1. Skills in Demand Visa — Subclass 482
Temporary Employer-Sponsored Visa
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa allows eligible Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions they cannot fill with suitably skilled Australian workers.
Key features
- Temporary stay, generally up to four years, subject to the applicable stream and visa conditions.
- Employment in the nominated occupation for the sponsoring employer, subject to visa conditions.
- Opportunities to include eligible family members.
- Potential pathways to permanent residence, including subclass 186, if the relevant requirements are met.
Main requirements
- Be nominated by an eligible sponsoring employer.
- Have the skills and qualifications required for the nominated position.
- Meet the relevant work experience requirements, generally at least one year of relevant experience.
- Meet the applicable English language requirements, unless exempt.
- Satisfy health, character, and other visa criteria.
- Meet the applicable salary and occupation requirements for the selected stream.
Available streams
- Core Skills stream.
- Specialist Skills stream.
- Labour Agreement stream.
Each stream has distinct occupation, salary, and eligibility requirements.
How Golden Gate Asia can help
We can assist with profile assessment, occupation suitability, document preparation, employer-sponsored pathway planning, and visa application support within the agreed scope of services.
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa — Subclass 482: Available Streams
The Australian Skills in Demand (SID) visa (Subclass 482) allows eligible Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill positions where they need suitably qualified employees. The visa has three streams, each designed for a different category of worker.
The main differences relate to the nominated occupation, salary threshold, employer sponsorship arrangements, and eligibility criteria.
1. Core Skills Stream
The Core Skills stream is designed for skilled workers whose occupations are listed on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and who meet the relevant salary and visa requirements.
Key requirements
- Eligible occupation: The nominated occupation must be included on the CSOL.
- Salary threshold: For nomination applications lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is AUD 79,423 per year. The employer must also meet the applicable Annual Market Salary Rate requirements.
- Work experience: At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.
- Skills and qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate that they have the skills and qualifications required for the nominated position.
- English language: Applicants must meet the applicable English language requirements unless an exemption applies.
- Employer sponsorship: An eligible employer must sponsor the worker and nominate an eligible position.
Who is this stream suitable for?
Professionals and skilled workers whose occupations appear on the CSOL and whose proposed employment meets the relevant salary and other requirements.
Examples may include eligible occupations in business, information technology, engineering, and other professional or technical fields, depending on the occupation list and applicable criteria.
2. Specialist Skills Stream
The Specialist Skills stream is designed for highly skilled workers whose remuneration meets a higher income threshold. It allows employers to recruit eligible specialists across a broad range of occupations without requiring the occupation to appear on the CSOL.
Key requirements
- Eligible occupation: The nominated occupation must fall within the eligible ANZSCO major groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6. Major Groups 3, 7 and 8 are excluded from this stream.
- Salary threshold: For nomination applications lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) is AUD 146,576 per year. The applicable market salary requirements must also be satisfied.
- Work experience: At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.
- Skills and qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate the expertise necessary to perform the nominated role.
- English language: Applicants must meet the applicable English language requirements unless exempt.
- Employer sponsorship: An eligible employer must nominate the worker for a qualifying position.
Who is this stream suitable for?
Highly paid specialists, experienced professionals, and senior technical workers whose occupations fall within the eligible ANZSCO groups and whose guaranteed annual earnings meet the higher threshold.
Important: A high salary alone does not establish eligibility. Both the occupation classification and the salary requirements must be satisfied.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement stream is designed for skilled overseas workers sponsored by employers that have an approved labour agreement with the Australian Government. These agreements address specific workforce needs that may not be adequately met through the standard skilled sponsorship arrangements.
Key requirements
- Approved labour agreement: The employer must have an applicable labour agreement in force with the Australian Government.
- Eligible occupation: The nominated occupation must be permitted under the relevant agreement.
- Salary and employment conditions: The salary must comply with the agreement and applicable legal requirements. Certain concessions may be available where authorised by the agreement and relevant rules.
- Skills and experience: Applicants must satisfy the occupation-specific requirements established by the agreement and the visa criteria.
- English language: Applicants must meet the applicable requirements, subject to any permitted concessions or exemptions.
- Other conditions: Age, qualifications, work experience, and other criteria depend on the agreement and the relevant visa requirements.
Who is this stream suitable for?
Workers recruited by employers operating under specific labour agreements, including certain regional employers, industries experiencing persistent labour shortages, and employers participating in approved industry-specific arrangements.
Unlike the other two streams, eligibility is closely tied to the terms of the particular agreement. Applicants cannot simply choose this stream without an eligible employer and an applicable labour agreement.
