Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement Streams

Most people still call it the 482 visa. However, since December 2024 its official name is the Skills in Demand (SID) visa. It lets Australian employers sponsor skilled overseas workers when they cannot fill a role locally. Because the rules changed again on 1 July 2026, much of the advice online is now out of date.

This guide explains how the visa works in 2026. First, we cover the three streams. Then we walk through salary thresholds, employer steps, costs and the pathway to permanent residency. Skyline Migration Lawyers in Melbourne prepares these applications for both employers and workers, so we see where they go wrong.

What the Skills in Demand visa does

The SID visa replaced the old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. It is a temporary work visa of up to four years. It requires three approvals: the business as a sponsor, the position as a nomination, and the worker as the visa applicant. All three must succeed, so a weakness in any one can sink the whole application.

In addition, the reforms made the visa more worker-friendly. Applicants now need only one year of relevant work experience, rather than two. Also, time with any approved sponsor now counts towards permanent residency, not just time with one employer.

The three streams

1. Core Skills stream

This is the stream most applicants use. Your occupation must appear on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which covers around 450 occupations. For example, the list includes chefs, motor mechanics, registered nurses, civil engineers and software programmers. Your salary must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold, which we explain below.

2. Specialist Skills stream

This stream targets highly paid specialists. Because earnings do the talking, there is no occupation list. However, trades workers, machinery operators, drivers and labourers cannot use it. Guaranteed earnings must meet the much higher Specialist Skills Income Threshold. As a result, processing is fast, and the Department prioritises these applications.

3. Labour Agreement stream

Some industries and regions negotiate special agreements with the Australian Government. For example, the Far North Queensland DAMA covers Cairns employers, and the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement covers farm businesses. These agreements unlock occupations and concessions that the standard streams refuse. Therefore, regional employers should always check this option before giving up on sponsorship.

Salary thresholds from 1 July 2026

Salary is where most nominations fail, so check these numbers first:

• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): $79,423 per year for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, up from $76,515.
• Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $146,576 per year, up from $141,210.

Importantly, the threshold is only a floor. The employer must also pay the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR): whatever an Australian would earn in the same role and location. Whichever figure is higher wins. Superannuation and non-cash benefits do not count towards the threshold. Because these figures index every July, confirm the current amounts with the Department of Home Affairs before you budget.

What applicants need

Beyond a sponsoring employer, you generally need five things. First, an occupation that fits your stream. Second, at least one year of relevant work experience, which can include part-time or casual work. Third, a skills assessment, but only for certain occupations and passport combinations. Fourth, English language results at the required level, for example IELTS or PTE. Finally, you must meet health and character requirements, including police certificates.

Your partner and children can join your application. In addition, partners receive full work rights in Australia. Couples sometimes weigh this option against a partner visa, so our partner visa guide compares that pathway in detail.

What employers need to do

Employers complete three steps. First, apply for approval as a Standard Business Sponsor, which lasts five years. Next, lodge a nomination for the specific role. This step involves labour market testing: advertising the role to Australians for at least four weeks in the required format. Then, the worker lodges the visa application, and the Department assesses all three together.

Employers also pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy for each year of the visa. Above all, remember that sponsors cannot pass sponsorship costs on to the worker. The Department treats cost recovery as a serious compliance breach.

What it costs in 2026

From 1 July 2026, the visa application charge is $4,015 for the main applicant across all three streams. Each additional adult also pays $4,015, and each child under 18 pays $1,005. Employer-side costs, such as nomination fees and the SAF levy, sit on top. Because charges change every July, verify the exact figure on the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before paying.

The pathway to permanent residency

For most SID holders, the goal is the subclass 186 visa through the Temporary Residence Transition stream. In short, after two years on your 482, your employer can nominate you for permanent residency. Since the 2024 reforms, time with different approved sponsors counts towards those two years. As a result, changing jobs no longer resets the clock. Specialist Skills holders follow the same route, and regional workers may reach PR faster through DAMA concessions.

Meanwhile, if you lose your job, you have up to 180 days to find a new sponsor. During that time you can work for other employers to support yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 482 visa the same as the Skills in Demand visa?

Yes. The subclass number stayed the same, but the name and rules changed on 7 December 2024. The old TSS short-term and medium-term streams no longer exist.

What salary do I need for a 482 visa in 2026?

For the Core Skills stream, at least $79,423 plus the market rate for your role, whichever is higher. For the Specialist Skills stream, at least $146,576. Labour agreements can allow different amounts.

How long does the 482 visa take to process?

Times vary by stream and completeness. Specialist Skills cases move fastest because the Department prioritises them. Check the Home Affairs global processing times tool for current figures, and lodge decision-ready to avoid delays.

Can I bring my family on a 482 visa?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included, and your partner receives unrestricted work rights. Each family member pays an additional applicant charge.

Can a 482 visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes. Most holders transition to the subclass 186 visa after two years of sponsored work. Regional and DAMA pathways can offer additional concessions, so get advice on which route suits you.

Sponsor with confidence

Skyline Migration Lawyers acts for Melbourne employers and skilled workers across every 482 stream, including DAMA and labour agreement pathways. We prepare sponsorships, nominations and visa applications that are decision-ready from day one.

Call 03 8108 8748 or email info@skylinemigrationlawyers.com.au

Written by Sam Kanjo, Migration Lawyer, Skyline Migration Lawyers, Melbourne.

This article is general information only and is not legal advice or migration assistance for your specific circumstances. Visa requirements, salary thresholds and fees change regularly. Confirm current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs or obtain advice from a lawyer or registered migration agent before acting.