Core Requirements
- Age: Under 45 years at the time of application. Exemptions are available for high earners ($175,000+ annually for three consecutive years), senior academics nominated by Australian universities, scientists or researchers nominated by government agencies, regional medical practitioners, and New Zealand citizens with two years of employment with the nominating employer.
- Skills Assessment: Mandatory for the Direct Entry stream and conducted by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation (Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS, CPA/CA ANZ). It is valid for three years from the issue date. A skills assessment is not required for Temporary Residence Transition stream applicants.
- Work Experience: The Direct Entry stream requires a minimum of three years of full-time, post-qualification experience in your nominated occupation. The Temporary Residence Transition stream requires two years of work with a sponsoring employer while holding a 482 or 457 visa (multiple positions or roles with the same employer may be accepted under updated 2025 rules).
Salary and Employer Requirements
- Minimum Salary: The position must pay at least AUD 76,515 annually (Core Skills Income Threshold 2025), excluding superannuation. It must also meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) what Australian workers earn in equivalent roles at the same location and workplace.
- High Earner Exemption: Salaries exceeding $250,000 annually are exempt from AMSR requirements, providing flexibility for senior executive roles. This threshold applies to base salary only.
- Employer SAF Levy: Employers must pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy when lodging a nomination $3,000 for businesses with an annual turnover under $10 million, or $5,000 for turnover over $10 million. This levy cannot legally be transferred to the visa applicant; breaches may result in significant fines and criminal charges.
- Position Requirements: The position must be genuine, full-time (minimum 35 hours per week), available for at least two years from visa grant, and offer terms and conditions no less favourable than those provided to Australian workers in equivalent roles. Cash-for-sponsorship arrangements have been prohibited since December 2015.
