Pakistani applicants · Commonwealth of Australia
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) for Pakistani citizens
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa (formerly TSS) with reformed routes from December 2024.
- Processing time
- Varies by stream — weeks to several months.
- Government fees
- From AUD 3,115 base for principal applicant (verify).
- Typical duration
- Up to 4 years.
- Sponsor required
- Yes
- Leads to settlement
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: Applicable consular post in origin country
Tourist entry vs. this route
Pakistani nationals require a visa for any entry into Commonwealth of Australia. The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) was rebuilt into the "Skills in Demand" visa from 7 December 2024 with three streams: Specialist Skills (high-salary), Core Skills, and Essential Skills (lower-paid roles via the Core Skills Occupation List). Pathways to permanent residence were broadened.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Sponsorship by an approved Australian Standard Business Sponsor.
- ✓Nominated occupation on the relevant stream's list (Specialist / Core / Essential).
- ✓Meeting the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT/CSIT) for the stream.
- ✓Skills assessment where required for the occupation.
Common blockers
- !Salary below the route-specific threshold.
- !Occupation not on the relevant list.
Typical evidence
- ·Sponsor and nomination approvals.
- ·Skills assessment certificate.
- ·English test (IELTS, PTE).
Application pathway
Sponsor becomes approved
Employer obtains Standard Business Sponsor status.
Nomination of position
Employer lodges nomination tied to specific role.
Visa application
Worker lodges application with skills, English, health evidence.
Transition to permanent residence
Via 186 ENS Temporary Residence Transition or Direct Entry.
Other Commonwealth of Australia routes covered for Pakistani applicants
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Points-based permanent residence visa for skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
State-nominated permanent residence visa providing a 5-point SkillSelect boost.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Provisional 5-year regional visa leading to permanent residence via subclass 191.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are Pakistani citizens eligible for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)?+
Eligibility for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is set by Department of Home Affairs and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Pakistani applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Pakistani applicants typically file the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)?+
Applicable consular post in origin country. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Department of Home Affairs — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Pakistani applicants need a tourist visa for Commonwealth of Australia as well?+
Pakistani nationals require a visa for any entry into Commonwealth of Australia. The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Is the TSS visa the same as the Skills in Demand visa?+
The subclass number (482) is the same but the visa was renamed and restructured on 7 December 2024. Streams, thresholds, and pathway-to-PR rules changed. Treat pre-December-2024 guidance with care.