---
title: "Australia Skills in Demand · Core 2026: AUD 79.4k+/yr needed"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skills-in-demand-482-core/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-11
---

Australia · Work

# Australia Skills in Demand · Core

**Income needed:** AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) - Core Skills stream

First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

- **Income needed:** AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k (Income of at least AUD 79,423 a year (≈ $55,300) · Core Skills Income Threshold: minimum nominated annual earnings (excluding non-monetary benefits) for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, in addition to the occupation Annual Market Salary Rate. Indexed each 1 July. A fee of AUD 4,015 (≈ $2,790) · Base application charge, main applicant and each dependant aged 18+; AUD 1,005 per dependant under 18. A fee of AUD 3,290 (≈ $2,290) · Lower base charge for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders (primary applicant passport).)
- **First stay:** 4 yrs (Stay equals the period the employer nominates, up to 4 years (up to 5 years for Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders). Multiple entries allowed.)
- **Renewal:** Renewable
- **Who can apply:** Any passport (No nationality restriction; Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders may stay up to 5 years.)
- **Work:** Yes (Work for the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation; study allowed without government assistance.)
- **Tax angle:** Tax relief (Temporary resident exemption for most foreign-source income: Temporary residents who are Australian tax residents generally do not pay Australian tax on most foreign-source income; Australian-source income stays taxable.)

## Key facts

Skills in Demand · Core is a work route for Australia. Applicants need income of AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k. You can stay 4 yrs, renewable. You can work locally. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source.

- **Money needed:** AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k
- **Government fees:** AUD 4,015 ≈ $2,790 · AUD 3,290 ≈ $2,290
- **First stay:** 4 yrs

## Cost, time and long term

To apply: 2 government fees listed below; income to show AUD 79k+/yr ≈ $55k. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

**Government fees: AUD 4,015 ≈ $2,790 · AUD 3,290 ≈ $2,290**

- AUD 4,015 (≈ $2,790) Base application charge, main applicant and each dependant aged 18+; AUD 1,005 (≈ $700) per dependant under 18.
- AUD 3,290 (≈ $2,290) Lower base charge for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders (primary applicant passport).

**Shown, not spent: AUD 79k+/yr ≈ $55k**

- AUD 79,423 a year (≈ $55,300) Core Skills Income Threshold: minimum nominated annual earnings (excluding non-monetary benefits) for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, in addition to the occupation Annual Market Salary Rate. Indexed each 1 July.

**Permanent residence: After 2 years of residence**

Holders can move to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Temporary Residence Transition stream if, in the 3 years before applying, they held a 482 or 457 visa for at least 2 years and worked full time for an approved sponsor in that occupation for at least 2 years.

[Federal Register of Legislation](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_2/document_2.html)

**Citizenship: After 4 years of residence**

Citizenship by conferral needs 4 years lawfully in Australia, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident, with no more than 12 months' total absence in the 4 years and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.

[Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2007A00020/2026-06-04/2026-06-04/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html)

**Where to apply: Abroad or in-country**

You can be inside or outside Australia when the visa is granted, as long as you are not in immigration clearance.

[Federal Register of Legislation](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_2/document_2.html)

## Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

- Needs a job offer from an employer in Australia

### What you'll need

#### Who can apply

- The employer is an approved work sponsor and nominates the worker for an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List.
- The applicant has at least 12 months full-time-equivalent work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field within the 5 years before applying.

#### What you must show

- Salary is no less than the Annual Market Salary Rate and the Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD 79,423 (≈ $55,300) a year.
- The Core Skills Income Threshold applies to nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, excludes non-monetary benefits and is indexed each 1 July.
- The base application charge is AUD 4,015 (≈ $2,790) for the main applicant and each dependant aged 18+; AUD 1,005 (≈ $700) per dependant under 18.
- The base charge is AUD 3,290 (≈ $2,290) for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders (primary applicant passport).

#### Documents

- A skills assessment is required where required for the occupation.
- English language test requirements apply unless exempt.
- Adequate health insurance covers the stay.

#### After you arrive

- The worker works only for the sponsor or an associated entity unless exempt.
- Employment starts within 90 days of arrival or visa grant.

