What is the Core Skills Income Threshold for 2026-27?

AUD79,423 for nominations lodged between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027, up 3.8 per cent from AUD76,515. The threshold that applies is the one in force on the day the nomination is lodged, not the day the visa application is made.

Does the new threshold affect my existing 482 visa?

No. Home Affairs confirmed the 1 July 2026 increase applies only to new nomination applications. Existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 are assessed against the threshold that applied at the time, so you do not need a pay rise to keep your current visa valid.

Is meeting the income threshold enough on its own?

No. Your employer must also show the annual market salary rate for the role was correctly determined and that you will not be paid below it. Both the market rate and your actual pay must sit at or above AUD79,423. Non-monetary benefits such as a car or accommodation do not count.

Which occupations are on the Core Skills Occupation List?

The CSOL is set by legislative instrument LIN 24/089 and uses the 2022 version of ANZSCO. Some occupations carry caveats that rule out their use in particular circumstances, such as certain business sizes or work settings. Check both the list and any caveat before relying on an occupation.

How much does a Core Skills 482 visa cost?

AUD4,015 for the main applicant and for each dependant aged 18 or over, plus AUD1,005 for each child under 18. Your employer pays AUD330 for the nomination and the Skilling Australians Fund levy of AUD1,200 or AUD1,800 per year, depending on business turnover.

How long does a Core Skills 482 application take?

As at September 2026, 50 per cent of Core Skills visa applications are decided in 4 months and 90 per cent in 9 months. The nomination runs on its own timeline, at 57 days for half and up to 9 months for 90 per cent of cases.

What is the PR pathway from the Core Skills stream?

The subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, Temporary Residence Transition stream. You need 2 years of full-time sponsored employment in Australia in the 3 years before applying, and a nomination from your sponsoring employer. The 186 TRT stream has no occupation list requirement.

Can my family work in Australia on my Core Skills 482?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children are granted the same visa period with unrestricted work and study rights. Dependants aged 18 or over attract a visa application charge of AUD4,015 each, the same as the main applicant.

Do I need to keep earning above the CSIT after my Core Skills 482 visa is granted, or only when I'm nominated?

The CSIT and market salary rate are ongoing sponsorship obligations, not a one-off check at nomination. Your employer must continue to pay you at least the market salary rate for the role and notify the Department of Home Affairs of material changes to your employment; paying below the threshold breaches sponsorship obligations and can put your employer's approval, and your pathway to the 186 TRT stream, at risk.

Employers · 482 / 186Sponsoring staff? Employer readiness discussion — no charge.Request a discussion

Subclass 482 — Skills in DemandCore Skills Stream · Employer Sponsored

482 Core Skills Stream Skills in Demand Visa

The Core Skills stream of the subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers in occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). It is the most widely used employer-sponsored temporary visa pathway.

General information current as at October 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

The Short Answer

The Core Skills stream requires that the nominated occupation appears on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), that the nominee's annual earnings will meet or exceed the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) of $79,423 per annum from 1 July 2026 (and the annual market salary rate), that the nominee has at least one year of relevant work experience in the past five years, and that the sponsoring employer holds Standard Business Sponsorship and has completed Labour Market Testing. The visa is granted for up to four years. After two years in the Core Skills stream, holders are generally eligible to apply for the subclass 186 ENS for permanent residence. Nanak Migration Group, a registered migration agent (MARN 2619467), can assess whether your occupation and salary meet the current CSIT before your employer lodges a nomination.

Reviewed by Navpreet Aulakh, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619467)

Last reviewed: October 2026

Overview Eligibility Occupations (CSOL)Application process Fees FAQ Related pages

$79,423 p.a.

Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

Minimum annual earnings for Core Skills stream from 1 July 2026. Annual market salary rate must also be met. Figures current at October 2026.

Up to 4 years

Maximum visa period

Core Skills stream may be granted for up to four years. Secondary applicants receive the same period.

1 year

Relevant work experience required

The nominee must have at least one year of relevant work experience in the past five years in the nominated occupation.