Comparison of the three streams
|
Feature
|
Core Skills
|
Specialist Skills
|
Labour Agreement
|
| Occupation |
Must be on the CSOL |
Eligible ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 |
Must be permitted by the agreement |
| Salary threshold |
AUD 79,423 for 2026–27 |
AUD 146,576 for 2026–27 |
Determined by the agreement and applicable rules |
| Employer sponsorship |
Required |
Required |
Required under an approved labour agreement |
| Work experience |
Generally at least 1 year |
Generally at least 1 year |
Depends on the agreement and applicable criteria |
| English |
Required unless exempt |
Required unless exempt |
Subject to applicable requirements and permitted concessions |
| Main focus |
Occupations on the CSOL |
Highly paid skilled specialists |
Specific employer or industry labour needs |
Salary figures above apply to relevant nomination applications lodged between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027. Thresholds may change annually.
Which stream should an applicant consider?
The appropriate stream depends on the applicant's occupation, salary, qualifications, experience, and prospective employer.
- If the occupation is on the CSOL and the salary meets the relevant threshold, assess the Core Skills stream.
- If the occupation falls within the eligible ANZSCO major groups and the salary meets the higher threshold, assess the Specialist Skills stream.
- If the employer operates under an applicable approved labour agreement, assess the Labour Agreement stream.
All three are temporary employer-sponsored visa pathways. Eligible holders may have options to pursue permanent residency, but this depends on the relevant pathway and the requirements in force.
For detailed eligibility requirements, refer to the official Department of Home Affairs pages for the Core Skills stream, Specialist Skills stream, and Labour Agreement stream.
You can add Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) as a separate pathway alongside the three Skills in Demand visa streams. It is important to explain that DAMA is not a fourth stream; it is a regional labour agreement arrangement that may provide access to occupations and concessions under specified visa programs.
Available Employer-Sponsored Pathways
1. Core Skills Stream For skilled workers whose nominated occupation is eligible under the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Applicants must meet the applicable salary threshold, work experience, English-language and other visa requirements.
2. Specialist Skills Stream For eligible highly paid skilled workers in specified ANZSCO major groups. The nominated salary must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold, alongside the relevant work experience, English and other visa requirements.
3. Labour Agreement Stream For skilled workers nominated by an employer that has an applicable labour agreement with the Australian Government. Occupations and requirements are determined by the agreement and the relevant visa rules.
4. Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) DAMA arrangements help approved employers in designated regional areas address local workforce shortages by sponsoring eligible overseas workers in specified skilled and semi-skilled occupations. Depending on the relevant agreement, concessions may be available for certain requirements, such as English, salary, age or work experience. Eligibility and concessions vary by region, occupation and visa pathway.
Important: DAMA is not a standalone visa. It operates through an approved labour agreement and may support temporary, provisional or permanent employer-sponsored visa pathways, subject to the applicable agreement and visa criteria.
For all pathways, eligibility depends on the nominated occupation, employer, salary, qualifications, work experience and applicable visa requirements. Permanent residency is not guaranteed.
Official information: Subclass 482 — Department of Home Affairs
2. Employer Nomination Scheme Visa — Subclass 186
Permanent Employer-Sponsored Visa
The subclass 186 visa allows eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to obtain permanent residence.
Key features
- Permanent residence in Australia.
- The ability to live, work, and study in Australia.
- Access to eligible family sponsorship arrangements.
- Potential eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship if all applicable requirements are met.
Main pathways
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream
For eligible workers who have worked in sponsored employment and meet the applicable requirements for transition to permanent residence.
Direct Entry stream
For eligible skilled workers who meet the requirements for direct employer-sponsored permanent residence, including the relevant occupation, skills assessment, and work experience criteria, subject to applicable exemptions.
Labour Agreement stream
For eligible workers nominated under an applicable labour agreement.
Main requirements
Applicants generally need to:
- Receive a nomination from an eligible Australian employer.
- Meet the age requirements or qualify for an applicable exemption.
- Have the required skills, qualifications, and employment experience for their stream.
- Meet English language, health, character, and other applicable requirements.
- Satisfy the relevant occupation and employment criteria.
How Golden Gate Asia can help
We can assess potential eligibility, review employment and qualification evidence, explain the available streams, and assist with the agreed application preparation process.
Official information: Subclass 186 — Department of Home Affairs
3. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa — Subclass 494
Regional Employer-Sponsored Visa
The subclass 494 visa enables eligible regional Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to address local workforce needs.
Key features
- A provisional visa generally valid for five years.
- Permission to live, work, and study in designated regional areas, subject to visa conditions.
- An opportunity to pursue permanent residence through subclass 191 if the relevant requirements are met.
- The ability to include eligible family members.
Main streams
- Employer Sponsored stream.
- Labour Agreement stream.
Main requirements
Depending on the stream, applicants generally need to:
- Be nominated by an eligible regional employer.
