The TSS 482 visa skills assessment remains one of the most important steps for skilled workers seeking sponsored employment in Australia. Even though the visa was officially renamed the Skills in Demand (SID) visa in December 2024, it is still widely referred to as the TSS 482 visa by agents, employers and the Department of Home Affairs.
Does the 482 visa need a skill assessment? Yes — the mandatory skills assessment 482 is required for primary applicants from designated countries when nominating certain trade occupations such as electrician, chef, carpenter, welder and mechanic.
In 2024–25, over 29,000 TSS/SID 482 visas were granted, with trade occupations accounting for nearly 40% of approvals (Department of Home Affairs, November 2025).
Why the TSS Skills Assessment Is Mandatory
The requirement comes from the mandatory IMI (Migration (Skills Assessment) Instrument – LIN 19/051) and applies only when both:
- Your passport country is listed
- Your nominated occupation is on the mandatory list
Common countries: India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Brazil, Fiji, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, South Africa, Zimbabwe.
TSS 482 Occupations Requiring Mandatory Skills Assessment
| Occupation (ANZSCO) |
Assessing Authority |
Typical Requiring Countries |
Avg Salary (AUD) |
| Carpenter (331212) |
TRA |
Brazil, India, Philippines, Fiji |
80,000 – 100,000 |
| Chef (351311) |
TRA |
India, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan |
70,000 – 95,000 |
| Electrician (General) (341111) |
TRA |
India, Philippines, Fiji, South Africa |
85,000 – 115,000 |
| Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212) |
TRA |
India, Vietnam, Thailand |
80,000 – 105,000 |
| Welder (First Class) (322313) |
TRA |
China, Brazil, Philippines, India |
75,000 – 98,000 |
| Motor Mechanic (321211) |
TRA |
India, Vietnam, Hong Kong |
75,000 – 100,000 |
| Baker / Pastrycook |
TRA |
China, India, Papua New Guinea |
65,000 – 85,000 |
| Metal Fabricator (322311) |
TRA |
India, Philippines, Thailand |
75,000 – 95,000 |
Source: TRA & Core Skills Occupation List – November 2025