482 Visa Pathway to Permanent Residency

The Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa provides skilled workers with an opportunity to live and work in Australia temporarily. While it is not a permanent visa, it can serve as a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR). Most commonly, 482 visa holders transition to PR through employer sponsorship under the Subclass 186 visa, though regional and direct entry options may also be available depending on individual circumstances.

3 Ways to Get PR from 482 Visa:

A) 186 Visa – Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

This is the most common pathway from 482 to PR.

You may be eligible if:

• You have worked for your employer on a 482 visa
• You have worked in the nominated occupation for at least 2 years full-time (recent rule update reduced from 3 years)
• Your employer is willing to nominate you for PR
• You are under 45 years old (some exemptions apply)
• You meet English and skill requirements

This pathway allows you to apply for PR while staying with your current employer.

B) 186 Visa – Direct Entry Stream

If you:

• Have 3 years of relevant work experience
• Have a positive skills assessment
• Meet English requirements

You can apply directly for PR, even without completing 2 years on a 482 visa.

C) 494 Regional Pathway (If You’re in a Regional Area)

If you’re on a 482 in a regional area, your employer may nominate you for:

• Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – provisional)

After 3 years on a 494 visa, you can apply for:

• Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Regional)

Key Things to Check

• Is your occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list?
• Is your employer eligible and willing to sponsor PR?
• Are you under 45? (Exemptions exist for some occupations)
• Do you meet English and health requirements?

Key Things to Check

• Is your occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list?
• Is your employer eligible and willing to sponsor PR?
• Are you under 45? (Exemptions exist for some occupations)
• Do you meet English and health requirements?