The Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. Both use subclass 482. The Migration Regulations set criteria for three streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills and Labour Agreement. There is no "Essential Skills" stream. Each stream has its own salary and occupation rules. All three let you work for your sponsor in Australia for up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
Quick Facts
| Stream | Salary Threshold | Occupation Rule | PR Pathway | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills | $79,423+ (CSIT) | Core Skills Occupation List | Employer may sponsor you for the 186 | Up to 4 years |
| Specialist Skills | $146,576+ (SSIT) | ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 | Employer may sponsor you for the 186 | Up to 4 years |
| Labour Agreement | Set by the labour agreement | Occupation specified in the labour agreement | Employer may sponsor you for the 186 | Up to 4 years, depending on the agreement |
The salary figures apply to nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Core Skills Stream
The Core Skills stream is for workers nominated in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Who It's For
Workers in occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List who are sponsored by an Australian employer. Check your occupation on the Home Affairs skilled occupation list before you start.
Requirements
For the worker (Home Affairs Core Skills stream page):
- Nominated in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List
- Paid the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the occupation and no less than the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), which is $79,423 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field
- A relevant skills assessment, if one is required for your occupation
- Minimum English language standards, unless you are exempt
- Meet health and character requirements
For the employer:
- An approved sponsor, or has applied to become a Standard Business Sponsor
- Lodges a nomination for the position
- Meet all sponsor obligations
PR Pathway
Home Affairs says your employer may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). See "From Skills in Demand to Permanent Residence" below.
Specialist Skills Stream
The Specialist Skills stream is for higher-paid roles. It does not use an occupation list, but it is not open to every occupation.
Who It's For
Workers nominated in an ANZSCO occupation in Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 whose salary meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold ($146,576 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026). Occupations in Major Groups 3, 7 and 8 are excluded.
Requirements
For the worker:
- Nominated in an ANZSCO occupation in Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6
- Salary of at least $146,576 (the Specialist Skills Income Threshold)
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field
- A relevant skills assessment, if one is required for your occupation
- Minimum English language standards, unless you are exempt
- Health and character requirements
For the employer:
- Approved sponsor
- Lodges a nomination for the position
Advantages
The Specialist Skills stream can suit you because:
- There is no occupation list to check, only the ANZSCO major group
- It has had the shortest recent processing times of the three streams (see Step 4 below)
- Your employer may still sponsor you for permanent residence through the 186
Who Uses This Stream?
Workers in an occupation in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, on a salary of $146,576 or more, with an employer willing to sponsor them.
Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement stream is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian Government.
Who It's For
Workers nominated in an occupation specified in their employer's labour agreement. Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department) and employers. See labour agreements.
Requirements
- Nominated in a specified occupation under the terms of a labour agreement
- At least 12 months of relevant full-time work experience (or equivalent) in the last 5 years, unless the labour agreement says otherwise
- A relevant skills assessment, if one is required for your occupation
- Work only for your sponsor
- Minimum English language standards, unless you are exempt
PR Pathway
Home Affairs says your employer may sponsor you for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
From Skills in Demand to Permanent Residence
All three streams can lead to permanent residence, but none does so automatically. Your employer must nominate you for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. Home Affairs lists these basics:
- You must hold a subclass 457, 482 or eligible bridging visa.
- Usually, you must have worked in eligible sponsored employment on a full-time basis for at least two years.
- Your employer must nominate you.
- You must have at least Competent English.
The 186 has its own age, skills, health and character rules. Check the 186 page before you plan your timeline.
The pathway is not automatic. Your employer has to be willing to nominate you again, the position has to remain genuine, and you have to meet the 186 requirements in your own right. Plan early, keep your work records, and confirm in writing that your employer intends to sponsor you for PR.
Comparing the Three Streams
| Feature | Core Skills | Specialist Skills | Labour Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary | $79,423+ (and the AMSR) | $146,576+ | Under the labour agreement |
| Occupation rule | Core Skills Occupation List | ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 | Specified in the labour agreement |
| Skills assessment | If required for your occupation | If required for your occupation | If required for your occupation |
| PR pathway | Employer may sponsor you for the 186 | Employer may sponsor you for the 186 | Employer may sponsor you for the 186 |
| English | Minimum standard unless exempt | Minimum standard unless exempt | Minimum standard unless exempt |
| Experience | At least 1 year | At least 1 year | At least 12 months full-time in the last 5 years, unless the agreement says otherwise |
Application Process
Step 1: Employer Becomes an Approved Sponsor
The employer must be an approved sponsor, or must at least have applied to become a Standard Business Sponsor. The sponsorship application charge is AUD420, and approval lasts 5 years.
Step 2: Employer Lodges a Nomination
The employer nominates you for a specific position. The nomination covers:
- The occupation and ANZSCO code
- The salary and employment conditions
- The annual market salary rate for the occupation
- Labour market testing evidence (where required)
Step 3: You Lodge Your Visa Application
With the nomination lodged, you apply for the visa through ImmiAccount. You'll need:
- Passport
- Skills assessment (if required for your occupation)
- English test results (unless exempt)
- Qualification documents
- Employment references
- Health examination results
- Police clearances
Visa application charge: AUD4,015 (primary applicant)
Step 4: Processing
The Home Affairs processing time guide (checked 28 October 2026) showed these times for recently decided applications:
- Specialist Skills: 50% in 37 days, 90% in 78 days
- Core Skills: 50% in 4 months, 90% in 9 months
- Labour Agreement: 50% in 5 months, 90% in 9 months
These are a guide only, not a promise for your application.
Step 5: Visa Grant
Once granted, you can work for your sponsor in the nominated occupation for up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship application | AUD420 |
| Visa (primary applicant) | AUD4,015 |
| Visa (each dependant 18 and over) | AUD4,015 |
| Visa (each dependant under 18) | AUD1,005 |
You will also pay other costs for English language tests, health checks, police certificates and biometrics. A skills assessment, where required, has its own fee set by the assessing authority. The employer pays the sponsorship and nomination costs.
Transitioning from Other Visas
The SID visa is commonly used to transition from:
- Working holiday visas, after finding an employer willing to sponsor
- Student visas, after the 485 post-study work period
- Other temporary visas, where work experience leads to a sponsorship offer
If you apply in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, B or C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the TSS/482 visa?
The TSS was replaced by the SID visa on 7 December 2024. The 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream accepts holders of a subclass 457, 482 or eligible bridging visa, so former TSS holders can still move to the 186 if eligible.
Can I change employers on a SID visa?
Not easily. Your visa is tied to your sponsoring employer. A new employer must be an approved sponsor and lodge a new nomination. If you lose your job, Home Affairs says you have up to 180 days to find a new employer or make arrangements to leave Australia.
Is the salary threshold before or after tax?
The threshold is compared with your annual salary excluding non-monetary benefits. Non-monetary benefits such as accommodation or a car do not count towards it.
Do I need a skills assessment for the Specialist Skills stream?
Possibly. Home Affairs says some applicants must have a skills assessment, depending on the occupation and their circumstances. Where it is mandatory, it must be started before you lodge the visa application.
Can I include family members?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included on your visa application. They can also live, study and work in Australia.
