482 Skills in Demand Visa
482 Specialist Skills Stream
The Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is designed for senior professionals and highly specialised workers earning at least $146,717 for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026. It provides a fast-tracked pathway for employers needing to fill high-skill positions without the occupation list constraints that apply to the Core Skills stream.
No occupation list, priority processing
Unlike the Core Skills stream, the Specialist Skills stream does not require the nominated occupation to appear on a government-approved list. Occupations across ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are eligible. Trades workers (Major Group 3), machinery operators and drivers (Major Group 7), and labourers (Major Group 8) are excluded.
This flexibility makes the stream particularly valuable for employers recruiting in emerging technology, artificial intelligence, fintech, and other rapidly evolving sectors where occupation lists may not reflect current market realities.
The nominated salary must meet or exceed the Specialist Skills Income Threshold, which is $146,717 for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, indexed annually under regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations 1994. Labour market testing applies to this stream despite the higher salary threshold.
No occupation list requirement
Any occupation in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 is eligible. This removes the constraint of the Core Skills Occupation List and allows sponsorship of roles in emerging fields not yet captured by standard lists.
Salary threshold
The Specialist Skills Income Threshold is $146,717 for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, indexed annually. The salary must also meet the Annual Market Salary Rate.
Priority 7-day processing
Applications in the Specialist Skills stream attract priority processing with a government target median processing time of seven days. This is a significant advantage for time-sensitive hires.
Labour market testing
Despite the high salary threshold, labour market testing still applies. The employer must demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit an Australian worker before lodging the nomination.
$146,717
Income threshold (as at 1 Jul 2026)
7 days
Processing target
No list
Occupation list required
4 years
Visa stay period
Why instruct Visa Plan for your Specialist Skills application?
Occupation eligibility confirmation
Although there is no occupation list, the ANZSCO Major Group restrictions still apply. We confirm that your role falls within the eligible Major Groups before any nomination is prepared.
Salary benchmarking
The offered salary must meet both the Specialist Skills Income Threshold and the Annual Market Salary Rate. We verify both before lodgement to ensure the nomination is not refused on salary grounds.
Labour market testing
LMT applies even at this salary level. We advise on the testing requirements, review advertising evidence, and ensure the recruitment process is documented correctly for the nomination.
482 Specialist Skills stream information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at 10 July 2026. Salary thresholds are indexed annually. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.