Subclass 482 · Employer sponsored
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) Australia
Work in Australia for up to 4 years with an approved employer sponsor, with a pathway to permanent residency. Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement streams explained.
About the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) lets an approved employer sponsor a skilled worker to fill a position they cannot fill with a suitably skilled Australian. It replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa and has three streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement.
You can stay for up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders), travel in and out of Australia, and, if eligible, apply for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
With this visa you can
- Work in Australia for up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders)
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- Study (without government assistance)
- If eligible, apply for permanent residence
You must
- Be nominated by an approved sponsor for an eligible occupation
- Be paid the Annual Market Salary Rate and at least the relevant income threshold
- Have at least 1 year of relevant work experience
- Have a skills assessment if required for your occupation
- Work only for your sponsor or an associated entity, unless exempt
- Meet minimum English language requirements
Skills in Demand Salary Thresholds
| Threshold | 7 Dec 2024 to 30 Jun 2025 | 1 Jul 2025 to 30 Jun 2026 | 1 Jul 2026 to 30 Jun 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | AUD73,150 | AUD76,515 | AUD79,423 |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | AUD135,000 | AUD141,210 | AUD146,576 |
The salary must also be at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the occupation.
Sponsors also pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy of AUD1,200 a year (annual turnover under AUD10 million) or AUD1,800 a year (AUD10 million or more) for the nominated stay. The levy is paid with the nomination, cannot be passed on to the worker, and is only refundable in limited circumstances.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) Streams
Four streams: three for skilled workers sponsored by an approved Australian employer, and one for their family members.
Occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, paid at least the AMSR and the Core Skills Income Threshold.
View full detailsANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, with a salary of at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
View full detailsFor workers nominated under the terms of a labour agreement, including DAMAs.
View full detailsFor family members joining, or applying after, a 482 visa holder.
View full detailsSkills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
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The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), with Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement streams.
AUD79,423 for nomination applications lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. The salary must also meet the Annual Market Salary Rate.
AUD146,576 for nomination applications lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
At least 1 year of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field.
Yes. If eligible, your employer can sponsor you for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
From AUD4,015 for the main applicant, plus employer sponsorship and nomination costs.
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