Work & sponsored visas
The Skills in Demand (482) visa and the employer pathway to permanent residence, run by agents who have managed sponsorships for 24 years.
$4,015 visa charge from 1 Jul 20264 years maximum stay2 years to PR nomination via 186
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa, subclass 482, is Australia's main employer-sponsored work visa. You need a sponsoring employer, an eligible occupation and at least one year of relevant experience. From 1 July 2026 the salary floors are $79,499 for the Core Skills stream and $146,717 for the Specialist Skills stream. It runs up to four years, with permanent residence possible after two through the subclass 186.
Three streams, set by salary and occupation
| Stream | Salary floor | Who it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Skills | $146,717 | High earners in almost any occupation (trades, machinery operators, drivers and labourers excluded) |
| Core Skills | $79,499 | Occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (~456 occupations). Most applications sit here |
| Essential Skills | Below CSIT | Lower-paid essential work through labour agreements, with tighter rules |
What you need to qualify
- An approved sponsor. Your employer holds (or obtains) Standard Business Sponsor status and nominates the role.
- An eligible occupation on the CSOL for the Core Skills stream, or almost any occupation at the Specialist Skills salary.
- One year of relevant experience in the past five, in your occupation or a related field.
- English, health and character at the required levels, evidenced properly the first time.
The pathway to permanent residence
After two years on a SID visa your employer can nominate you for the subclass 186 through the Temporary Residence Transition stream, and that time can now be accumulated across more than one approved sponsor. If you stop working for your sponsor, you have up to 180 days at a time to find a new one. The repeat pattern we see most: 482 today, 186 two years later, citizenship after that.
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Common questions
Can I change employers on a 482?
Yes. A new approved sponsor lodges a fresh nomination, and you have up to 180 days at a time (365 total across the visa) after ceasing work to find one.
What salary does a 482 need in 2026?
At least $79,499 for the Core Skills stream or $146,717 for the Specialist Skills stream from 1 July 2026, and never below the market rate for the role.
How long until permanent residence?
Two years on the SID visa, then your employer can nominate you for the subclass 186 through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Who pays the costs?
You typically pay the $4,015 visa charge. The nomination fee and Skilling Australians Fund levy are the employer's by law and cannot be recovered from you.
Speak with a registered migration agent
Open 8:30am to 5:00pm AEST, Monday to Friday. Level 10 & 11, 66 Clarence Street, Sydney.