## When you become tax resident

How Australia decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

- **Stay on this route:** **Up to 4 years at first, renewable**
- **Tax residence:** Residence is determined by the resides, domicile, 183-day and Commonwealth superannuation tests.
- **Foreign-source income:** **Temporary residents** Temporary residents who are Australian tax residents generally do not pay Australian tax on most foreign-source income; Australian-source income stays taxable.
- **Special regime:** **Temporary resident exemption** · Tax relief

[All tax rules for Australia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/tax/) Tax records checked 12 Oct 2026

**Full official text**

Employer-sponsored temporary work visa for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4)

#### What you must show and pay

- Income of at least AUD 79,423 a year (≈ $55,300) · Core Skills Income Threshold: minimum nominated annual earnings (excluding non-monetary benefits) for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, in addition to the occupation Annual Market Salary Rate. Indexed each 1 July. (sources 2, 3)
- A fee of AUD 4,015 (≈ $2,790) · Base application charge, main applicant and each dependant aged 18+; AUD 1,005 (≈ $700) per dependant under 18. (sources 1, 3)
- A fee of AUD 3,290 (≈ $2,290) · Lower base charge for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders (primary applicant passport). (source 3)

#### Requirements

- The employer is an approved work sponsor and nominates the worker for an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List. (sources 1, 4)
- The applicant has at least 12 months full-time-equivalent work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field within the 5 years before applying. (source 4)
- Salary is no less than the Annual Market Salary Rate and the Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD 79,423 (≈ $55,300) a year. (sources 2, 3)
- The Core Skills Income Threshold applies to nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, excludes non-monetary benefits and is indexed each 1 July. (sources 2, 3)
- The base application charge is AUD 4,015 (≈ $2,790) for the main applicant and each dependant aged 18+; AUD 1,005 (≈ $700) per dependant under 18. (sources 1, 3)
- The base charge is AUD 3,290 (≈ $2,290) for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders (primary applicant passport). (source 3)
- A skills assessment is required where required for the occupation. (sources 1, 4)
- English language test requirements apply unless exempt. (sources 1, 4)
- Adequate health insurance covers the stay. (sources 1, 4)
- The worker works only for the sponsor or an associated entity unless exempt. (source 1)
- Employment starts within 90 days of arrival or visa grant. (source 1)

#### Stay

- Stay equals the period the employer nominates, up to 4 years (up to 5 years for Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders). Multiple entries allowed.
- First stay: up to 48 months, decided case by case.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.
- Visa period up to 48 months: Up to 60 months for Hong Kong passport and BN(O) holders; actual period follows the approved nomination.

#### Nationality

No nationality restriction; Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders may stay up to 5 years.

#### Work

Work for the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation; study allowed without government assistance.

#### Family

Partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants and are granted for the main applicant period.

Checked 2026-10-11

## Official sources

1. [Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skills-in-demand-visa-subclass-482/core-skills-stream) · Department of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2026](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1416) · Department of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2026-07-01
3. [Migration Regulations 1994 (compilation current at 1 July 2026): Part 1 definitions, Schedule 1 visa application charges](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-10
4. [Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2 (points system notes: pass marks set by ministerial instrument under section 96)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_2/document_2.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2026-07-01
5. [Australian Citizenship Act 2007, section 22 (general residence requirement)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2007A00020/2026-06-04/2026-06-04/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government · checked 2026-10-11

## Skills in Demand · Core and its alternatives

| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Skills in Demand · Core | Needs income of AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k | 4 yr, renewable | Yes |
| [Employer Nomination 186](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/employer-nomination-186/) | Needs income of AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k | – | – |
| [Employer Regional 494](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/employer-sponsored-regional-494/) | Needs income of AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k | 5 yr | Limited |
| [Skills in Demand · Labour deal](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skills-in-demand-482-labour-agreement/) | – | 4 yr, renewable | Yes |
| [Skills in Demand · Specialist](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skills-in-demand-482-specialist/) | Needs income of AUD 147k+ a year ≈ $102k | 4 yr, renewable | Yes |

## Questions people ask

### How much money do I need for the Skills in Demand · Core?

Income of at least AUD 79,423 a year (≈ $55,300). Core Skills Income Threshold: minimum nominated annual earnings (excluding non-monetary benefits) for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, in addition to the occupation Annual Market Salary Rate. A fee of AUD 4,015 (≈ $2,790). Base application charge, main applicant and each dependant aged 18+; AUD 1,005 (≈ $700) per dependant under 18. A fee of AUD 3,290 (≈ $2,290). Lower base charge for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders (primary applicant passport).

