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Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa 2026: Streams, Salary Thresholds and Sponsorship
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is Australia's main temporary employer-sponsored skilled visa. It allows an approved sponsor to nominate a suitably skilled worker where the employer cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
How long does a subclass 482 visa last?
Home Affairs describes the subclass 482 as generally providing a stay of between one and four years, depending on the stream and circumstances. Hong Kong passport holders may receive a longer period in specified circumstances.
Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams
The Core Skills stream generally requires the nominated occupation to be on the Core Skills Occupation List. The Specialist Skills stream operates for eligible occupations in specified ANZSCO major groups and applies a higher income threshold. Labour Agreement arrangements operate separately where an employer has an approved labour agreement.
2026 salary thresholds
From 1 July 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD 79,423 and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is AUD 146,576. The current legislative framework indexes these thresholds and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold. Meeting a threshold does not remove the need to satisfy applicable market salary requirements.
See the 2026 threshold legislation for the formal indexation settings.
Work experience and skills
Home Affairs' sponsored-worker comparison states that 482 applicants need the skills to perform the nominated occupation and at least 12 months' work experience in the occupation or a related field. Stream-specific English, occupation and nomination requirements also apply.
Pathway to permanent residence
The Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 can provide a permanent pathway for eligible sponsored workers, including through the Temporary Residence Transition stream. Eligibility is not automatic and must be assessed under the 186 criteria at the relevant time.
Related resources: Australian Visa Subclass Database, Australian Visa Fees 2026–27, and Australian Visa Processing Times 2026.
Primary source: Home Affairs Skills in Demand visa guidance.
