Australia Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) in 2026

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa, subclass 482, is Australia's principal temporary employer-sponsored skilled work visa. It replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage framework on 7 December 2024, so 2026 applicants should use current SID rules rather than outdated TSS checklists.

Sponsorship and nomination

The worker needs an approved sponsor and a valid nomination for the position. The visa has Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement streams, each with its own occupation, salary and nomination settings.

For the Core Skills stream, the nominated occupation must be eligible under the current Core Skills Occupation List. The worker generally needs at least one year of relevant work experience, must satisfy the English requirement unless an exemption applies, and must hold any required skills assessment or licensing evidence. The salary must meet Australian market-salary rules and the current Core Skills Income Threshold.

The Specialist Skills stream is limited to specified ANZSCO major groups and requires remuneration at or above the Specialist Skills Income Threshold. Home Affairs announced that skilled visa income thresholds were indexed by 3.8% from 1 July 2026. Because thresholds are indexed, an old 2025 figure should not be treated as the current 2026 requirement; confirm the live threshold immediately before nomination.

Duration and work conditions

A SID visa can generally be granted for up to four years; certain Hong Kong passport holders can receive up to five years. The primary holder normally works for the sponsoring employer or an associated entity as permitted by the visa conditions, unless an exemption applies.

Home Affairs also provides a mobility period when sponsored employment ends: a holder can generally have up to 180 days at a time to find another sponsor, apply for another visa or arrange departure, subject to the visa conditions and cumulative limits.

Eligible family members can accompany the primary applicant and may have work and study rights under their visas.

Path to permanent employer sponsorship

Subclass 482 is temporary, but eligible workers can move to Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186, especially through the Temporary Residence Transition stream. That transition is not automatic; the worker and employer must meet the subclass 186 requirements when the permanent application is lodged.

Regional employers may instead consider subclass 494.

Fees and processing

Charges depend on the stream, applicant and family composition, and employers may also face sponsorship/nomination-related costs. Use the Home Affairs pricing estimator and current sponsor guidance rather than relying on one generic “482 fee.” Processing times are dynamic.

Return to the Australia visa hub, Oceania or work visa routes.

Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, verified 16 September 2026.

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