Overview
The Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa is the primary temporary employer-sponsored visa for skilled overseas workers. This visa allows Australian businesses to address genuine labour shortages by recruiting qualified professionals when they cannot find a suitably skilled Australian worker.
Visa Streams and Eligibility
As of 2026, the Subclass 482 visa operates under a three-tiered system designed to align with the Australian economy's specific needs:
- Specialist Skills Stream: For highly skilled professionals in any occupation (excluding trades, machinery operators, and labourers) with a guaranteed annual salary meeting the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT).
- Core Skills Stream: The most common pathway for occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) with earnings at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT).
- Labour Agreement Stream: For employers who have entered into a specific formal agreement with the Australian Government to recruit workers where standard pathways are not available.
2026 Fee Structure
The following Base Application Charges (VAC) apply to applications lodged in 2026. All figures are in Australian Dollars (AUD).
| Applicant Type | Specialist/Core Skills Stream | Labour Agreement Stream |
| Primary Applicant | $3,210 | $3,210 |
| Additional Applicant (18+ Years) | $3,210 | $3,210 |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | $805 | $805 |
Note: Sponsoring employers are also responsible for the Nomination Fee ($330) and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.
Current Processing Times
Processing times are updated monthly by the Department of Home Affairs. The following benchmarks represent the latest 2026 data for the Core Skills Stream:
- 50% of applications: Decided within 14 Days
- 90% of applications: Decided within 70 Days
Applications in the Specialist Skills Stream receive priority handling, with a median processing time of approximately 7 to 10 Days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include my family members in the application?
Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children. They will be granted the same stay period and full work/study rights in Australia.
What is the English language requirement?
Most applicants must demonstrate at least "Competent English." This typically requires an IELTS score of at least 5.0 in each band, or a corresponding result in a recognised test like the PTE Academic.
Is there a pathway to Permanent Residency?
Yes. The 2026 framework provides a streamlined pathway to the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa after completing 2 years of work with your sponsoring employer.
Do I need a skills assessment?
This depends on your nominated occupation and country of passport. Many trade occupations and certain technical roles require a formal skills assessment before the visa can be granted.
What happens if I lose my job?
Under the 2026 regulations, you have up to 180 days to find a new sponsor, depart Australia, or apply for a different visa if your employment with your sponsor ends.
