Updated: 18 October 2026
A Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) may lead to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), if your employer nominates you and you meet the relevant criteria.
Current 482 streams
Since 7 December 2024, new 482 applications use the Core Skills, Specialist Skills or Labour Agreement stream. These replaced the TSS framework for new applications. Existing TSS holders should check their grant notice and the transition rules.
186 Temporary Residence Transition stream
The general employment requirement is at least two years of eligible sponsored employment in the relevant three-year period. The occupation does not have to appear on a separate TRT occupation list. You must still satisfy the applicable age, English, health, character and other requirements, and your employer must obtain an approved nomination.
Holding a 482 visa for two years does not by itself establish eligibility. The type and duration of your sponsored employment matter. Do not assume every period with an employer counts, or that changing sponsors necessarily resets the entire period.
186 Direct Entry stream
Direct Entry is a separate option. It generally requires an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, a suitable skills assessment and at least three years of relevant work experience, unless an exemption applies. You do not necessarily need to hold a 482 first.
Check the Home Affairs 186 information for the current requirements. An available pathway is not a guarantee of visa approval.
Labour Agreement Stream
A 186 can be applied for through the Labour Agreement stream if your employer sponsor has their own Labour Agreement.
A Labour Agreement can bring certain benefits for 482 applicants. The main benefits that may exist for you are:
- Ability to apply for the 186 over the age of 45
- Ability to apply without the need for a formal English test
- Exemptions for specific occupations that are not on the relevant occupation lists.
All 186 Applications have their own requirements
Applying for the 186 will require you to meet the following:
- You are nominated by an approved Australian employer
- You have worked for your employer full-time and in the same position they are sponsoring you for in Australia for at least three out of the previous four years.
- You are under 45 years of age (limited exceptions can apply to this)
- You have at least competent English
- You have the required skills and qualifications for the position you have been nominated for
- You meet the health and character requirements
You can apply for the 186 visa while you are still on your TSS visa. If your visa expires after you lodge your application, you will be placed on a bridging visa until your 186 visa application is assessed. Once your 186 visa is granted, you will become a permanent resident of Australia.
Alternative ways to move from a 482 to PR
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
The 494 may be an option if you are employed in a regional location.
The 494 Visa leads to PR through the 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
This could be a pathway for those who work regionally on occupations, and are otherwise not eligible for the 186 visa.
Skilled Independent – 190 Visa
Depending on your occupation, you may be able to apply for a Skilled Nominated (190) visa. As a skilled independent visa, the 190 is points based, so you will not require employer sponsorship. Instead you apply to be nominated by a State or Territory. Your likelihood of being nominated depends on a number of factors including your occupation, your skills, qualifications and work experience, and which locations you apply for.
Skilled Independent – 189 Visa
Depending on your occupation, you may be eligible to apply for a Skilled Independent (189) visa. The Subclass 189 visa is a points-based visa category, meaning you do not need employer sponsorship. Instead, applicants must meet the points threshold based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skills, qualifications, and work experience.
Unlike the Subclass 190 visa, which requires nomination by a State or Territory government, the Subclass 189 visa allows individuals to apply independently, without the need for state or territory sponsorship.
Your eligibility for the Subclass 189 visa will depend on being able to demonstrate that you meet the points that were stipulated in your EOI.
Partner Visa
If you do not meet the requirements for a work visa, you may, depending on your life circumstances, be eligible to apply for a Partner Visa. If you are in a defacto or married relationship with an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, then this could be a way for you to become PR without having to rely on an employer sponsored visa.
Key Learnings
Finding a pathway to Permanent Residency can require some strategic planning for many. If you need assistance, book in a consult with one of our team members.
