Skills in Demand Visa — Subclass 482
482 Skills in Demand Visa
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is Australia's primary temporary employer sponsored visa. It replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024 and introduced a restructured three-stream framework designed to better align with Australia's labour market needs.
Three streams, one subclass
The Core Skills stream is the primary stream for the majority of employer sponsored workers. Nominations are limited to occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List. The nominated salary must meet or exceed the Core Skills Income Threshold, which is $79,499 for nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026, indexed annually under regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations 1994.
The Specialist Skills stream is for senior professionals and highly specialised roles. There is no occupation list requirement. The nominated salary must meet or exceed the Specialist Skills Income Threshold, which is $146,717 for nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026, indexed annually. Applications in this stream attract priority processing with a target median time of seven days.
The Labour Agreement stream applies where the employer holds a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government. The terms of the agreement govern the nomination criteria. Before nominating a worker, the employer must hold Standard Business Sponsorship approval.
Core Skills stream
For occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List. Minimum salary $79,499 (effective 1 July 2026). Covers healthcare, engineering, IT, trades, education, and more. Replaced the former TSS short-term and medium-term streams.
Specialist Skills stream
No occupation list. Minimum salary $146,717 (effective 1 July 2026). Priority 7-day processing target. Designed for senior professionals in technology, finance, AI, and other high-skill sectors.
Labour Agreement stream
For employers with a formal labour agreement. Criteria governed by the specific agreement. Includes industry-wide agreements and Designated Area Migration Agreements.
Pathway to permanent residence
After two years of full-time employment with an approved sponsor, 482 SID visa holders can apply for the 186 ENS visa through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
4 years
Maximum stay period
$79,499
Core Skills threshold (as at 1 Jul 2026)
$146,717
Specialist Skills threshold (as at 1 Jul 2026)
7 days
Specialist Skills processing target
Why instruct Visa Plan for your 482 SID visa?
Stream selection
Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams have different salary thresholds, occupation requirements, and processing timelines. Choosing the right stream from the outset prevents costly corrections.
Nomination and visa preparation
The nomination must establish occupation eligibility, salary compliance, and labour market testing. We prepare nominations and visa applications that address each requirement with precision.
Permanent residence strategy
The 482 SID visa is a stepping stone. We build your migration strategy from the first nomination through to permanent residence, ensuring each stage positions you correctly for the next.
482 SID visa information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at 10 July 2026. Salary thresholds are indexed annually. Occupation list eligibility is subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
From the blog
482 SID Sponsorship Costs: What Employers Can't Pass On
On the Subclass 482 SID visa, some sponsorship costs are the employer's by law and cannot be passed to the worker. Here is who pays what, and why.
482 SID Work Experience: The 1-Year Rule Explained
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa cut the work experience requirement to one year. Here is what the 482 work experience rule means for applicants in 2026.
Your Occupation Is on the CSOL Today. Can You Count on Tomorrow?
The Core Skills Occupation List decides whether you can apply for a 482 SID or 186 Direct Entry visa, and it is built to change more often than the old lists. Why timing matters.