What is the CSIT and how does it differ from the TSMIT?

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is the minimum annual earnings that must be paid to a Core Skills stream worker. From 1 July 2026, the CSIT is $79,499 per annum. The TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold) was the predecessor to the CSIT and was used under the former TSS visa regime. The CSIT must be met in addition to the annual market salary rate for the occupation — meaning the nominee must be paid at least the CSIT and at least what an equivalent Australian worker would earn.

Can I change jobs while on a Core Skills 482?

Your Core Skills stream 482 visa ties you to your sponsoring employer and nominated occupation under visa condition 8107. If you change employers, your new employer must hold SBS and lodge a new nomination. You generally have up to 60 days after your employment ceases to find a new sponsor. Changing employers may reset the two-year qualifying period for the 186 ENS Temporary Residence Transition stream.

What is the PR pathway from the Core Skills stream?

After holding a Core Skills stream 482 visa for at least two years, working for the same employer in the same occupation, you and your employer can apply for the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. This requires the employer to remain an approved sponsor and nominate you. Assessment is on the merits of your application — meeting the threshold does not guarantee an outcome.

Does Labour Market Testing always apply?

LMT applies to most Core Skills stream nominations. Exemptions exist for certain high-income positions, specific trade agreements (e.g. some nationalities under the AUSFTA or ChAFTA), and other prescribed circumstances. The Specialist Skills stream of the 482 is exempt from LMT. LMT exemption eligibility should be confirmed with a migration agent before the employer decides not to advertise.

Can my family members work in Australia on my 482?

Yes. Your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants and receive the same visa period. Secondary applicants generally have open work rights — they are not restricted to your employer or occupation. This is one of the advantages of the 482 over some other temporary visa pathways.

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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 August 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 $79,499 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.

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

Last reviewed: July 2026

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

$79,499 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 August 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 holding a Core Skills 482 for two years with the same employer in the same occupation, holders are generally eligible for the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.

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 ($79,499 from 1 July 2026) and must not be less than the annual market salary rate for that occupation. Figures current at August 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

Competent English is required (typically IELTS 6 or equivalent in each band, or PTE Academic 50 in each communicative skill). 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 — advertising the role on Workforce Australia and at least one other national platform for a minimum of 28 days within the four 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 advertise the role on Workforce Australia plus at least one other national platform for at least 28 consecutive days.

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)$3,115 approximate — check current VAC on DoHA website

Secondary applicant VACVaries by age — check DoHA website

Figures current at August 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.

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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

Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd 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 August 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 August 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