Do you hold a 482 visa and want to stay in Australia for good? Then you need to know the new rules for 482 visa to permanent residency.
The short version is simple. Work for your sponsor for two years, get nominated, and apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186). Most 482 holders can now use this path.
Some details changed in 2026, though. Visa fees went up. Salary floors went up. And Home Affairs now decides 482 applications in a set order. This guide explains each point in plain words. It is up to date as of November 2026.
New Rules for 482 Visa to Permanent Residency: Quick Facts
The 482 visa is now called the Skills in Demand (SID) visa. It replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. You can stay up to 4 years, or up to 5 years if you hold a Hong Kong passport. Read the official details on the Home Affairs 482 visa page.
Here are the key points for your move to PR:
- The main PR path is the subclass 186 visa, Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
- You need 2 years of full-time work in your nominated job, within the last 3 years.
- Most 482 holders can use this path, not only those on the old medium-term list.
- You must usually be under 45 and have Competent English.
- The 186 visa fee is now $6,140 for the main applicant (from 1 July 2026).
- The Core Skills salary floor is $79,499 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026.
What Changed for 482 Visa Holders Seeking PR
The changes came in steps, not all at once. Here is the order:
| Topic | Old rule | Current rule |
|---|---|---|
| Visa name | TSS (482) | Skills in Demand (482), since 7 Dec 2024 |
| Work time for 186 TRT | 3 years | 2 years in the last 3 years |
| Short-term 482 holders | No direct PR path | Can apply through 186 TRT |
| 482 visa fee | $3,210 | $4,015 (from 1 July 2026) |
| 186 visa fee | $4,910 | $6,140 (from 1 July 2026) |
| Core Skills salary floor | $76,515 | $79,499 (nominations from 1 July 2026) |
Some websites call the two-year rule “new in 2026”. That is not right. It started in November 2023. What is new this year is the cost and salary side.
New Rules for 482 Visa to Permanent Residency: Who Qualifies
Home Affairs sets the rules for the TRT stream on its 186 TRT stream page. Here is a quick checklist first. Then we explain each part.
| Requirement | What to check |
|---|---|
| Visa | You hold a 482 or 457 visa, or a related bridging visa. |
| Work | 2 years full-time in your nominated job, inside the last 3 years. |
| Sponsor | Your latest sponsor nominates you. The business must still be running. |
| Skills assessment | Usually not needed for the TRT stream. |
| Age | Under 45 when you apply, unless an exemption applies. |
| English | Competent English (IELTS 6 in each part, or equivalent). |
| Pay | Meets the market rate and the salary floor of $79,499. |
| Health and character | You pass medical and police checks. |
How Many Years of Work Do You Need?
You need at least two years of full-time work in your nominated job. Those two years must sit inside the three years before you apply.
Time with earlier approved sponsors can count. But the employer who nominates you for PR must be your most recent sponsor.
What Your Sponsor Must Do
Your employer must still run the business in Australia. The job must be full-time, ongoing and real. It should match the role you were sponsored for.
The employer lodges the nomination first. Then you apply for the visa. You can see this order on the Smart Move Australia page.
The Age Limit of 45 Explained
You must be under 45 on the day you apply. A few exemptions exist, such as for some academics and scientists. If you are close to 45, start early. A missed date cannot be fixed.
English Level You Need for the 186 Visa
The 186 visa needs Competent English. That means IELTS 6 in each part, or an equal score in another approved test. This is usually higher than the level you needed for your 482.
Book your test early. Check that your result is still valid on the day you apply.
Salary Rules Your Employer Must Meet
Your pay must match the market rate for your job. It must also meet the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT). The CSIT is $79,499 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026.
Ask your employer to check your salary before they lodge. A pay gap can stop the nomination.
482 to PR in 5 Simple Steps
Take step one first. Many people count their time wrongly. Write down each start date, each employer and each break.
If your 482 ends while you wait, a bridging visa may apply. This depends on your case, so ask your agent.
What 482 to PR Costs After 1 July 2026
Fees rose on 1 July 2026. The new price applies if you lodge on or after that date. Here are the main costs:
| Item | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| 482 visa fee (base) | From $4,015 | Employer or you |
| 186 visa, main applicant | $6,140 | You |
| 186 visa, each extra applicant 18+ | $3,070 | You |
| Nomination fee and SAF levy | Set by Home Affairs | Employer |
| Medicals, police checks, English test | Varies | You |
Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens can get a lower 482 fee from 1 July 2026. Use the Visa Pricing Estimator on the Home Affairs website to check your exact fee. Start from the 186 visa page.
Changing Jobs Before You Apply for PR
Many people change jobs while on a 482. This is allowed, but plan it with care.
- Time with earlier approved sponsors can count toward your two years.
- The employer who nominates you must be your latest sponsor.
- If you leave a sponsor, you can have up to 180 days in a row to find a new one, lodge a new visa or leave Australia.
- Start work with the new employer only after you understand the nomination dates.
A small mistake with dates can cut your count. Speak to a migration agent before you resign.
Processing Order Under Ministerial Direction 121
Home Affairs now decides 482 applications under Ministerial Direction 121. At the time of writing, its 482 page says it is processing applications lodged in this order:
- June 2026: construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources, plus law enforcement and defence.
- July 2026: Specialist Skills stream.
- January 2026: applicants who were in Australia when they lodged.
- October 2025: primary applicants who were outside Australia and not combined with another person’s application.
- October 2025: all other offshore applicants.
Home Affairs also warns that dates can change while it moves to the new priorities. Some times may get longer. This list is for the 482. For 186 timing, use the processing time guide on the Home Affairs website. It is a guide only and does not predict your case.
Other Ways to Get PR From a 482 Visa
The 186 TRT stream is not your only option. Depending on your case, you can also look at:
- 186 Direct Entry: needs a skills assessment and at least 3 years of work in the job.
- Regional path: a regional employer sponsors you on a 494 visa. You can later move to a 191 visa when you meet the time and income rules.
- Points-tested visas: the 189, 190 and 491 visas do not need an employer, but they are competitive.
Read our guide on 186 visa requirements to compare the streams side by side.
Mistakes That Can Delay Your 482 Visa PR
- Waiting until age 44 to start the process.
- Booking the English test too late.
- Counting time wrongly after a job change.
- Missing the new $79,499 salary floor.
- Assuming your employer will raise PR first. Many do not.
Fix these early and your application is much safer.
482 Visa to PR: Your Questions Answered
Can I get PR after 2 years on a 482 visa?
Yes, it is possible. You need 2 years of full-time work in the last 3 years, an employer nomination, and you must meet age, English, health and character rules.
Do all 482 streams lead to PR?
Most do now. Short-term 482 holders gained access through the 186 TRT stream in November 2023. Check your own visa stream with an agent.
Do I need a skills assessment for the TRT stream?
Usually no. A skills assessment is mainly for the Direct Entry stream.
Can my family be included?
In most cases, your partner and children can be part of your 186 application. Extra visa fees apply.
Is the age limit of 45 strict?
It is the general rule. Limited exemptions exist, so ask an agent early if you are near the limit.
Need Help With Your 482 Visa to PR Plan?
Rules and fees change often. A small mistake can cost you months. Our MARA-registered migration agents can check your work history, salary and dates before you lodge.
Official pages: Skills in Demand visa (482) | Employer Nomination Scheme (186) | 186 TRT stream
Disclaimer: This blog gives general information only. It is not legal advice. Asia Pacific Group are migration agents, not lawyers. Rules, fees and processing times can change, so always check the Home Affairs website or speak to a registered agent about your own case. Last updated: November 2026.
