Australia

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482, formerly Temporary Skill Shortage) is employer-sponsored — you need a job offer from an approved Australian business in an eligible occupation. Relevant work experience and an English test are required.

Your sponsoring employer lodges a nomination for the specific occupation and role. The occupation must sit on the current skills list, which is reviewed regularly.

Apply with proof of skills, work experience, English, and health and character checks. Processing times vary by stream and occupation.

The visa is tied to your sponsoring employer and nominated occupation — you can work only in that role. Arrange private health insurance, since you are not yet covered by Medicare.

Within visa validity

If your employment ends, you have only a limited window to find a new approved sponsor or move to another visa before the 482 can be cancelled — the single biggest risk on this route.

Limited window if employment ends

After the required period of skilled employment (commonly two to three years) you may transition to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186); Medicare eligibility begins at PR. Citizenship follows after four years of residence, including at least one year as a permanent resident.