Key figures · Skills in Demand (subclass 482) · from 1 July 2026

What does a 482 visa cost, and what do you need to earn?

The salary thresholds, visa charges and timelines that decide your application — each with its official source.

Core Skills floor A$79,423
482 charge A$4,015
PR after 2 years

Updated 21 September 2026 · Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs ↗

Check a salary offer

Is my offer above the threshold?

Annual salary (AUD, excluding super)

Enter an annual salary to compare it with the threshold.

Compares with the published threshold only. Your salary must also match the market rate for the role.

What changed on 1 July 2026

Both income thresholds were indexed, and visa charges rose about 25% in one step — far above the usual ~3%. Nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 were assessed against the old thresholds.

How much does my sponsor have to pay me?

Core Skills Income Threshold

Previously: ~~A$76,515~~From 1 July 2026: A$79,423

Most occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List · Source

Specialist Skills Income Threshold

Previously: ~~A$141,210~~From 1 July 2026: A$146,576

High-income roles, not limited to the list · Source

These thresholds apply to nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Nominations lodged before that date were assessed against the previous thresholds (A$76,515 / A$141,210), even if the decision came later. Existing visa holders are not affected.

How much will the visa cost me?

482 · Skills in Demand

Previously: ~~A$3,210~~From 1 July 2026: A$4,015

Primary applicant

186 · Employer Nomination

Previously: ~~A$4,910~~From 1 July 2026: A$6,140

Primary applicant

189 · Skilled Independent

Previously: ~~A$4,910~~From 1 July 2026: A$6,135

Primary applicant

Charges shown are for the primary applicant lodging on or after 1 July 2026. Secondary applicants pay a separate charge. Other costs (skills assessment, English test, health checks) are not included.

Budget your moveThe visa charge is only part of it.Moving money to Australia costs more than the fee you see, and your 482 needs health insurance from day one →

Settling inBring your savings without losing on the exchange rate Health insurance for your 482 visa Stay connected from the moment you land Start your bank account before you land

How long does it take, and what comes next?

1yExperience1 year in the last 5
482Work with your sponsorUp to 4 years
2yEligible for 186After 2 years with your sponsor
PRPermanent residenceSubclass 186

180 days to find a new sponsor if your job ends while on a 482.

Which 482 stream am I in?

Specialist Skills

Salary at or above A$146,576. Most occupations, except trades, machinery operators and labourers.

Core Skills

Occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List and salary at or above A$79,423.

Check the list →

Labour Agreement

Employer-specific agreements with the government.

Planned to be replaced by an Essential Skills stream in future.

Source: Study Australia — new skilled worker visa

New to the Skills in Demand visa? Start with our plain-language guide.

What is the Skills in Demand visa? →

Questions about these figures

Does the new threshold apply if my nomination was lodged before 1 July 2026?

No. Nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 are assessed against the previous thresholds (A$76,515 and A$141,210), even if they are decided later. Existing visa holders are not affected.

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Thresholds are indexed annually and rules can change. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA).