This article is updated regularly. Last updated: Wednesday, 21 January 2026
The 482 Visa Specialist Skills is one of the streams within the Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482.
This pathway recognises highly skilled migrants are hugely beneficial to Australia's national productivity, including through their support of critical sovereign capabilities and potential to grow the skills and expertise of the Australian workforce. The 482 Visa Specialist Skills stream is available to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.
Key features for the 482 Visa Specialist Skills include:
- The Specialist Skills Visa provides a work visa for up to four years.
- Visa holders will have the ability to move between sponsors with 180 days to find a new sponsor.
- The time spent with any approved employer will count toward permanent residency requirements. This will avoid the clock resetting with each employer.
- The Specialist Skills Visa will have a clear path to permanent residency in Australia.
- You can potentially apply for PR 186 Temporary Residence Transition Stream after holding a 482 visa for at least 2 years, but you will still need your employer to nominate you.
482 Visa Specialist Skills Stream Criteria:
- Being nominated by an approved employer
- Meeting health and character requirements
- The Specialist Skills Stream is available to any occupation except trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and laborers
- The applicant will need to have earnings of at least AUD141,210 a year (2025-26 Financial Year)
482 Visa Specialist Skills Requirement:
- Be nominated to work in an occupation listed under Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 of the ANZSCO
- Have a salary that meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (currently AUD141,210)
- Have a minimum of 1 year of full-time work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
- Obtain a relevant skills assessment, if required for your occupation
- Work exclusively for your sponsor or an associated entity, unless exempt
- Meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements unless you are exempt from providing proof
- There is no age limit for the Specialist Skills Stream; however, the applicant must be under 45 to apply for Permanent Residency through the 186 Visa
482 Visa Specialist Skills English Requirement:
- IELTS overall 5.0, with at least 5.0 in each test component (or equivalent)
482 Visa Specialist Skills Cost:
482 Visa Specialist Skills Cost in 2025-2026:
The Core Skills stream visa fee is AUD 3,210.00 for the main applicant and for each dependent aged 18 years and older.
For dependents under 18 years old, the fee is AUD 805.00 per person.
Additional costs may apply for English language tests, health checks, police certificates and migration agent or immigration lawyer.
482 Visa Processing times:
When announced, the 482 Visa Specialist Skills processing time was expected to be very quick, at around 7 days. However, as of January 2026, 50% of 482 Visa Specialist Skills applications are being processed in 14 days, and 90% are being processed in 68 days.
Other 482 Visa Skills in Demand Pathways:
Click here to learn more about the Skills in Demand Visa.
