482 Skills in Demand Visa 2026: New Salary Threshold, Fees and PR Pathway
The 482 visa salary threshold changed on 1 July 2026, and it is now the most important number for international graduates hoping for employer sponsorship in Australia. With employer-sponsored PR places rising to 58,040 in 2026-27, the Skills in Demand visa has become the main bridge from a 485 visa to permanent residency.
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Last checked: 29 September 2026. Threshold figures come from BDO, EIG Law and Peak Migration, citing the 2026 regulations. Confirm on the Home Affairs Skills in Demand visa page. This is general information, not migration advice.
What the Skills in Demand (482) visa is
The Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. It lets an approved employer sponsor a skilled worker for up to 4 years. It has three streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills and Labour Agreement.
New 482 visa salary threshold from 1 July 2026
| Threshold | Before 1 July 2026 | From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | A$76,515 | A$79,423 |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | A$141,210 | A$146,576 |
The new CSIT applies to 482 Core Skills and 186 nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Nominations lodged before that date are assessed under the threshold in force when they were lodged. Meeting the 482 visa salary threshold is not enough on its own: your salary must also meet the market salary rate for your role.
Why some websites give a different 482 visa salary threshold
Several firms published A$79,499 and A$146,717 before the official figures came out. Other firms, citing Home Affairs and the regulation (F2026L00874), say the correct figures are A$79,423 and A$146,576, a 3.8% indexation. Use A$79,423 and confirm on Home Affairs.
482 visa fees in 2026
- 482 visa: A$4,015 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026 (up from A$3,210).
- 186 and 494 permanent employer visas: A$6,140 (up from A$4,910).
- The employer also pays nomination fees and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. It is illegal for an employer to make you pay for sponsorship.
Is your job on the Core Skills Occupation List?
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) has more than 450 occupations and applies to the 482 Core Skills stream and the 186 Direct Entry stream. A refresh of the list was expected in 2026, but we could not confirm any official changes. Do not rely on blog lists of “new” or “removed” occupations until Home Affairs confirms them.
From 485 to 482 to PR
- Gain work experience on your 485 visa. The 482 generally needs 12 months of relevant experience in the last 5 years.
- Find an approved sponsor willing to nominate you at or above the 482 visa salary threshold.
- Work for your sponsor on the 482. If your job ends, you generally have 180 days to find a new sponsor.
- Apply for PR through the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream, usually after 2 years with your sponsor.
Employer-sponsored permanent places rose from 44,000 to 58,040 in 2026-27. See Australia PR 2026-27.
Red flags
- Paying anyone for a job offer or sponsorship. This is illegal.
- “Cashback” arrangements where you pay part of your salary back.
- A salary on paper that does not match what you are really paid.
If this happens, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94.
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