Overview
The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa lets approved Australian employers sponsor skilled overseas workers when they cannot find a suitable local worker. It has three streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement. It replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa and provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
The Skills in Demand visa is the main employer-sponsored work visa. The stream you use matters: Core Skills needs a CSOL occupation and a salary of at least A$79,423 (the Core Skills Income Threshold); Specialist Skills has no occupation list but a salary floor of A$146,576 and faster processing (stays of up to 4 years, as in Core Skills); Labour Agreement covers negotiated arrangements. Both thresholds apply to nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 and are indexed every 1 July. Salary thresholds and the CSOL change — figures on this page are sourced from Home Affairs with the date verified.
What salary must a 482 visa pay?
For nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027:
- Core Skills stream: at least A$79,423 a year (the Core Skills Income Threshold, CSIT).
- Specialist Skills stream: at least A$146,576 a year (the Specialist Skills Income Threshold, SSIT).
In both streams the employer must also pay at least the annual market salary rate — what an Australian worker in the same role and location earns. If the market rate is higher than the threshold, the market rate applies. Use our sponsorship cost calculator for the employer’s government costs. Source: Home Affairs salary requirements
Which 482 applications are processed first?
Since 19 September 2026, Ministerial Direction 121 sets the processing order for the 482 (it replaced Direction 119). Applications are decided in this order: (1) priority sectors — construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture/aquaculture/fishing and resources, plus law-enforcement and defence roles; (2) the Specialist Skills stream; (3) other applicants in Australia; (4) offshore applicants applying on their own; (5) everyone else. It applies to applications already lodged, so outside the priority sectors, and especially offshore, expect to wait longer. Getting the occupation code right on the nomination now affects speed as well as approval. Source: Direction 121
Who is eligible for the Subclass 482 visa?
- Have an approved employer sponsor and a nominated position
- At least 1 year of relevant full-time work experience within the last 5 years
- Meet the salary threshold for your stream: A$79,423 (Core Skills) or A$146,576 (Specialist Skills) for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026, and the market rate
- Meet skills, English, health and character requirements
- Core Skills: occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
How much does the Subclass 482 visa cost?
The base application charge is A$4,015. An additional A$4,015 applies per applicant aged 18 or over. Same base charge for the Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement streams; dependants under 18 are A$1,005 each. The employer separately pays the sponsorship and nomination charges and the SAF levy. Checked against the official Home Affairs pricing table on 29 October 2026. See every Subclass 482 stream's charge and processing time, or compare every visa on our Australian visa fees table. Fees are indexed each year — see the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the current figure.
How long does the Subclass 482 visa take to process?
For the Core Skills stream, around 75% of applications are finalised within 8 months, and 90% within 9 months.
| Stream | 75% finalised within | 90% finalised within |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Agreement | 7 months | 9 months |
| Core Skills | 8 months | 9 months |
| Specialist Skills | 51 days | 78 days |
| Nomination | 6 months | 9 months |
| Sponsorship | 28 days | 57 days |
Official figures as at 29 September 2026. Source: Department of Home Affairs — Global visa processing times. Compare all visas on our processing times tracker. Times are a guide only — complete, decision-ready applications are generally faster.
How do you apply for the Subclass 482 visa?
- Employer becomes a sponsor. The business obtains Standard Business Sponsorship approval.
- Nomination. The employer nominates the position and stream (Core Skills, Specialist Skills or Labour Agreement).
- Visa application. You lodge the visa with evidence of skills, experience and English.
- Plan your move to permanent residence. After working for your sponsoring employer on the 482 for the required period, you can apply for the permanent 186 visa and settle in Australia long-term.
How it compares
| Stream | Occupation list | Minimum salary (from 1 July 2026) | Max stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills | CSOL required | A$79,423 (CSIT) and the market rate | 4 years |
| Specialist Skills | No list (excludes trades, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers) | A$146,576 (SSIT) and the market rate | Up to 4 years |
| Labour Agreement | Per agreement | Per agreement | Varies |
Frequently asked questions
What replaced the TSS 482 visa?
The Skills in Demand visa replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) arrangements. It still uses subclass 482 but with Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement streams.
How much work experience do I need?
At least one year of relevant full-time (or equivalent) work experience within the last five years. Some occupations or labour agreements require more. In certain circumstances and occupations, additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in place of the formal qualification an occupation would normally require — this depends on the occupation and the assessing authority.
What is the minimum salary for a 482 visa in 2026?
For nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is A$79,423 and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) is A$146,576. The employer must also pay at least the annual market salary rate for the role, so if the market rate is higher, that applies. Both thresholds are indexed every 1 July.
Does the 482 lead to permanent residence?
Yes. It is a recognised pathway to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) permanent visa, subject to meeting that visa's requirements.
Related visas
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494)
- Training visa (Subclass 407)
- Temporary Activity visa (Subclass 408)
- Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (Subclass 400)
- MATES scheme — Temporary Work visa (Subclass 403, MATES stream)
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