Sponsor accreditation
Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval still required. Process similar to 482 era. See SBS guide.
482 Replaced by SID · Three Streams · 2024-2025 Reform
The 482 became the Skills in Demand visa.
The 2024-2025 reform restructured temporary skilled migration. New streams, new salary thresholds, clearer PR pathways. If you are familiar with the old 482, here is what changed. Our employer sponsorship lead Brian Park handles the transition.
What stayed the same
Core structure continues.
Despite the rebrand, much of the fundamental framework continues from the 482.
Nomination and worker visa
Two-step structure: nomination by sponsor, then visa application by worker. Same architecture.
English and skills
English competency and skills assessment requirements remain. Exact thresholds adjusted in some streams.
Sponsor obligations
Ongoing sponsor obligations, training contribution, record keeping, and compliance remain. See employer services.
What changed
Four key differences.
The changes affect stream choice, salary thresholds, and pathway planning.
Three streams instead of twoCore Skills, Specialist Skills, Essential Skills. Each with different occupation access, salary thresholds, and PR pathways. See stream comparison.
Updated salary thresholdsTSMIT became CSIT (Core Skills Income Threshold) at roughly AUD $73,150. Specialist Skills threshold much higher. Essential Skills lower for specific sectors.
Core Skills = CSOLCore Skills stream uses the new Core Skills Occupation List. Simpler than the old MLTSSL/STSOL split.
Clearer PR pathways2-year pathway to 186 Temporary Residence Transition from most SID visas. Previously some streams had no clear PR path.
For existing 482 holders
What transition looks like.
Existing 482 holders continue under transitional arrangements.
Current 482 holders
Continue on 482 visa until it expires. Transition arrangements apply for PR applications.
482 to 186 TRT
Subclass 186 TRT pathway continues. 2-year pathway now standard.
New applications
New applications under SID structure, not 482. SBS accreditation can carry forward.
The SID Specialist Skills stream is a genuinely new concept.
High-earning senior roles paying above the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (around AUD $135,000+) can be sponsored regardless of CSOL occupation list. This opens sponsorship for roles that never fit the old 482 structure. Check if your role qualifies.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For SID nominations, book with Brian Park or Sourabh Aggarwal.
Does my business need a new SBS to sponsor under SID?
Existing SBS accreditation usually continues. Check expiry and scope. Some businesses benefit from fresh accreditation.
Can I change my current 482 to SID?
Existing 482 visas continue. No need to change visa to use SID framework for future applications.
What if my occupation is not on the CSOL?
Try Specialist Skills stream (salary-based) or DAMA pathways. See stream comparison.
Is the Essential Skills stream available for any role?
Limited. Essential Skills covers specific essential sectors identified by Jobs and Skills Australia. Not all lower-wage roles qualify.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.