Moving from visa 482 to 186 is a common path for sponsored workers transitioning from temporary to permanent residence. Moving from visa 482 to 186 goes through the Temporary Residence Transition stream. This article explains it in detail.
How moving from visa 482 to 186 works
Moving from visa 482 to 186 is done through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the 186 visa. This is a permanent residence path specifically for people holding a 482 visa who have worked for their sponsoring employer for long enough.
The path from visa 482 to 186 does not require a separate Skills Assessment (except in some special cases), does not go through the points test, and does not require experience outside the 482. This is a major point of flexibility in this path.
Specific conditions
To move from visa 482 to 186 via TRT, applicants need: to have held a 482 visa and worked for their sponsoring employer for at least 2 years within the 3 years before applying for the 186 (reduced from 3 years under the old rules).
Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each skill or equivalent), under 45 years of age at the time the nomination is submitted, a license to practice if the profession is a regulated profession. The employer must be willing to sponsor the applicant for permanent residence.
Process and timeline
The process has two steps. The employer submits a nomination for a permanent position. Once the nomination is approved, the applicant submits the 186 visa application within 6 months.
Processing time for the 186 TRT visa is usually 6-15 months depending on the application. While waiting, the applicant continues working on the 482 visa. Specific regulations may be updated; those interested should check current conditions before negotiating with an employer.
You should refer to official Home Affairs website and Home Affairs – Skilled visas to check current conditions.
Summary
Moving from visa 482 to 186 via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream: hold the 482 and work for the sponsoring employer for at least 2 years within 3 years before applying for the 186 (reduced from 3 years). Competent English IELTS 6.0+, under 45, regulated professions need a license. No separate Skills Assessment/points test required. Two-step process, processing takes 6-15 months.
