Australia’s employer-sponsored visa pathways have long been a key route for skilled workers to live and work Down Under. The Subclass 482 Visa (also known by its previous name, the Temporary Skills Shortage visa) remains one of the most-used options, offering companies the ability to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill critical labour gaps. For 2026, understanding the latest occupation lists, cost structure, and the most frequent questions is more important than ever.
This guide delivers an in-depth look at what the 482 visa entails in 2026 — from the eligible occupations and streams to the actual costs and common hurdles. Whether an employer or a skilled worker, being well-informed will help streamline the nomination and application process and avoid costly mistakes.
What is the Subclass 482 Visa?
The Subclass 482 Visa allows approved Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill roles that cannot be filled from the local labor market. It replaced the former 457 visa, and through its various streams, it gives applicants the right to live and work in Australia temporarily (and in some cases, transition to permanent residency). According to the official Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website, it also allows sponsored workers to bring eligible family members and provides work rights in the nominated occupation.
The 2026 iteration places a sharper focus on up-to-date occupation lists and earnings thresholds, making it essential to verify whether one’s role fits the criteria before commencing the application.
Occupation Lists & Streams for 2026
Core Skills Stream (CSOL)
From December 7, 2024, the Subclass 482 Visa transitioned into a new model under the Skills in Demand Visa framework — yet it retains the Subclass 482 class number. This introduced the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), consolidating occupations and reducing confusion.
The CSOL features 456 occupations as of the latest update. Some examples include:
133111 Construction Project Manager
132311 Human Resource Manager
121611 Flower Grower
Occupations are grouped under ANZSCO codes and may have additional caveats or salary minimums.
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Specialist Skills Stream
This stream suits workers with highly specialized expertise, often beyond traditional occupations. Trades, machinery operators, drivers and laborers are excluded under this stream.
The required minimum income threshold applies (for example, AUD 141,210 for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026).
Labour Agreement Stream
Under this stream, employers with a formal labour agreement with the government can sponsor workers in occupations that may not appear on standard lists. It remains flexible and often used in regional or niche sectors.
Why checking the correct list matters
Selecting a nomination in an ineligible occupation or failing to meet the conditions of a list could lead to refusal — despite meeting all other criteria. Regular updates mean applicants and employers must verify the current list at the time of nomination.
Cost Breakdown for 2026
Government fees
According to resources such as VisaEnvoy, the visa application fee for the primary applicant under the new model is AUD 3,115.
Additional applicants aged 18 or over also pay AUD 3,115; under-18 applicants pay a lower fee (AUD 780 in some cases).
Employers also bear costs: sponsorship application fee (AUD 420) and nomination fee (AUD 330).
Additional “Skilling Australia Fund” (SAF) levy: Small business employers: AUD 1,200 per year; Large businesses: AUD 1,800 per year.
Financial responsibility – who pays what?
The migration advice remains: the employer must cover employer-legislated costs (SAF levy, nomination fee) and cannot pass these specific costs to the worker. By law, the worker cannot be charged for these costs in many cases. However, visa application fees themselves may still fall to the worker if the employer contract allows.
Hidden costs and budgeting practicalities
Skills assessments, English tests, health exams, translation of documents — these can all add thousands.
If an applicant has dependents, factor in additional visa fees for each.
Processing delays may mean extensions to current visa or bridging costs for the worker.
Key takeaway: Budgeting from AUD 4,000 to AUD 10,000 for the first year is realistic when considering all associated costs and employer obligations.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How long can one stay on a Subclass 482 visa?
Under the “Skills in Demand” model:
Core Skills Stream: Up to 4 years with a pathway to permanent residency.
Specialist Skills Stream: Up to 4 years, but subject to stricter income thresholds.
Labour Agreement Stream: Duration varies depending on the agreement.
Previous rules under TSS streams (2 or 4 years) are largely superseded by the new model.
Can the visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes — many 482 visa holders access the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) or regional employer-sponsored streams after fulfilling requirements (time in nominated occupation, employer sponsorship, salary). For example, Core Skills Stream occupations on CSOL are eligible for ENS Direct Entry.
Does the occupation list change frequently?
Yes — the CSOL and other lists are regularly reviewed by the government through agencies such as Jobs and Skills Australia and may remove or add occupations based on economic needs and labor shortage data.
What about work rights and change of employer?
The sponsored worker can commence employment once the visa is granted under nominated occupation and sponsor. If employment ends, there is a “job-transition” window (e.g., 180 days) to find another sponsor or depart Australia.
Are regional positions treated differently?
Yes — regional roles may have tailored conditions, and some streams provide priority processing for roles outside major metropolitan areas. Always confirm if the regional variant applies.
Strategy & Best Practice for Employers and Applicants
Verify eligibility early: Check the CSOL for your occupation and ensure salary thresholds are met.
Prepare documentation meticulously: The nomination application must include employment contract, salary evidence, labour market test details (if required) and other compliance items.
Budget appropriately: Make sure both employer and applicant are clear on who bears which cost — update in employment contract.
Plan for transition: If the goal is PR, select an occupation that aligns with ENS eligibility and build the time, employment history and salary benchmarks accordingly.
Monitor changes: The new model came into effect in December 2024; staying current with policy updates ensures surprises are avoided.
Call to Action
Employers looking to fill a critical skills gap — and skilled workers ready to step into Australia’s workforce — should download a checklist of the documentation required, compare tax and salary benchmarks, and subscribe for updates on policy changes. Share this article with colleagues, HR professionals or immigration consultants to ensure everyone is aligned with the 2026 standards. Staying ahead in your planning gives you a stronger hand in securing approval.
Conclusion
The Employer Sponsored 482 Visa for 2026 remains a powerful pathway for skilled workers and Australian businesses to connect. With the updated Core Skills Occupation List, revised cost structures and clarified processing streams, both employers and applicants now benefit from clearer guidelines — yet success still depends on preparation, compliance and timing.
By understanding the occupation eligibility, budgeting for all associated fees, and either worker or company following best practice, the visa process becomes less of a risk and more of an opportunity. For those who plan ahead and execute smartly, the 482 visa remains a viable step toward working and settling in Australia in 2026.
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