### How long can I stay on the Skills in Demand · Core?

Stay equals the period the employer nominates, up to 4 years (up to 5 years for Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders).

### Can I work on the Skills in Demand · Core?

Yes. Work for the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation; study allowed without government assistance.

### Can I bring my family on the Skills in Demand · Core?

Partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants and are granted for the main applicant period.

### Does the Skills in Demand · Core lead to permanent residence in Australia?

Time on the Skills in Demand · Core counts toward permanent residence in Australia, which the rules allow after 2 years of residence. Time on the Skills in Demand · Core counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 4 years of residence.

### Is there a tax break for Skills in Demand · Core holders in Australia?

Temporary resident exemption for most foreign-source income: Temporary residents who are Australian tax residents generally do not pay Australian tax on most foreign-source income; Australian-source income stays taxable. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions.

## Tax

Special regime

### [Temporary resident exemption for most foreign-source income](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/tax/#tax-au-temporary-resident-foreign-income)

Tax relief

Foreign-source income: Temporary residents

**Details**

- On: Most foreign-source income (exempt)
- Who: Hold a temporary visa

Temporary residents who are Australian tax residents generally do not pay Australian tax on most foreign-source income; Australian-source income stays taxable.

#### Taxed on

Most foreign-source income (exempt); Australian-source income and capital gains on taxable Australian property remain taxable.

#### Who it applies to

- Hold a temporary visa.
- Neither the individual nor their spouse (if any) is an Australian resident under the Social Security Act 1991 (not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or protected Special Category visa holder).

#### Exclusions

- Income from employment or services performed overseas while a temporary resident can still be taxed in Australia, depending on facts and any tax treaty.
- Not available to someone who has at any time after 6 April 2006 been an Australian resident without a temporary visa and with an Australian-resident spouse.

#### Tax residence

A temporary resident can be an Australian resident or a foreign resident for tax purposes; the four statutory residency tests (resides, domicile, 183-day, Commonwealth superannuation) decide residence separately.

#### Visas

Requires a temporary visa; no particular subclass carries the exemption itself.

#### Other taxes

Foreign tax paid on income declared may qualify for a foreign-source income tax offset; foreign-source income and deductions are converted to AUD.

Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

[Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/tax/)

## More in Australia

[National Innovation 858](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/national-innovation-858/) [Skilled Independent 189](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skilled-independent-189/) [Skilled Nominated 190](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skilled-nominated-190/) [Skilled Regional 491](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skilled-work-regional-491/) [Work and Holiday 462](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/work-holiday-462/) [Working Holiday 417](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/working-holiday-417/) [Student visa 500](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/student-500/) [Graduate visa 485](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/temporary-graduate-485/)

## Work visas elsewhere

[🇹🇭 LTR · Highly Skilled](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/thailand/ltr-highly-skilled-professional/) [🇯🇵 Highly Skilled Professional](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/highly-skilled-professional/) [🇮🇩 Special talent visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/indonesia/e33a-special-talent-sponsored/) [🇦🇪 Golden · Senior specialist](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-arab-emirates/golden-specialised-professional/) [🇸🇬 Employment Pass](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/singapore/employment-pass/) [🇲🇾 Residence Pass-Talent](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/malaysia/rp-t/)

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

## How this was checked

**Checked on 2026-10-11 against 5 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

1. [Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skills-in-demand-visa-subclass-482/core-skills-stream) · Department of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2026](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1416) · Department of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Migration Regulations 1994 (compilation current at 1 July 2026): Part 1 definitions, Schedule 1 visa application charges](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-10
4. [Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2 (points system notes: pass marks set by ministerial instrument under section 96)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_2/document_2.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-10
5. [Australian Citizenship Act 2007, section 22 (general residence requirement)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2007A00020/2026-06-04/2026-06-04/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government · checked 2026-10-11

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.