What is the salary threshold for Specialist Skills in 2026?

The Specialist Skills Income Threshold is {specialistThreshold}, rising to {specialistThresholdJul2026} from 1 July 2026. Above this threshold, no occupation-list restriction applies.

Do I need to be on the CSOL for Core Skills?

Yes. Core Skills requires your occupation to be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and your salary to be at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold ({coreThreshold}).

Is Specialist Skills really processed that much faster?

Yes — as of mid-2026, Specialist Skills applications are often decided within days to a few weeks, while Core Skills can take several months or more.

What if my salary is between the two thresholds?

If your salary meets the Core Skills threshold and your occupation is on the CSOL, you qualify for Core Skills. If your salary does not meet either threshold you may not be eligible through these streams.

Core Skills vs Specialist Skills: which 482 stream applies to you?

By the SponsorMap team · Last updated 30 October 2026

The Skills in Demand visa splits most applicants into two streams: Core Skills and Specialist Skills. Which one applies to you comes down mostly to your salary. The difference matters a lot — especially for how fast your visa gets processed.

Official source: Check your occupation on SponsorMap

Core Skills

This is the default for most people. To qualify, your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and your salary must be at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold (AUD 76,515, rising to AUD 79,423 from 1 July 2026). It's the successor to the old Medium-term TSS stream.

Specialist Skills

This stream is for high earners — a salary at or above AUD 141,210 (AUD 146,576 from July 2026). The big advantages: there's no occupation-list requirement (your job doesn't need to be on the CSOL), no labour market testing, and processing is dramatically faster. You also get a slightly longer visa (up to five years).

The processing time gap

This is the part many people miss. As of mid-2026, Specialist Skills applications are often decided in days, while Core Skills applications can take several months. If you're close to the Specialist threshold, it can be worth discussing with your employer whether the role can be structured to qualify.

Which one is you?

If you earn above the Specialist threshold, you're likely Specialist Skills regardless of your occupation. If you earn below it but your occupation is on the CSOL, you're Core Skills. If neither, you may not be eligible through these streams — a regional pathway or another visa might fit. Check your occupation first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the salary threshold for Specialist Skills in 2026?: The Specialist Skills Income Threshold is {specialistThreshold}, rising to {specialistThresholdJul2026} from 1 July 2026. Above this threshold, no occupation-list restriction applies.
Do I need to be on the CSOL for Core Skills?: Yes. Core Skills requires your occupation to be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and your salary to be at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold ({coreThreshold}).
Is Specialist Skills really processed that much faster?: Yes — as of mid-2026, Specialist Skills applications are often decided within days to a few weeks, while Core Skills can take several months or more.
What if my salary is between the two thresholds?: If your salary meets the Core Skills threshold and your occupation is on the CSOL, you qualify for Core Skills. If your salary does not meet either threshold you may not be eligible through these streams.

Related resources

About this guide

This guide is maintained by the SponsorMap team and reviewed against official Australian government sources. SponsorMap's company data comes from the Department of Home Affairs list of approved sponsors. Visa rules and figures are based on the Department of Home Affairs and are updated as they change. Always confirm your situation with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.

Rules change — always verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA).