Are you thinking of turning your Australian work experience into a permanent future? You’re not alone if you’re currently on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa. Thousands of skilled migrants are eyeing the next logical step — a 482 to 186 visa transition — to secure Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia.
The good news? 2025 brings promising updates and simplified pathways that make this transition smoother. Let’s walk through how to move from a 482 to 186 visa, what’s changed, and what you must prepare.
Why Transition from a 482 to a 186 Visa?
The Subclass 186 visa, also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to stay in Australia indefinitely. This is the ultimate goal for many TSS visa holders — offering stability, family security, and a path to citizenship.
Unlike the temporary nature of the 482 visa, the 186 visa opens doors to PR benefits, including:
- Access to Medicare
- Eligibility to sponsor family members
- Freedom to work, study, or live anywhere in Australia
- A more straightforward path to citizenship
482 to 186 Visa New Rules 2024 – What’s Changed?
Thanks to recent immigration reforms, transitioning from TSS 482 to 186 has become more inclusive and accessible.
Here are some key 2024 rule changes:
- Short-term stream eligibility: Previously limited, now even short-term 482 visa holders may be eligible under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, provided they’ve worked with their employer for at least two years.
- Expanded occupation lists: More jobs now qualify for the 186 visas, especially in health, education, and trades.
- Age flexibility: Some exemptions apply for high-skill roles or regional areas. Without an exemption, applicants need to be younger than 45 at the time of application.
These 482 to 186 visa new rules are designed to support Australia’s economic growth by retaining talented professionals already contributing to the workforce.
482 Visa to 186 Visa Requirements: What Do You Need?
To qualify for the transition from a 482 to a 186 visa under the Temporary Residence Transition stream, you’ll need to meet several conditions:
- Employed in the same occupation on your 482 visa for at least 2 of the last 3 years
- Sponsored by the same employer willing to nominate you
- Meet English language, skills, and health & character requirements.
- Be under 45 years of age (some exceptions apply)
Alternatively, under the 482 to 186 direct entry stream, workers can be nominated without the two-year work requirement — ideal for high-demand roles or those with extensive qualifications.
At Stepping Stones Career Solutions, we help applicants determine the best stream and guide them through document prep, nomination, and application filing — ensuring your PR journey stays stress-free.
482 to 186 Visa Processing Time
Processing times can vary based on your application’s stream, occupation, and completeness. As of early 2025, typical timelines are:
- Temporary Residence Transition stream: 6–10 months
- Direct Entry stream: 4–7 months
- Labour Agreement stream: case-by-case basis
To speed things up, ensure all documentation is accurate and complete. Our migration team at Stepping Stones has helped hundreds of applicants cut down processing delays by pre-assessing all risk points early in the journey.
What About 482 to 186 Bridging Visa?
Once you’ve applied for your 186 visa while holding a 482, you may be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This visa allows you to stay in Australia lawfully while your 186 visa is being processed. However, it’s essential to maintain valid conditions and travel rights.
Planning overseas travel during the bridging period? We can help you apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to avoid complications.
Can You Move from 482 Labour Agreements to 186 Visa?
Yes! If you’re on a Labour Agreement 482 visa, you may still transition to PR via the Labour Agreement stream of the 186 visa. However, this requires:
- A nomination from your employer under an approved Labour Agreement
- Fulfillment of occupation-specific and agreement-specific criteria
Expert migration guidance is essential since Labour Agreement rules vary by industry and business. Our team at Stepping Stones can assess your eligibility and liaise directly with your sponsoring employer for a seamless switch.
Real Success Stories: TSS 482 to 186 in Action
At Stepping Stones Career Solutions , we’ve helped countless clients leap temporary to permanent residency.
Take Ravi, a chef from India, on a TSS visa working in regional Victoria. With our help, his employer-sponsored nomination was approved within 5 months, and he’s now a proud permanent resident — with his family onshore and thriving.
Stories like Ravi’s highlight what’s possible when a trusted migration agent guides you.
Ready to Make the Move from 482 to 186?
Whether you’re exploring your 482 to 186 pathway, confused about the new rules, or seeking expert advice for a direct entry or labor agreement transition, we’re here to help.
Book a personalized consultation today with Stepping Stones Career Solutions — your trusted partner for Australian visa transitions and permanent residency strategies.
Visit us or call our Melbourne team(+61 1300 288 472) to begin your PR journey.
Let’s make your dream of becoming an Australian permanent resident a reality.
References:
Department of Home Affairs (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/employer-nomination-scheme-186/temporary-residence-transition-stream)
