The Skills in Demand Visa includes three distinct, income-tiered pathways:
-
Specialist Skills Pathway: Designed for highly skilled professionals earning at least AUD146,576 annually (current as of 1 July 2026). This streamlined pathway features accelerated 7-day processing and does not require an occupation list, though trades, machinery operators, drivers, and laborers are excluded.
-
Core Skills Pathway: The primary stream for most skilled workers. To qualify, your occupation must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and you must earn at least AAUD79,423 annually (current as of 1 July 2026).
-
Essential Skills Pathway: A highly regulated, sector-specific pathway designed for essential workers earning under the Core Skills threshold. It focuses initially on critical sectors experiencing severe shortages, such as aged care and disability support.
