482 to 186 Visa Pathway: Transition from Temporary to Permanent

In case you are an Australian worker on a 482 visa, and you ask, “What is the next step for me as far as a permanent residence visa is concerned?” then the answer is 186 visa through the TRT (Temporary Residence Transition) stream.

The main advantage of this choice is that it provides not only the quickest but also the most secure way for a large number of skilled workers to obtain permanent residence.

This guide will walk you through the entire process, from the 2-year working period requirement, through the eligibility assessments, to the visa application process.

At Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers, we have helped many 482 visa holders become permanent residents, and this paper reveals the way to the same result for you.

Why the 482-to-186 Pathway Is the Gold Standard for PR

There are various ways to get Australian permanent residency, but one of the easiest ones is the 482-to-186 visa pathway.

With the employer sponsoring the visa, the company is fully supporting the employee. Like points-based visas (189 or 190), there are no points tests or waiting for invitations. It is a clear and transparent process: meet the criteria, and you are allowed to apply.

Compared with points-tested visas (like 189/190), the TRT pathway can be more predictable because it’s employer-nominated rather than invitation-based.

Here is the reason why this pathway is so powerful:

Partner Visa Onshore Eligibility Requirements

Not needless to say, you MUST be inside Australia and be of legal age (at least 18 years old) when you apply for this visa online via your ImmiAccount. 

To be eligible to apply for a partner visa onshore, there are several key requirements you and your partner must meet, namely:

• Clear timeline: Sponsor your work for 2 years, then proceed with your application.
• No occupation list stress: It is mandatory to use only one 4-digit occupation in ANZSCO throughout the process.
• Family included: Your spouse and kids will get permanent residency together with you.
• Pathway to citizenship: You will be conferred Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements.

The reason it has come down to the gold standard of a friendly, promoting system in employment is its reliability, systemisation, and practicality.

The Big 2023 – 2025 Changes: Why It’s Now Easier Than Ever

There have been significant changes made by the Australian Government on the 482 to 186 visa transition as of November 2023.

Are You Eligible? The Requirements Checklist

We’ll need to clarify the Temporary Residence Transition stream requirement for the subclass 186.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Hold (or Have Held) a 482 Visa

You generally must hold a subclass 457 or 482, or an eligible bridging visa, in certain circumstances.

2. Worked for Your Sponsor for 2 Years

You should have worked with your nominating employer for at least two years, within the last three years, on a full-time basis, and in the same position. Time spent with other employers is allowed if it is classified under the same ANZSCO code.

For instance, you commenced your 482 visa in the role of Accountant in January 2023. By January 2025, after completing 2 years, you will be eligible to submit your application for the 186 TRT visa.

3. English Language Proficiency

The minimum requirement is an IELTS score of at least 6.0 in all four bands, or a PTE Academic score of 50 in all components. Other tests that are accepted include TOEFL iBT, OET, or CAE. The test results must range within a period of three years.

4. Under 45 Years of Age

You must be younger than 45 when applying.

However, high-income earners (over A$180,000) may be exempt from the age requirement, along with certain specified occupations under Labour Agreements or personal care workers.

5. Skills Assessment (Usually Not Required)

For the TRT stream, your 2 years of work are sufficient proof of your skills; no new assessment is needed.

6. Health & Character

You need health exams and police checks, like in the 482 application.

7. Employer Nomination

Your employer is required to present a legitimate nomination for a permanent full-time job. 

If you meet all the criteria, then congratulations, you are already ready to start your PR journey.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Are you set to submit your application? The process is as follows: a two-step game: initially, a nomination from your employer, then a visa application from you. We can make it clearer and more down-to-earth by dissecting it.

Stage 1: Employer Lodges Nomination (Usually 1–3 Months)

To begin with, the employer files a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs. The following are required to be submitted:

• Proof in documents that they have been granted the status of an approved Standard Business Sponsor.
• Showing the position’s (job description, employment contract) legitimacy.
• Proof that your salary is at least the minimum (AUD $76,515+ as of July 2025) and is also the market rate.
• An employment reference stating that you have been with them for at least two years.
• The payment of the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy:
  • $3,000 if turnover < $10 million
  • $5,000 if turnover ≥ $10 million

Stage 2: You Lodge the 186 Visa Application

This may be done with your employer or after your nomination is approved within six months, whichever date is later. To carry out the application, you need to submit the following documents:

• A visa application form for ImmiAccount that has been filled out
• Proof of Identity (passport, birth certificate)
• The English test results (IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent)
• Medical and police checks
• Employment evidence (contracts, payslips, tax returns)
• Referrals concerning relationship and character (if family members are included)
• Visa fee: Approximately AUD $4,770 for the principal applicant and additional costs for dependants

Stage 3: Health and Character Assessment

It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Make a reservation with a certified panel doctor, get police clearance certificates, and answer departmental questions swiftly.

Stage 4: Decision on Visa

Times for processing:

• 11 months or less for 75% of cases
• 14 months or less for 90% of cases
• 10 months is the median.

Result: The visa was approved, and you have become a permanent resident. 

Time taken: 12 to 18 months from nomination to PR. It is a long wait, but absolutely worth it.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

A big turning point in life is getting a resident’s permit; it is not only about the longer stay but also about the feeling of togetherness.

You are given the right to:

• Live, work, and study in Australia with no time limit
• Enjoy Medicare (public health care access)
• Secure notice from the sponsor within 90 days of submission to the relatives of the cases fulfilled.
• Go in and out of Australia easily for 5 years.
• If you’ve been in the country long enough, commence the citizenship process.

You are no longer tied to your sponsor’s employment; you are free to switch jobs without any limits. Your dependents and spouse are also free to work and study anywhere without any limitations.

Assuming you obtain PR at the beginning of 2025. By 2029, you have already done your residency requirement, and in 2030, 

This is the possibility of this route.

Common Concerns – Real Answers

What if my employer won’t nominate me?

Most 482 sponsors are thinking of the long term and will support you. In case not, you can switch employers but only if you work in the same occupation; besides, your 2-year clock continues running uninterrupted.

What if I turn 45 soon?

Lodge your application before your 45th birthday, or see if exemptions apply to you as a high-income earner, and/or under certain Work Agreements.

Can my family be included?

Certainly, your partner and dependent children can be included in your 186 application, and they will receive permanent residency as well.

How much does this all cost?

The SAF levy ($3k–5k) is paid by the employer, and you are responsible for the visa fees (approximately $4,770 for the main applicant, plus dependents). Don’t forget to add costs for medical exams, police checks, and English testing.

Why You Need Expert Guidance for This Transition

The visa path of 482 to 186 might look straightforward, but eventually, over time, the amount of documents required and the legal regulations become major considerations. The slightest mistake can delay your application for permanent residency or even lead to its rejection.

That’s why the Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers are here for you. Our expertise lies in employer-sponsored immigration, covering everything from eligibility checks to nominations and visa application processes. We will work hand-in-hand with your employer, take care of the paperwork, and keep track of the dates so that you can give your full attention to your job. 

You’ve put in a lot of effort over the past two years to get to this stage. Don’t take chances with a DIY error. Allow our seasoned professionals to assist you in a smooth and confident manner through your 482 pathway to PR. Contact Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers today to discuss your 482 to 186 visa transition.

Conclusion

The 482-to-186 route is still the best and the only one that is a very accurate and dependable way to get permanent residency in Australia. After two years of working for your employer who sponsors you, you will be allowed to submit your PR application, which is a significant change from the earlier three-year condition.

Your PR dream is really close to becoming a reality. Every year, thousands of skilled workers change their status from 482 to 186 by working in Australia long-term and gaining stability.