In 2026, the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa—which replaced the old TSS visa—has streamlined requirements for graduates. The answer to whether you need a new skills assessment depends entirely on your occupation and passport. 

For most international graduates transitioning from a 485 to a 482, a formal skills assessment is not mandatory, provided you meet the 2026 “1-year experience” rule.

1. The General Rule for 2026

Under the Core Skills Stream (the most common path for 485 holders), a skills assessment is generally not required unless your occupation is on the “Mandatory List.”

• Graduate Exemption: If you have an Australian qualification relevant to your role, you are often exempt from the mandatory assessment requirement for a 482 visa, even in trade occupations. 
• The 1-Year Rule: Instead of a skills assessment, you must prove you have one year of full-time relevant work experience within the last five years. 

2. When Is a Skills Assessment Mandatory?

In 2026, you must have a positive skills assessment if you meet both of these criteria:

1. Occupation: You are in a specific trade or professional role (e.g., Chef, Cook, Mechanic, Program/Project Administrator). 
2. Passport: You hold a passport from a specific country listed in the legislative instrument (commonly including India, Vietnam, Philippines, China, and South Africa for trades). 

Important: Even if it’s not “mandatory,” the Department of Home Affairs reserves the right to request a skills assessment at their discretion if they are not satisfied with your documented experience. 

3. 2026 Exemption Checklist

You likely do not need a new skills assessment for the 482 if:

• Australian Degree: You hold a relevant Australian qualification (Degree, Diploma, or Trade Cert) and are working in that field. 
• High Salary: You are being sponsored in the Specialist Skills Stream with a salary over $145,000.
• Previous Assessment: You already have a positive assessment that is less than 3 years old (e.g., from your 485 Post-Vocational stream application).

4. Skills Assessment Validity (2026)

If you do need an assessment, pay close attention to the expiration:

• Standard Validity: 3 years from the date of issue.
• Timing: For mandatory occupations, the assessment must be commenced before you lodge the visa application. Lodging without a reference number for a mandatory assessment will result in an invalid application. 

5. Summary Table: 485 to 482 Transition