Australian Skilled Visa Subclass 482: The Complete 2026 Guide to the Skills in Demand Visa

The Australian Skilled Visa Subclass 482 — now officially called the Skills in Demand (SID) visa — is Australia’s primary employer-sponsored temporary skilled work visa. It allows approved Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers for positions they cannot fill with suitably qualified Australians. Effective 7 December 2024, the program was significantly restructured and rebranded, replacing the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa with a modernised three-stream framework, a consolidated occupation list, and stronger pathways to permanent residency.

Whether you are an employer trying to fill a critical skills gap or an overseas worker exploring your options, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Subclass 482 visa in 2026 — streams, salary thresholds, occupation lists, processing times, and how to transition to permanent residency.

Note: Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify the latest requirements on the official Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent (MARA-registered) before applying.

What Is the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)?

The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) is a temporary employer-sponsored visa that grants eligible overseas workers the right to live and work in Australia for up to four years (up to five years for Hong Kong passport holders). The subclass number remains 482, but the underlying program rules were comprehensively overhauled on 7 December 2024.

Key changes from the old TSS 482 visa include:

• Three streams replacing the old Short-Term and Medium-Term streams
• A single consolidated Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) with 456 occupations, replacing the MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL
• Reduced work experience requirement — now just 1 year (down from 2 years)
• Salary thresholds indexed annually to AWOTE (Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings)
• A faster pathway to permanent residency — 2 years of sponsored work (reduced from 3)
• ATO and Department of Home Affairs quarterly data-matching for compliance

For a side-by-side comparison of the 482 with other skilled visa subclasses, see our guide: Australian Skilled Visa Subclasses: 189, 190, 491 & 482 Compared (2026 Guide).

The Three Streams of the Subclass 482 Visa

The Skills in Demand visa operates across three distinct streams, each targeting a different segment of the labour market.

1. Core Skills Stream

The Core Skills stream is the most widely used pathway and is designed for a broad range of skilled occupations across healthcare, engineering, trades, hospitality, and more. To be eligible, the nominated occupation must appear on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

Key requirements:

• Occupation listed on the CSOL (currently 456 occupations)
• Salary at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) — whichever is higher
• At least 1 year of relevant full-time work experience in the last 5 years
• Skills assessment (where required for the occupation)
• Meet English language requirements (unless exempt)
• Work only for the sponsoring employer or an associated entity

Visa duration: Up to 4 years (up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders)

Application cost: From AUD $4,015 (check the official Visa Pricing Estimator for current fees)

2. Specialist Skills Stream

The Specialist Skills stream is designed for high-earning professionals in managerial, professional, community and personal service, clerical and administrative, or sales roles (ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6). Trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers are excluded from this stream.

Key advantages:

• Typically processed within 7 to 11 days — significantly faster than the Core Skills stream
• Capped at 3,000 places per year
• No requirement for the occupation to appear on the CSOL

Key requirements:

• Salary at or above the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) and the AMSR — whichever is higher
• At least 1 year of relevant work experience
• Skills assessment (where required)
• English language requirements (unless exempt)

3. Labour Agreement Stream

The Labour Agreement stream is for workers nominated by employers who have a formal Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. Requirements — including eligible occupations and salary levels — are negotiated within the agreement and can differ substantially from the other two streams. This stream is typically used in industries or regions where standard visa pathways do not adequately meet workforce needs.

Salary Thresholds for 2025–26 and 2026–27

Salary thresholds are indexed annually on 1 July to reflect movements in AWOTE. Non-monetary benefits such as accommodation or a company car are excluded from the calculation. The salary offered must meet or exceed the higher of the applicable income threshold or the Australian Market Salary Rate for the role and location.

*Minor variation between sources; confirm the exact figure on the official DHA salary requirements page before lodging a nomination.

The annual indexation reflects approximately 3.8% growth in AWOTE, ensuring sponsored workers are paid in line with broader Australian wage movements.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL): 456 Occupations

The CSOL is the single, consolidated occupation list used for the Core Skills stream. It replaces the former Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), and Regional Occupation List (ROL).

Key facts about the CSOL:

• Currently contains 456 occupations
• Over 70 new occupations were added when the SID visa launched in December 2024, including Data Analyst, Supply Chain Analyst, Tour Guide, and Child Care Worker
• Covers a wide range of industries: healthcare, engineering, construction, hospitality, IT, education, and more
• The full list is published as a legislative instrument on the Federal Register of Legislation

If your occupation is not on the CSOL, you may still be eligible via the Specialist Skills stream (if your salary meets the SSIT) or the Labour Agreement stream.

English Language Requirements

Primary applicants must demonstrate sufficient English unless they qualify for an exemption. Common exemptions apply to passport holders from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland, or to applicants who have completed significant study in English.

For tests taken on or after 13 September 2025, the minimum scores at the Vocational English level are:

• IELTS: 5.0 in each of the four bands (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
• PTE Academic: Listening 33, Reading 36, Writing 29, Speaking 24
• Other accepted tests include TOEFL iBT, OET, and CELPIP

Test results must generally be no more than 3 years old at the time of application. Always check the official DHA page for the complete table of accepted tests and exemptions.

