482 is Skills in Demand
New subclass 482 applications use the SID structure—not the old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Short-term and Medium-term marketing labels.
AUSTRALIAN VISA PATHWAYS · OFFICIAL-SOURCE GUIDE
Employer Sponsored & Business Visas
Find the right current employer-sponsored, talent or legacy business pathway. Understand the difference between short-term specialist assignments, skilled work sponsorship, permanent employer nomination and programs closed to new applicants.
THE DECISION FRAMEWORK
RoleEmployer or talent eligibility
01
StreamSelect the right visa
02
EvidenceSponsor, skills & records
03
ApplicationNomination & visa steps
04
OutcomeComply with grant conditions
05
Current, innovation and legacy pathways
Visa numbers are grouped by their actual function—not by outdated marketing names. Select a card for the full criteria and official sources.
TemporarySubclass 482Skills in DemandAustralia’s current subclass 482 skilled work visa, replacing the old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) branding.View guide PermanentSubclass 186Employer Nomination SchemeA permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an eligible Australian employer.View guide ProvisionalSubclass 494Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)Regional employer sponsorship for skilled workers filling roles in designated regional Australia.View guide TemporarySubclass 400Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)For short-duration work requiring highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience not generally available in Australia.View guide TrainingSubclass 407Training VisaWorkplace-based occupational training or professional development, not a substitute for an ordinary job.View guide Invitation onlySubclass 858National Innovation VisaAn invitation-only permanent route for applicants with internationally recognised exceptional achievements.View guide Closed to new applicationsSubclass 188Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional)The BIIP subclass 188 program closed to all new applications on 31 July 2024.View guide Eligible existing holdersSubclass 888Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent)A permanent route remaining available for people who meet relevant legacy business and investor eligibility rules.View guide
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Compare visa categories
| Subclass | Official name | Pathway type | Initial status / stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 482 | Skills in Demand | Temporary | Employer-sponsored temporary |
| Subclass 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme | Permanent | Permanent residence |
| Subclass 494 | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) | Provisional | 5-year regional provisional |
| Subclass 400 | Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) | Temporary | Short-term, non-ongoing |
| Subclass 407 | Training Visa | Training | Up to 2 years |
| Subclass 858 | National Innovation Visa | Invitation only | Permanent residence |
| Subclass 188 | Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) | Closed to new applications | Legacy applications only |
| Subclass 888 | Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) | Eligible existing holders | Permanent residence |
Compare these broad characteristics first. The full guide pages explain stream-level exceptions and documentary requirements.
What has changed and what matters now
The old BIIP intake has closed
Subclass 188 has been closed to new applications since 31 July 2024; subclass 888 may remain available to eligible existing visa holders.
National Innovation is invitation-only
Subclass 858 is for internationally distinguished achievement and requires an invitation; it is not an ordinary investor route.
Four checks before taking action
01
Choose a direction
Distinguish independent, employer and regional models.
02
Check eligibility
Examine occupation, skills, English, sponsorship and stream rules.
03
Build evidence
Create dated, consistent documentation for every claim.
04
Follow the official sequence
EOI, nomination, invitation or visa lodgement as the pathway requires.
ANSWERED
Before you decide on a route
A good visa comparison starts with evidence, work and residence conditions, not slogans.
Can I apply for a new subclass 188 visa?
No. BIIP closed permanently to new applications in July 2024.
Is subclass 482 a permanent visa?
No. It is a temporary employer-sponsored visa; subclass 186 is a different permanent visa.
Can I self-apply for subclass 858 without invitation?
No. You must first be invited under the National Innovation Visa program.
VERIFIABLE INFORMATION
Official evidence behind this overview
Home Affairs maintains the definitive program rules and changes. This page does not replace the official eligibility test.