The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) lets an Australian employer sponsor a skilled worker for a job they can't fill with an Australian. It replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in December 2024 and keeps the same subclass number. You can stay for up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders), and after 2 years with your sponsor you may be able to move to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
The 482 visa charge is A$4,015 for the main applicant in every stream (from 1 July 2026).
Your employer also pays nomination and sponsorship costs, which are not part of that figure.
At a Glance
| Core Skills stream | Specialist Skills stream | |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation | On the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) | Any ANZSCO occupation in Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 (not trades, machinery operators or labourers) |
| Minimum salary | CSIT: A$79,423, or the market rate if higher | SSIT: A$146,576 |
| Work experience | At least 1 year in the last 5 years | At least 1 year in the last 5 years |
| Stay | Up to 4 years | Up to 4 years |
| Visa charge (main applicant) | A$4,015 | A$4,015 |
| Age limit | None | None |
The income thresholds apply to nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 and are indexed every 1 July. A third stream, Labour Agreement, covers employers with a negotiated agreement with the government.
Who Can Get a 482 Visa
According to Home Affairs, you must:
- be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor (or an employer who has at least applied to become a Standard Business Sponsor)
- have at least 1 year of relevant work experience in the occupation or a related field, gained within the last 5 years (part-time work counts if it adds up to 12 months full time)
- have a skills assessment if your occupation requires one (usually from Trades Recognition Australia or VETASSESS). Where it is mandatory, it must be started before you apply or the application is invalid.
- meet the English language requirement unless you are exempt
- be paid the Annual Market Salary Rate for the job and no less than the relevant income threshold
- meet health and character requirements and hold adequate health insurance
There is no age limit for the 482 itself, but the age limit of under 45 applies later if you want permanent residence through the 186.
Core Skills or Specialist Skills?
Most applicants use the Core Skills stream: the job must be on the CSOL and pay at least the CSIT of A$79,423. The Specialist Skills stream is for highly paid roles. Almost any professional or managerial occupation qualifies if the salary is at least A$146,576, but trades workers, machinery operators and labourers (ANZSCO Major Groups 3, 7 and 8) are excluded.
What the 482 Visa Costs
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$4,015 |
| Each additional applicant 18 or over | A$4,015 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | A$1,005 |
| Subsequent temporary application charge (if applying in Australia on another temporary visa) | A$700 |
You also pay for English tests, health checks, police certificates and biometrics. Some Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens pay a lower charge from 1 July 2026. The employer pays the nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund levy, and must not pass these costs on to you.
Warning: Paying, or being paid, for visa sponsorship is illegal in Australia. If someone asks you for money in return for a sponsored job, walk away. Home Affairs can refuse your visa if you did this in the last 3 years.
How to Apply for a 482 Visa
1. Your employer becomes a sponsor
The business applies to become a Standard Business Sponsor, or uses its existing approval.
2. Your employer lodges a nomination
The nomination names the occupation, salary and position. You need its Transaction Reference Number (TRN) for your own application.
3. Prepare your evidence
Arrange any mandatory skills assessment, English test results (no more than 3 years old), health examinations, police certificates and proof of work experience.
4. Lodge the visa application in ImmiAccount
You can apply from inside Australia (on a substantive visa or Bridging visa A, B or C) or from outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance.
5. Start work within 90 days
Once the visa is granted, you must start work within 90 days of arriving in Australia (or of the grant date if you are already here).
Home Affairs publishes processing times based on recent decisions in its visa processing time guide. Processing is faster when the application is complete from the start.
Living and Working on a 482 Visa
- You can only work in the occupation you were nominated for, for your sponsor or an associated entity.
- You can travel in and out of Australia as often as you like while the visa is valid.
- Your partner and dependent children can come with you and can work and study in Australia.
- If you leave your job, you generally have a limited time to find a new sponsor, apply for another visa or leave Australia. Get advice early if your job is at risk.
From 482 to Permanent Residence
The main route is the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the 186 visa. You usually need:
- 2 years of full-time sponsored work on a 457 or 482 visa in the 3 years before applying
- a nomination from your current sponsor
- to be under 45 (with some exemptions)
- at least Competent English
Other options are a Skilled Independent (189) or Skilled Nominated (190) visa if you score enough points. See our guide to permanent residency pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 482 visa cost in 2026?
The visa application charge is A$4,015 for the main applicant and each additional applicant aged 18 or over, and A$1,005 for each child under 18 (from 1 July 2026). Health checks, police certificates, English tests and the employer's nomination and levy costs are extra.
What is the minimum salary for a 482 visa?
For the Core Skills stream it is the Core Skills Income Threshold of A$79,423, or the market salary for the job if that is higher. The Specialist Skills stream requires at least A$146,576. Both apply to nominations lodged from 1 July 2026.
Is there an age limit for the 482 visa?
No. The 482 has no age requirement, but the 186 permanent visa usually requires you to be under 45 when you apply.
Can I change employers on a 482 visa?
Yes, but your new employer must be an approved sponsor and lodge a new nomination for you before you start working for them.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your application, and they can work and study in Australia.
Get Help With a 482 Visa
Sponsored visas involve two applications (the employer's nomination and your visa), and a mistake in either can lead to a refusal. Only a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner can legally give you immigration assistance for a fee. Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to registered migration agents near you. It's free to ask.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Figures are checked against the Home Affairs visa pricing table and the official Skills in Demand visa page.