- Have an occupation available under the applicable program.
- Meet the relevant skills assessment requirements, where applicable.
- Meet the age requirement, generally under 45 at the time of application unless an exemption applies.
- Meet the relevant English language requirements.
- Satisfy work experience, salary, health, character, and other applicable criteria.
Permanent residence pathway
Eligible subclass 494 holders may apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), subject to the relevant requirements. A permanent residence outcome is not automatic.
How Golden Gate Asia can help
We can assist with reviewing regional employer-sponsored options, assessing occupation suitability, preparing supporting documents, and planning the potential pathway to permanent residence.
Official information: Subclass 494 — Department of Home Affairs
4. Skilled Independent Visa — Subclass 189
Permanent Skilled Migration Without State or Employer Sponsorship
The subclass 189 visa provides a permanent residence pathway for eligible skilled workers who qualify under the relevant stream.
The Points-tested stream is particularly relevant to skilled applicants who can qualify independently without state nomination or employer sponsorship.
Key features
- Permanent residence.
- The ability to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
- No requirement for state or territory nomination under the Points-tested stream.
- An opportunity to include eligible family members.
Main requirements
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- Receive an invitation to apply.
- Be under 45 at the time of invitation, subject to applicable rules.
- Meet the points test, including the minimum threshold of 65 points.
- Meet English language, health, character, and other requirements.
Meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation. Invitations depend on the applicable selection arrangements, occupation, ranking, and invitation availability.
How Golden Gate Asia can help
We can review your occupation, skills assessment, points score, English language results, and EOI strategy to help you understand your potential eligibility and options.
Official information: Subclass 189 — Department of Home Affairs
5. Skilled Nominated Visa — Subclass 190
Permanent State or Territory-Nominated Visa
The subclass 190 visa is a permanent residence pathway for skilled applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Key features
- Permanent residence.
- The ability to live, work, and study in Australia.
- State or territory nomination as a key eligibility requirement.
- An opportunity to include eligible family members.
Main requirements
Applicants generally need to:
- Have an occupation eligible under the applicable skilled migration and state nomination arrangements.
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment.
- Submit an EOI and receive an invitation to apply.
- Obtain nomination from an Australian state or territory.
- Meet the points test, including the minimum threshold of 65 points.
- Meet the applicable age, English language, health, character, and other criteria.
State and territory governments set their own nomination criteria, which may include occupation priorities, work experience, employment, residence, or other requirements.
State nomination provides five additional points under the points test. However, nomination and an invitation are not guaranteed.
How Golden Gate Asia can help
We can review your profile against relevant state nomination criteria, identify potentially suitable jurisdictions, assess your points score, and assist with the agreed EOI and nomination application stages.
Official information: Subclass 190 — Department of Home Affairs
6. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa — Subclass 491
Regional Skilled Migration Pathway
The subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for eligible skilled workers who wish to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
Applicants may qualify through state or territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative, subject to the relevant criteria.
Key features
- A provisional visa generally valid for five years.
- Permission to live, work, and study in designated regional areas, subject to visa conditions.
- A potential pathway to permanent residence through subclass 191.
- The ability to include eligible family members.
Main requirements
Applicants generally need to:
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment.
- Submit an EOI and receive an invitation to apply.
- Obtain state or territory nomination or eligible relative sponsorship.
- Meet the points test, including the minimum threshold of 65 points.
- Meet the applicable age, English language, health, character, and other requirements.
State nomination or eligible relative sponsorship provides 15 additional points under the points test. Meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation.
Permanent residence pathway
Eligible subclass 491 holders may apply for permanent residence through subclass 191, subject to the applicable requirements. Applicants must also comply with the relevant regional visa conditions.
How Golden Gate Asia can help
We can assess your eligibility, review regional nomination opportunities, calculate your potential points score, and assist with EOI preparation and the relevant application stages.
Which Skilled Migration Pathway May Suit You?
The appropriate pathway depends on your qualifications, occupation, experience, employer opportunities, points score, and individual circumstances.
Golden Gate Asia can help you explore the available options and identify the requirements that apply to your profile.
Contact Golden Gate Asia for an initial assessment of your Australian migration options.
Visa information on this website is provided for general information purposes only and is subject to change. Applicants should verify the current eligibility criteria, occupation requirements, salary thresholds, fees, and nomination arrangements through the Australian Department of Home Affairs and relevant state or territory authorities before applying. Meeting the published criteria does not guarantee a nomination, invitation, or visa grant.
Important information: This content is general information, not individual migration advice. Visa criteria, occupation lists, salary thresholds, state nomination requirements, fees, and processing arrangements may change. All applications are assessed by the relevant Australian authorities. No nomination, invitation, employment offer, or visa grant is guaranteed.