PR pathway

Via 186 ENS after 2 years

After 2 years of full-time sponsored employment on a 482 in the 3 years before applying, holders may be eligible for the 186 TRT stream if nominated by their current sponsor.

Requirements

Core Skills Stream Eligibility Criteria

Approved sponsor

Your employer must hold Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) or apply for it concurrently with the nomination. Without SBS, the nomination cannot be approved.

CSOL occupation

The nominated occupation must appear on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Occupations are identified by their ANZSCO code. Check for any applicable caveats before lodging.

Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

The nominee's annual earnings must meet or exceed the CSIT ($79,423 from 1 July 2026) and must not be less than the annual market salary rate for that occupation. Figures current at October 2026 — confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website.

1 year relevant experience

The nominee must demonstrate at least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation within the past five years. Evidence typically includes employment references and payslips.

English language

For tests taken from 13 September 2025, you need at least IELTS 5.0 in each component, or the equivalent in another approved test (for PTE Academic: Listening 33, Reading 36, Writing 29, Speaking 24). Some exemptions may apply — confirm current requirements with a migration agent.

Labour Market Testing

For most Core Skills nominations, the employer must have conducted LMT — at least 2 advertisements on national recruitment platforms for at least 4 weeks within the 4 months before nomination lodgement.

Occupation list

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The CSOL is a legislative instrument that lists ANZSCO occupations eligible for the Core Skills stream. Each occupation may carry a caveat that restricts the kinds of businesses or positions that can use it. A caveat is not immediately obvious — it requires checking the current legislative instrument, not just confirming the occupation is listed. Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) checks for caveats as part of every nomination assessment.

Consult the full CSOL — including caveats — before confirming a nomination is possible.

View CSOL & occupation caveats →

How to apply

Application Process — Core Skills Stream

Employer obtains Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)

The sponsoring employer must hold or apply for SBS through ImmiAccount. SBS approval typically takes 4–8 weeks for new applicants.

Employer completes Labour Market Testing

Before lodging the nomination, the employer must place at least 2 advertisements on national recruitment platforms for at least 4 weeks within the 4 months before lodgement.

Employer lodges the nomination

The employer submits the nomination application through ImmiAccount, including LMT evidence, position description, and SAF Levy payment. The nomination must meet CSIT salary requirements.

Nominee lodges the visa application

Once the nomination is lodged (or concurrently), the nominee lodges the subclass 482 visa application with health, character and English evidence.

Visa grant and commencement

On grant, the nominee (and any secondary applicants) may enter Australia and commence work in the nominated occupation. Work must begin within 90 days of grant or first entry.

Costs

Core Skills Stream Fees

Nomination application charge$330 per nominee

SAF Levy — small business (turnover < $10M)$1,200 per year × visa period (e.g. 4 years = $4,800 upfront)

SAF Levy — standard business (turnover ≥ $10M)$1,800 per year × visa period (e.g. 4 years = $7,200 upfront)

Visa Application Charge — base (primary applicant)$4,015 approximate — check current VAC on DoHA website

Secondary applicant VACVaries by age — check DoHA website

Figures current at October 2026 — confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging.

Professional fees: Nanak Migration Group provides a fixed-fee quote after assessing each matter. Contact us to discuss.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Assess your Core Skills stream eligibility

Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) checks CSOL occupation eligibility, CSIT salary compliance, and LMT requirements before your employer lodges a nomination.

Consultations in HindiConsultations in PunjabiConsultations in English

General information only — not immigration advice

About this information

This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.

No outcome representation

1313 Success Group Pty Ltd trading as Nanak Migration Group makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.

Get personal advice

Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Information current as at October 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.

482 Core Skills Stream Skills in Demand Visa

General information current as at October 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

The Short Answer

Core Skills Stream Eligibility Criteria

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

Application Process — Core Skills Stream

Core Skills Stream Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Assess your Core Skills stream eligibility

Core Skills Stream Eligibility Criteria

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

Application Process — Core Skills Stream

Core Skills Stream Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Assess your Core Skills stream eligibility