Other Key Requirements (All Streams)

• Approved sponsor: Your employer must be an approved standard business sponsor and must lodge a nomination for the specific position before you can apply for the visa.
• Genuine position: The role must be genuine and, in most cases, the employer must demonstrate they have tested the local labour market.
• Skills and qualifications: You must meet the ANZSCO requirements for the nominated occupation, including any mandatory skills assessments.
• Health and character: Standard Australian health and character requirements apply.
• Health insurance: Adequate private health insurance is generally required for the duration of your stay in Australia.
• Work rights: You may only work for your sponsoring employer or an associated entity (unless an exemption applies).

What the Visa Allows

• Live and work in Australia for the visa duration
• Multiple entries and exits
• Study in Australia (no government funding)
• Bring eligible family members (partners and dependent children may apply as Subsequent Entrants)
• A clear pathway to permanent residency

Pathway to Permanent Residency

One of the most significant improvements under the Skills in Demand visa is the accelerated pathway to permanent residency (PR). The most direct route is through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

How the PR Pathway Works

1. Work full-time for an approved sponsor on a Subclass 482 visa
2. After 2 years of qualifying employment (reduced from 3 years as of November 2025), apply for the Subclass 186 TRT stream
3. The 2-year qualifying period can now be accumulated across multiple sponsors — it no longer resets when you change employers
4. Salary and other requirements for the 186 visa are linked to the 482 thresholds

Other PR pathways may also be available depending on your occupation and circumstances, including the Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visa or state-nominated skilled visas. For a broader overview of all skilled visa options, see: How to Get a Skilled Visa to Australia: The Complete 2026 Guide.

Key Statistics: Subclass 482 in 2024–25

According to the Department of Home Affairs quarterly statistical report (as at 31 March 2025), the Skills in Demand / TSS 482 program recorded strong growth:

• Primary applications lodged: 63,700 (up 53.0% from 41,640 in 2023–24)
• Primary visa grants: 48,350 (up 33.2% from 36,310)
• Primary visa holders in Australia: 110,740 (up 34.4% from 82,400)

Top Occupations Granted (2024–25)

• Chef (ANZSCO 351311): 3,920 grants (up 160.5%)
• Resident Medical Officer: 2,380 grants

Top Sponsor Industries (2024–25)

• Health Care and Social Assistance: 8,660 grants (up 48.7%)
• Accommodation and Food Services: 6,710 grants (up 112.8%)

Top Source Countries (2024–25)

• India: 8,730 grants (up 62.6%)
• Philippines: 7,880 grants (up 27.6%)
• United Kingdom: 5,270 grants (up 5.0%)

Statistical figures are sourced from the DHA Temporary Resident Skilled Report (March 2025) and should be treated as provisional pending full-year data.

Compliance in 2026: ATO Data-Matching

Compliance obligations for sponsors have become significantly more rigorous. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Department of Home Affairs now conduct quarterly data-matching. If a sponsored worker’s payroll data does not match their nominated salary or occupation, the system flags it automatically — without the need for a paper audit or manual complaint.

Sponsors found to be underpaying workers or misrepresenting occupation details face sanctions including suspension or cancellation of their sponsorship approval. Workers whose conditions are not met may be able to change employers without losing their visa status.

Processing Times

Processing times vary considerably between streams and change frequently based on application volumes and departmental priorities:

• Specialist Skills stream: Typically 7 to 11 days for priority processing
• Core Skills stream: Can range from weeks to several months depending on occupation, skills assessment requirements, and document completeness
• Labour Agreement stream: Variable; depends on the terms of the specific Labour Agreement

Always check the official DHA visa processing times tool for current estimates before planning your application timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Subclass 482 visa still available in 2026?

Yes. The Subclass 482 visa continues to operate as the Skills in Demand visa. The subclass number did not change; the program rules were updated on 7 December 2024.

Can I change employers on a 482 visa?

You can change employers, but your new employer must also be an approved sponsor and must lodge a new nomination before you begin working for them. Importantly, time worked across multiple sponsors now counts cumulatively toward the 2-year PR qualifying period.

Does the 482 visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes. After 2 years of qualifying full-time sponsored employment, you may be eligible to apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) via the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

What is the difference between the CSIT and the AMSR?

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is the minimum salary floor set by the government for all Core Skills stream nominations. The Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) is the going market rate for the specific role in the specific location. Your employer must pay you whichever of these two figures is higher.

Do I need a skills assessment for the 482 visa?

It depends on your occupation. Some occupations require a formal skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority; others do not. Check the CSOL and ANZSCO requirements for your specific occupation.

Important Reminders

• The 482 visa is not a points-tested independent skilled visa — it requires an employer sponsor at every stage.
• Occupation lists, salary thresholds, and English language requirements change regularly. Always verify current requirements on the official DHA website.
• For personalised advice, consult a MARA-registered migration agent or immigration lawyer, as individual circumstances significantly affect eligibility and strategy.

Summary: Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa at a Glance