Do I need a job offer to apply?

Yes. Unlike the invitation-only National Innovation Visa, the Skills in Demand visa needs a genuine job offer from an employer who is, or becomes, an approved business sponsor. Without a sponsoring employer you cannot apply on this visa.

What are the three streams?

The Core Skills stream, for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List paid at or above the relevant income threshold. The Specialist Skills stream, for higher earners above the Specialist Skills Income Threshold, with no formal occupation list required for most roles. The Labour Agreement stream, for employers using a formal labour agreement negotiated with the government, for example in agriculture or aged care.

How much do I need to earn?

It depends on the stream. The Specialist Skills Income Threshold is cited at AUD 141,210 for 2025-26, rising to AUD 146,717 from 1 July 2026 under annual indexation. Official source: Department of Home Affairs, Specialist Skills stream. Reviewed 17 July 2026. The Core Skills Income Threshold is also reviewed periodically, so check the Department of Home Affairs' current published figure rather than relying on any number quoted elsewhere. A market rate test can also apply, so the going rate for your role and location may set a higher bar than the threshold.

Is there an occupation list I need to be on?

For the Core Skills stream, yes, your occupation needs to be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), introduced in December 2024 to replace the previous MLTSSL and STSOL lists. The Specialist Skills stream does not require a formal occupation list for most roles, though trade workers, machinery operators, and labourers are excluded from that stream.

Do I need a skills assessment?

It depends on your occupation and stream. Some Core Skills stream occupations require a formal skills assessment before nomination. The Specialist Skills stream generally does not require one. Check what applies to your specific occupation before you plan your application.

How much does the Skills in Demand visa cost?

The visa application charge starts from around AUD 3,210 for the main applicant, with an additional Subsequent Temporary Application Charge of around AUD 700 per person possible for some onshore applications, and a VAC2 charge of around AUD 4,890 for adult family members without functional English. Official source: Department of Home Affairs, Visa pricing estimator. Reviewed 17 July 2026. Your employer separately pays the Skilling Australians Fund levy, around AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,800 per year depending on business turnover, and a nomination fee of around AUD 330. Official source: Department of Home Affairs, Skilling Australians Fund levy. Reviewed 17 July 2026. All figures are illustrative and change, so use the Department's pricing estimator for your circumstances.

Can my employer pass the sponsorship costs on to me?

No. The Skilling Australians Fund levy and other employer sponsorship obligations must be paid by your employer. It is a breach of their sponsorship obligations to pass these costs on to you, so raise it directly if you are asked to cover them.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your application and generally hold work and study rights alongside your visa. Adult family members without functional English may trigger an additional charge, so check their English evidence early.

Does the Skills in Demand visa lead to permanent residency?

It can. After working for your sponsoring employer for at least two years, commonly cited as two years out of the last three, you may be able to apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa through its Temporary Residence Transition stream, generally without needing a fresh skills assessment. Official source: Department of Home Affairs, Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa. Reviewed 17 July 2026.

How long does the Skills in Demand visa take to process?

Processing times vary by stream and by how complete your application is when you lodge it. The Department of Home Affairs publishes indicative processing time ranges for the Skills in Demand visa on its website, and these are updated periodically as caseloads change. Lodging a complete application, with your skills assessment and supporting evidence ready upfront, is the most reliable way to avoid unnecessary delay. Official source: Department of Home Affairs, Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) processing times. Reviewed 17 July 2026. Check the Department's current published times before you plan around a specific date.

How does this compare to the National Innovation Visa?

The Skills in Demand visa needs a job offer and employer sponsorship and is temporary in the first instance, with permanent residency reached later through a separate route. The National Innovation Visa needs no employer, is invitation only based on exceptional achievement, and grants permanent residency straight away. Which suits you depends on whether you have a job offer or can show an outstanding track record.

Australia Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482)

Q: What is the Australia Skills in Demand visa?

It is Australia's main temporary employer sponsored work visa, subclass 482. It replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024. Official source: Department of Home Affairs, Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). Reviewed 17 July 2026. An approved Australian business sponsors you for a genuine, ongoing role, and the visa is generally granted for up to four years.

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa is Australia's core employer sponsored pathway for skilled workers. An Australian business that is an approved sponsor offers you a genuine, ongoing role, nominates you for that role, and you apply for the visa on the strength of that nomination. It replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa from 7 December 2024, bringing in three streams and a single consolidated occupation list. Official source: Department of Home Affairs, Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). Reviewed 17 July 2026.

Who it is for

Skilled professionals with a genuine job offer from an Australian employer; Technology, engineering, and other specialists whose occupation sits on the Core Skills Occupation List; Higher earning specialists who clear the Specialist Skills income threshold; Workers moving under a registered employer labour agreement, for example in agriculture or aged care; People who want a direct route to work in Australia without a points test or an invitation stage; Applicants who see the visa as a stepping stone toward permanent residency with their sponsoring employer.

How eMigr8 helps

eMigr8 gives you coaching and guidance to prepare your profile and understand the sponsorship process. We do not give legal advice or immigration consultation. Streams, income thresholds, the occupation list, and fees change over time, so check the current Department of Home Affairs guidance, or a registered migration agent, before you apply.