The Subclass 482 to Subclass 186 Pathway

The most common route to PR for temporary workers is through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) - Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

Recent updates by the Department of Home Affairs have made this pathway more accessible than ever. Previously, only those with occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) were eligible. Now, all Subclass 482 visa holders, regardless of whether their occupation is on the short-term or medium-term list, have a direct pathway to PR.

Eligibility Requirements for 2026

To successfully transition from a temporary work visa to a 186 PR visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Work Experience: You must have worked for your sponsoring employer on your 482 visa full-time for at least two years (down from the previous three-year requirement).

• Employer Sponsorship: Your current employer must be willing to offer you a permanent position and nominate you for the Subclass 186 visa.

• English Proficiency: You need to demonstrate "Competent English" (e.g., a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 across all bands or a PTE score of 50).

• Age Limit: You must generally be under the age of 45 at the time of application, though some exemptions apply to specific regional workers or high-income earners.

What If You Are on a 485 Graduate Visa?

If you hold a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you cannot directly apply for the 186 TRT stream. However, you can use your 485 visa to gain the required post-qualification work experience. Once you have enough experience, you can either:

1. Apply for a skilled migration visa independently (like the 189 or 190).

2. Find an employer to sponsor you for a 482 visa, work for two years, and then transition to the 186 PR visa.

Navigating employer sponsorship can be complex. At Everest Global Education, our registered migration agents in Perth can assess your work history and guide both you and your employer through the nomination process.

Tags: #PermanentResidency #WorkInAustralia #PRPathways #Subclass186 #Subclass482