The most common pathway to permanent residence through employer sponsorship is the 482 to 186 route. You start on a 482 visa, work for your employer for the qualifying period, then apply for the 186 through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Step 1: make sure you are on the Medium-Term stream
Not all 482 streams lead to permanent residence. Only the Medium-Term stream provides a pathway to the 186. The Short-Term stream does not. Check your visa grant letter to confirm your stream. If you are on the Short-Term stream, the 186 TRT pathway is not available. Talk to us about alternatives.
Step 2: work the qualifying period
You need at least two years of full-time work for your nominating employer. Full-time generally means 35 or more hours per week. Part-time does not count. The period has changed over the years, so check what applies to your specific 482 grant.
Step 3: employer nominates you for the 186
Your employer lodges a nomination. They must still be an approved sponsor, the position must still exist, and the salary must be at or above market rate.
Step 4: you apply for the 186 visa
You need to meet age (under 45 at application), English, health and character requirements.
Common problems on the 482 to 186 pathway
Changing employers during the qualifying period generally resets the clock. Taking leave that reduces your hours below full-time. The employer withdrawing the nomination. The occupation being removed from the skills list. Gaps between the 482 expiring and the 186 being lodged.
If your 482 is about to expire and you have not applied for the 186, contact us urgently. Timing matters.
482 about to expire? Act now.
If your 482 visa is expiring in the next three months and your 186 application has not been lodged, call us on 0425 825 500. Losing your visa status before the 186 is lodged creates serious problems.
How Robbie Toor (MARN 1170356) helps
Robbie manages the 482 to 186 pathway from start to finish, including the nomination, the visa application and advising on timing and eligibility. He works with both employers and visa holders.