482 to PR — the 482 → 186 pathway
How to get permanent residency from a 482 visa · 2026 guide · Last updated 20 June 2026
For most holders, the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa is a stepping stone, not a destination. The standard route to permanent residence is the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream — and Skills in Demand made this pathway materially faster.
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The 2-year rule (down from 3)
Under Skills in Demand, the TRT employment requirement was reduced from 3 years to 2 years in the nominated occupation, measured within the 3 years before the nomination. Crucially, time with any approved sponsor counts — you are no longer locked to a single employer, and periods between nomination lodgement and approval count too.
Important 2025 change: from 29 November 2025, employment only counts toward the 2 years where your employer was an approved work sponsor at the time. Work done for non-sponsor employers during the 180-day job-search windows between sponsors does not count toward PR.
The steps from 482 to PR
- Work 2 years with an approved sponsor in the nominated occupation.
- Confirm eligibility — under 45 (unless exempt), salary at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold ($76,515, rising to $79,499 on 1 July 2026), occupation and skills requirements met.
- Employer lodges the 186 nomination (Temporary Residence Transition stream).
- You lodge the 186 visa application with employment, identity, health and character evidence. On grant, you and your included family hold permanent residence.
The age limit is the real constraint
The 482 itself has no age limit, but the 186 generally requires you to be under 45 at the time of nomination. Exceptions exist (certain high-income earners, some academics and researchers, regional medical practitioners, and some long-term visa holders), but for most people the under-45 rule — not the 482 — is the binding deadline. If PR is the goal, plan the 2-year qualifying period so the 186 nomination lands before you turn 45.
If TRT doesn't fit: the Direct Entry stream
The 186 also has a Direct Entry stream for applicants without the qualifying employment history. It generally requires a positive skills assessment and 3 years of relevant work experience. The full 186 process — both streams — is covered in the 186 Visa Permanent Residency Guide.
Plan your 482 → PR timeline
A 30-minute consultation will map your 2-year qualifying period against the age limit, confirm the income and occupation requirements, and outline the 186 steps and costs. Consultation fee: $200 + GST. Tax invoice with MARN issued.
Book Consultation →Frequently asked questions
How do I get PR from a 482 visa?
The most common route is the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. After working in the nominated occupation for 2 years with an approved sponsor, the employer nominates you for permanent residence. You must be under 45 (with exceptions), meet the income threshold and skills requirements, and the sponsor must meet its obligations.
How long do I need to be on a 482 before applying for PR?
Two years. Under Skills in Demand the Temporary Residence Transition requirement was reduced from 3 years to 2 years of employment in the nominated occupation, measured within the 3 years before the nomination. Time with any approved sponsor counts — you are not tied to one employer.
Does work during the 180-day job-search period count toward PR?
No. From 29 November 2025, employment only counts toward the 2-year requirement where your employer was an approved work sponsor at the time. Work performed for non-sponsor employers during the 180-day periods between sponsors does not count toward the TRT requirement.
Is there an age limit for 482 to 186 PR?
Yes. The 186 generally requires you to be under 45 at the time of nomination. There are exceptions — for example certain high-income earners, some academics and researchers, and regional medical practitioners — but for most applicants the under-45 rule is the binding constraint, not the 482 itself.
What if I don't qualify for the TRT stream?
The 186 also has a Direct Entry stream, which does not require prior employment with the sponsor but generally requires a positive skills assessment and 3 years of relevant work experience. Depending on circumstances, a regional pathway or a points-tested skilled visa may also be options.
Related
- 482 Skills in Demand visa — the temporary visa that starts the pathway
- 186 Visa Permanent Residency Guide — both 186 streams in detail
- Core Skills Occupation List — is your occupation on the 482 list?
- 482 Specialist Skills stream — the high-income pathway
This page contains general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Eligibility rules, age exemptions and income thresholds are set by the Australian Government and change over time — verify current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs before making decisions. Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid consultation under the Migration Agents Code of Conduct 2022, with a written service agreement issued first.
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