What salary do I need for a 482 visa?

From 1 July 2026 the Core Skills stream requires at least $79,423 base salary (the CSIT), or the market rate for your role if that's higher. The Specialist Skills stream requires $146,576+. Superannuation doesn't count toward these figures.

Does the 482 lead to permanent residency?

Yes. After 2 years on a 482 you can be nominated for the subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) through the Temporary Residence Transition stream — including, since December 2024, workers in the Labour Agreement stream.

What happens if I lose my job on a 482?

You have up to 180 days (with a 12-month total cap across the visa) to find a new sponsoring employer, and you're allowed to work for others during that window. Your visa doesn't cancel automatically — but don't wait to start the search.

Updated July 2026

Live in Oz · Guides

Employer Sponsorship: How the 482 Skills in Demand Visa Works (2026)

The 482 Skills in Demand visa lets an approved Australian employer sponsor you for up to 4 years. Core Skills stream: your occupation must be on the CSOL list and pay at least $79,423 (from 1 July 2026). Specialist Skills stream: any occupation at $146,576+. Both lead to permanent residency after 2 years via the 186 visa.

The three streams

Core Skills — the main road: occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, salary at or above the CSIT. Specialist Skills — for high earners: no occupation list at all, but the job must pay $146,576+ (trades and machinery operators excluded). Labour Agreement — special deals between employers/industries and the government, with their own negotiated rules.

What you need to qualify

At least 1 year of relevant experience (accumulated over the last 5 years, part-time counts), a positive skills assessment where your occupation requires one, English test results (typically IELTS 5.0 overall for Core Skills, with stream variations), and health and character checks. Your employer must be an approved sponsor and nominate your specific role.

Who pays for what

Legally, the employer pays the nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund levy ($1,200–$1,800 per year of visa for most businesses) — they cannot pass these to you. The visa application charge itself (check the current Home Affairs figure — it changes every July) is usually paid by the applicant unless your employer covers it. Walk away from any employer asking you to secretly repay their sponsorship costs; it's unlawful and a known exploitation pattern.

The pathway to PR

After 2 years on the 482 with your sponsor, they can nominate you for the subclass 186 (Temporary Residence Transition) — permanent residency. Since December 2024 this includes Labour Agreement stream workers. Time on the 482 with different employers can still count if the roles line up; get advice on your specific history.

If the job ends

Losing your sponsor doesn't cancel your visa on the spot: you have up to 180 days per stretch (12 months across the whole visa) to find a new approved sponsor, and you may work for anyone during that period. The clock is generous but not infinite — treat a redundancy letter as day one of your next job search.

General information only, not personal migration advice.

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Yulia MoiseevaRegistered Migration Agent · MARN 1066715 · Queensland

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