The 482 Skills in Demand visa explained: streams, salary, English and experience

The Skills in Demand visa lets an approved employer sponsor a skilled worker for a full-time job for up to 4 years. It has three steps: the employer becomes a sponsor, nominates the job, and the worker applies for the visa.

The three streams

Salary: two thresholds, plus the market rate

From 1 Jul 2026 the Core Skills Income Threshold is $79,423 a year and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is $146,576 a year. Meeting the income threshold is not enough. The salary must also be at least the market rate for the same work in the same workplace and location, shown with an award or agreement, an equivalent Australian employee’s pay records, or other information such as Jobs and Skills Australia profiles, job advertisements and salary surveys.

Earnings used to meet the Core Skills or Specialist Skills income threshold exclude non-monetary benefits such as accommodation or a vehicle.

English

For Core Skills and Specialist Skills, tests taken on or after 13 Sep 2025 need at least IELTS 5.0 in each component, or PTE Academic 33 listening, 36 reading, 29 writing and 24 speaking, or the equivalent in another accepted test. The test must be no more than 3 years old. Labour agreement applicants follow their agreement.

Who is exempt from the test: Citizens and passport holders of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland. People who completed at least 5 years of full-time secondary or higher study taught in English. Some people in licensed or registered occupations who already proved equal or better English for that licence. Employees of an established overseas company nominated by it or an associated entity who will earn at least $96,400. People nominated for jobs at diplomatic or consular missions.

Work experience and skills

At least 12 months of full-time work, or the part-time or casual equivalent, in the nominated occupation or a related field, within the 5 years before you apply. Under a labour agreement, the period in the agreement can apply instead. The 12 months of full-time equivalent work must fall within the 5 years immediately before the visa application. Older experience does not count.

Do you need a skills assessment? Only if you are applying in the Core Skills or Specialist Skills stream in one of 24 listed occupations and hold a listed passport. Most are trades assessed by Trades Recognition Australia. Exemptions include holding a commensurate Australian qualification, already holding a required licence or registration, and having held a 457 or 482 visa while working in the occupation in Australia.

Age, length of stay and family

Is there an age limit? No. The subclass 482 criteria do not include an age requirement for the main applicant. An age limit of under 45 applies later if you apply for the permanent subclass 186 visa, unless an exemption applies.

How long can you stay? The employer nominates a period of 1, 2, 3 or 4 years, and the visa ends at the end of that period. Holders of certain Hong Kong passports or British National (Overseas) passports get 5 years. Under a labour agreement the stay cannot go beyond the agreement. Yes. Members of your family unit can apply with you or later. They must be listed on the nomination or have the sponsor’s written agreement, have health insurance and meet health and character requirements.

The process from start to finish

Everything above was taken on 13 Nov 2026 from the legislation, instruments and official pages listed under Sources below. Rules and amounts change; always check the source, and remember the eligibility score is only the share of applicable published requirements met, never a chance of approval.

General information only, not migration advice. Rules can change at any time; always check the official source.