482 and 186 Employer-Sponsored Visas 2026–27: What Employers and Applicants Need to Check

Official sources checked: 11 November 2026

An employer-sponsored visa starts with a genuine job and a suitable worker. The employer’s nomination and the worker’s visa eligibility must both satisfy the relevant requirements.

This guide explains the main differences between the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186), current salary thresholds, and the checks to make before proceeding.

482 or 186: what is the difference?

The 482 can provide a route towards permanent residence for eligible workers, but a 482 grant does not guarantee a later 186 visa. Read the official 482 information and 186 stream guidance.

1. Choose the appropriate 482 stream

Core Skills: The nominated occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List, with applicable occupation restrictions checked. Applicants generally need at least one year of relevant experience, suitable skills, English evidence unless exempt, and any required assessment or registration. Home Affairs: Core Skills stream.

Specialist Skills: This stream applies to eligible higher-paid roles in specified ANZSCO occupation groups. It excludes Major Groups 3, 7 and 8. A high salary alone does not establish eligibility. Home Affairs: Specialist Skills stream.

Labour Agreement: Check whether the employer has an applicable agreement and what it permits. Occupations, concessions and permanent-residence arrangements depend on the agreement’s terms.

Start with the A2MS 482 knowledge centre for the detailed preparation stages.

2. Check the current salary threshold—and the market rate

For the 2026–27 nomination period, the indexed thresholds are:

The Core Skills threshold also applies to relevant subclass 186 nominations. Agreement-specific provisions and exemptions require separate assessment. These figures are confirmed in the 2026 legislative explanatory statement.

3. Employers: prepare the business and position

Before committing to sponsorship, gather:

• Business registration, ownership, trading and financial records.
• A clear position description, organisational chart and employment contract.
• Evidence supporting the occupation classification and proposed remuneration.
• Sponsorship or labour-agreement information, where applicable.
• Recruitment evidence and a realistic budget for employer-side charges and obligations.

Your documents should tell a consistent story about the role, duties, location, hours and salary.

The A2MS guides explain Standard Business Sponsorship and 482 employer nominations.

4. Plan labour market testing before lodging

For most standard 482 nominations, Home Affairs requires at least two compliant advertisements, with advertising and applications open for at least four weeks within the four months before nomination lodgement.

Exemptions and alternative arrangements can apply. Check these before relying on an exemption or starting recruitment. Keep copies of the advertisements and evidence of their dates. Home Affairs: labour market testing.

See the A2MS labour market testing guide.

5. Workers: check your own eligibility separately

Prepare an accurate employment timeline supported by references, contracts and payroll records. Identify any gaps, changes in duties or differences between your job title and actual work.

Check qualifications, English evidence, skills-assessment requirements, professional registration, health, character and current visa status. A job offer does not replace these requirements.

Use the A2MS 482 applicant guide to organise your documents.

6. Understand the 186 permanent-residence options

Temporary Residence Transition

This stream generally requires eligible visa status and at least two years of qualifying full-time sponsored employment in the preceding three years, alongside an employer nomination and the other visa criteria. Age and English requirements also need assessment. Home Affairs: TRT stream.

For applications from 29 November 2025, qualifying employment must be with an approved work sponsor. Unpaid leave is excluded from the ordinary employment calculation. Official explanation of the amendment.

Two years holding a 482 visa is not, by itself, proof of TRT eligibility. Check the visa-holding period and qualifying employment separately.

Direct Entry

Direct Entry may suit an eligible worker without first completing the TRT pathway. It generally involves an eligible occupation, a suitable skills assessment unless exempt, relevant skilled experience, competent English and an age requirement, ordinarily under 45 unless exempt. Home Affairs: Direct Entry.

Labour Agreement

This pathway depends on the employer’s agreement and the applicant meeting its requirements. Do not assume that every agreement provides the same concessions or permanent-residence pathway.

Compare the options in the A2MS 186 knowledge centre.

7. Budget and plan beyond lodgement

Separate employer charges, applicable levies, visa application charges, assessments, tests and professional fees. Confirm who is responsible for each cost before proceeding.

Check current government prices and processing estimates rather than relying on an older quote or a promised approval date. Sponsored workers should also understand their workplace rights: employment terms must meet applicable Australian requirements. Fair Work Ombudsman: migrant workers’ rights.

General information only. Requirements depend on the stream, application date and individual circumstances. Sponsorship, nomination, visa approval and permanent residence are not guaranteed.