For workers planning to work in Australia

Employer-sponsored jobs in Australia: how nomination and salary rules affect you

For a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) job, the employer nominates a position and pays at least the required salary. For Core Skills nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 the threshold is AUD 79,423, and the pay must also meet the market rate for the role. You cannot nominate yourself.

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By CrossNation Editorial Team. Sources checked 4 October 2026.

Official data

Key facts from official sources

Core Skills threshold

AUD 79,423 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

Source: Home Affairs: Salary requirements to nominate a worker (retrieved 4 October 2026)

Specialist Skills threshold

AUD 146,576 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

Source: Home Affairs: Salary requirements to nominate a worker (retrieved 4 October 2026)

Specialist Skills occupations

Limited to ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6.

Source: Home Affairs: Skills in Demand visa, Specialist Skills stream (retrieved 4 October 2026)

Labour Agreement stream

For skilled workers nominated by employers who have a labour agreement with the government.

Source: Home Affairs: Skills in Demand visa, Labour agreement stream (retrieved 4 October 2026)

Job seeker guide

What you need to know

Who does what?

The employer applies to be an approved sponsor, advertises the role, nominates the position and pays the required salary. You apply for the visa once a nomination exists. Home Affairs decides each step. A recruiter such as CrossNation introduces you to employers but has no role in those decisions. If someone offers to guarantee a nomination or visa in exchange for a payment, treat it as a warning sign and check with a registered migration agent and the Home Affairs website.

What does the salary rule mean for an offer?

Home Affairs sets income thresholds by the date the nomination is lodged. For Core Skills nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 the threshold is AUD 79,423, and for Specialist Skills it is AUD 146,576. The salary must also be at least the market salary rate for an equivalent Australian worker in the same role and location. When you receive an offer that is to be sponsored, ask what the nominated salary is and whether it is guaranteed annual earnings. If the figure is below the relevant threshold the nomination will have a problem, and you should speak to a migration agent before resigning from a job.

Which streams exist?

The Skills in Demand visa has three streams. Core Skills is for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List. Specialist Skills is for occupations in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 and is a higher-salary stream. The Labour Agreement stream is for workers nominated by employers that hold a labour agreement with the government. Your occupation decides which stream, if any, could apply, so look up your own occupation on the Home Affairs lists and ask a registered migration agent to confirm.

Your rights once you are working

Sponsored workers have the same workplace rights as other employees. Home Affairs says sponsor obligations exist to protect overseas workers from exploitation and to stop visa programs undercutting local wages and conditions. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes guidance for visa holders and migrants on pay, entitlements and how to raise a problem. If something is wrong with your pay or conditions, you can ask the Fair Work Ombudsman for help.

Live jobs

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These counts are live from the CrossNation job board. A listing is not a job offer, and it does not mean the employer sponsors visas. Ask about sponsorship before you rely on a role.

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A recruiter reviews profiles against roles as employers brief us. Listings are not job offers.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a sponsored visa without an employer?

No. These visas need an employer to sponsor and nominate you. Other visa types have different rules, so ask a registered migration agent.

Does CrossNation guarantee a nomination?

No. Nomination is the employer's decision and approval is Home Affairs' decision.

What salary should my offer show?

At least the relevant income threshold and the market salary rate for the role. Ask the employer to confirm the nominated salary.

Can I move to another employer later?

Generally a new employer needs its own approval and nomination. Read the change-employer guide for people already in Australia, and ask a migration agent before resigning.

Where can I check my workplace rights?

Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's visa holders and migrants page.