Helicopter Pilot — Subclass 482 Pathway
Skills in Demand visa · 1-4 years (Specialist Skills, Core Skills, or Essential Skills stream)
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $1,455 short-term / from $3,035 medium-term (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~1-4 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Helicopter Pilot for migration purposes is handled by: CASA.
Skills assessment is only required for some occupation/passport combinations — the assessing body is the same one listed for the ANZSCO code.
Helicopter Pilot × Subclass 482 — pathway overview
Helicopter Pilot (ANZSCO 231114) is eligible for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, supporting employer-sponsored temporary migration for skilled rotary-wing aviation professionals in Australia. This occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation lists for Subclass 482. The Subclass 482 is not points-tested. Applicants must be nominated by an approved employer for a genuine helicopter pilot position, with the employer demonstrating genuine need and compliance with labour market testing requirements. Industries including resources, emergency services, and tourism regularly use this pathway. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) conducts skills assessments for Helicopter Pilots, evaluating licences, ratings, and flight experience against Australian aviation regulatory standards. Overseas pilot licences may require conversion to Australian licences through CASA's mutual recognition or assessment process. Applicants must hold a current aviation medical certificate, meet English language requirements, and pass character checks. The Subclass 482 visa is typically granted for up to four years, with eligible holders able to transition to Subclass 186 permanent residency. Government fees start at approximately AUD 3,035. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 482. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Nominated by an approved Australian sponsor
- Position pays at least the relevant Core Skills Income Threshold
- At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Positive skills assessment if required for the occupation/passport combination
- Vocational English (IELTS 5.0 in each component or equivalent)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Helicopter Pilot
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Helicopter Pilot
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.