Australia Nurse Migration

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) for nurses

The 482 Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024. It is the main temporary employer-sponsored visa.

Covers:VisaEmploymentLast reviewed 10 November 2026
Smiling registered nurse in teal scrubs in a hospital corridor overlooking Sydney Harbour

How it works

An approved employer sponsor nominates you for a position. Nurses are usually nominated in the Core Skills stream, which uses the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Several registered nurse occupations appear on the CSOL. After the nomination, you apply for the visa.

Salary rules

The nominated salary must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold and the annual market salary rate for the role, whichever is higher. The threshold is indexed every 1 July; the figure that applies is the one in force when the nomination is lodged. Check Home Affairs for the current amount.

Key requirements

  • A genuine position with an approved sponsor
  • Relevant work experience (generally at least one year)
  • English at the level required for the stream
  • Registration or eligibility for registration for the role
  • Skills assessment if required for your circumstances
  • Health and character requirements

Permanent residency

Many 482 holders later apply for the 186 through the Temporary Residence Transition stream after a period of sponsored work. The required period and conditions are set by Home Affairs and have changed under the Skills in Demand reforms.

Costs: visa application charges are set by Home Affairs and usually change on 1 July. Use the official visa pricing estimator. Budget separately for skills assessment, English tests, health checks, police certificates and translations.
This page is general information, not migration advice. Eligibility depends on your circumstances. For advice, use a registered migration agent.

Official sources to check

Last checked 10 November 2026. If a rule here conflicts with the official page, the official page is correct. Report an error.