply for permanent residency, the applicant must be under 45 years old (unless exemptions apply).

186 Direct Entry Visa – Permanent Residency Visa

The 186 Visa (Direct Entry stream) grants permanent residency from the day it is approved.

186 Direct Entry Visa Requirements: 

1. Occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List – This is the same occupation list used for the 482 visa.

2. Full Skills Assessment by the relevant assessing authority.

3. At least 3 years of full-time, post-qualification work experience.

4. Competent English – IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50.

5. Under 45 years of age – with limited exemptions available.

If you’re a recent graduate, or your work history is informal and you don’t have solid references, you might not meet these requirements yet.

Side-by-Side Comparison – 482 Visa vs 186 Visa

Transitioning from Temporary 482 Visa to 186 Permanent Residency 

If you begin on a 482 visa, you can later transition to permanent residency through the 186 Visa Temporary Residence Transition Stream.

To do this, you’ll need:

• At least 2 years of full-time work on a 482 Visa

• An employer to nominate you for a 186 Visa Temporary Transition Stream 

• Competent English: IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50

• To be under 45 years old at the time of application

This pathway makes the 482 visa a stepping stone to PR for those who don’t yet meet the 186 Direct Entry criteria.

What If You’re Over 45 or Not on the Core Skills List?

If you’re over 45 or your occupation isn’t on the Core Skills List, you may still have options—particularly through Labour Agreements like the DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreements).

These agreements:

• Offer more flexible age limits (up to 55 years old)

• Include a wider range of occupations (e.g. truck drivers, horticultural workers, carers)

• May allow for lower English levels

Which Visa Is Right for You? 482 or 186 Visa? 

If you:

• Have a positive skills assessment

• Have 3+ years of experience

• Are under 45

Then the 186 Direct Entry is likely the best option for you.

But if you don’t yet meet the above criteria and need to start working in Australia sooner, then the 482 visa is a strong, flexible option that can lead to Permanent Residency after two years. 

Applying for a 482 or 186 visa

Our team of experienced migration professionals can help you:

• Assess your eligibility

• Understand your visa options

• Prepare a tailored visa strategy

Contact us or book an appointment to discuss your situation. 

Book an Appointment

Sources: 

482 Visa Core Skills Stream: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skills-in-demand-visa-subclass-482/core-skills-stream

186 Visa Direct Entry: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/employer-nomination-scheme-186/direct-entry-stream

186 Visa Temporary Residence Transition Stream: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/employer-nomination-scheme-186/temporary-residence-transition-stream

We understand how frustrating it can be when you're waiting on a visa decision. Many applicants expect a quick turnaround after submitting their 482 Visa application, only to find themselves waiting months with little to no updates.

In this blog, we’ll break down the current processing times for both the older Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa and the new Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa. 

We’ll also explain what might be causing delays, how priority processing works, and what steps you can take if your visa is taking longer than expected.

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Which type of 482 Visa have you applied for? 

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa was accepting applications up until 6 December 2024 after which it closed. The new Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa opened on 7 December 2024.

Therefore, applicants who applied before 7 December 2024 are awaiting a decision on the old TSS 482 Visa, while those who applied on or after 7 December 2024 are waiting for a decision on the SID 482 Visa.

Processing times for old TSS 482 Visa applications are longer

The standard processing times for the TSS 482 Visa for the Medium- and Short-Term Streams are currently, at the time of writing, as follows:

• 50% processed in 5 months

• 90% processed in 9 months

Processing times for Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa applications are shorter

Processing times for the Skills in Demand 482 Visa are currently reported by the Department of Home Affairs as:

Core Skills Stream

• 50% processed in 51 days

• 90% processed in 3 months

This means that 10% of applications are taking longer than 3 months—sometimes much longer.

Specialist Skills Stream

• 50% processed in 8 days

• 90% processed in 67 days

482 Visa priority processing times

There are also several other considerations that affect 482 Visa processing times, such as the occupation you’ve applied for. Under Direction 105, processing priorities are assigned as follows:

Priority 1: Employer-sponsored visas for occupations to be carried out in a designated regional area

 
Priority 2: Visas related to healthcare or teaching occupations

 
Priority 3: Employer-sponsored visas where the applicant is nominated by an approved sponsor with Accredited Status

 
Priority 4: Permanent and temporary visa subclasses that count towards the migration program, excluding the Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa

 
Priority 5: All other visa applications

If you fall under Priority 5, your application may take longer to be processed.

Accredited sponsors

Nominations and visa applications from accredited sponsors are generally processed faster. From an employer’s perspective, applying to become an accredited sponsor can significantly reduce processing times.

Long processing times may lead to refusals

If your application is taking significantly longer than the standard processing times, it may be undergoing additional checks. Depending on the findings by the Department of Home Affairs, there may be further information requests—or in some cases, the application may be refused.

Make sure all required information has been provided, and that your medical examinations and character requirements have been completed, as these are crucial to visa processing.

What can I do if my 482 Visa is taking longer than standard processing times?

You may wish to follow up with your Registered Migration Agent (RMA) or Immigration Lawyer for an update.

Contact us if you need any assistance. 

Book an Appointment

Sources

Visa Processing Times: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times

Direction 105: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/skilled-visa-processing-priorities