The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) requires an eligible sponsored job; September processing priorities do not remove sponsorship or salary requirements.
Route overview
Skills in Demand visa, subclass 482
Typical timeline / duration: Temporary work visa; duration varies by stream/occupation and nomination.
Important notes
Temporary employer-sponsored visa for a suitably skilled worker to fill a position where the employer cannot find a suitably skilled Australian.
Applicant must meet nominated occupation/skills and English requirements; employer must sponsor and nominate the position.
Employer sponsorship and nomination required.
Salary/market salary and stream-specific rules apply.
In force from 19 September 2026: Direction 121 gives first processing priority to applications in construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, resources, law enforcement and defence. This changes processing order, not visa eligibility, invitation chances or guaranteed decision times.
From 1 July 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD 79,423 and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is AUD 146,576. The applicable stream threshold and annual market salary rules both matter; Labour Agreement concessions require separate checking.
Preparation checklist
Obtain the employer's sponsor approval and nomination details for your proposed role.
Compare the nominated stream, guaranteed salary and market salary evidence before signing.
Collect employment references, qualifications and any required skills assessment.
Arrange the relevant English, health and character evidence and retain the filing receipt.