✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: visa list.
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) lets Australian employers sponsor skilled workers when they can’t find a suitably skilled Australian for the role. This 2026 guide from Study Mate Migration explains the streams, the new salary thresholds and how the sponsorship process works for both employers and workers.
General information only, current at the date of publishing. Visa rules and fees change often, so always check the official Department of Home Affairs website or get advice before you apply.
How the 482 visa works
There are three steps, and each must be approved:
- Sponsorship: the employer becomes an approved sponsor
- Nomination: the employer nominates the position and the worker
- Visa application: the worker applies and shows they have the skills, English and other requirements
The visa lets you stay for up to 4 years (Hong Kong passport holders up to 5 years), and you can include eligible family members.
The main streams
Core Skills stream
For occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List, where the salary meets the Core Skills Income Threshold.
Specialist Skills stream
For highly paid specialists whose salary meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold. Most occupations are eligible, except some trades and certain roles.
Labour agreement stream
For employers with a labour agreement, including Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) such as South Australia’s.
New salary thresholds from 1 July 2026
| Threshold | From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | AUD 79,423 |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | AUD 146,576 |
| Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), for 494 and 187 nominations | AUD 79,423 |
New nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 must meet the new thresholds. The salary must also match what an Australian would be paid for the same work.
Cost
The base visa application charge for the Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams is approx. AUD 4,000+ (varies). Employers also pay sponsorship and nomination fees and the Skilling Australians Fund levy, which employers must not pass on to the worker.
Pathway to permanent residency
Many 482 holders later move to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) with the same employer, once they meet the work experience and other requirements. In South Australia, the DAMA can offer extra concessions for some occupations.
Tips for workers
- Make sure your occupation and job description genuinely match
- Keep evidence of your qualifications and relevant work experience ready
- Check whether a skills assessment is needed for your occupation and passport
- Never pay an employer to sponsor you. Paying for sponsorship is illegal in Australia
Talk to Study Mate Migration
Study Mate Migration (also known as StudyMate) is an Adelaide-based education and migration consultancy. Our Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899) can check your eligibility, explain your options and prepare a complete application.
