How long do I need to work for my sponsor before applying for PR?

Generally two years of full-time work in your nominated occupation with your sponsoring employer, under the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the subclass 186. This reduced from three years following a November 2025 change.

Does time on a TSS 482 visa count toward the two-year requirement?

Time spent on an old TSS 482 visa before April 2026 usually counts toward the two-year requirement for the subclass 186. Confirm your specific circumstances with a migration agent.

Can all three 482 streams lead to permanent residence?

Yes. All streams of the Skills in Demand visa — Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Essential Skills — now have a pathway to permanent residence via the subclass 186.

What happens if I change employers before I qualify for PR?

Your PR eligibility clock generally resets when you move to a new sponsor — the two-year period starts from when the new employer nominates you. Seek advice before making a change.

How to get permanent residence after a 482 visa

By the SponsorMap team · Last updated 30 October 2026

One of the biggest improvements in the Skills in Demand visa is that every holder now has a clear pathway to permanent residence (PR). The main route is the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

Official source: Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) — Department of Home Affairs ↗

The two-year rule

To be eligible for the 186 through the Temporary Residence Transition stream, you generally need to have worked full-time for your sponsoring employer in your nominated occupation for at least two years. This dropped from three years under a November 2025 change. Time you spent on an old TSS 482 visa before April 2026 usually counts toward this.

What the 186 gives you

The subclass 186 is permanent residence — you and your family can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare, and apply for citizenship later if eligible.

Specialist Skills is the fastest practical route

Because Specialist Skills holders earn above the high-income threshold and the stream has broad occupation eligibility, it tends to be the smoothest path to PR. But Core Skills holders in CSOL occupations also have a clear, defined route.

What to keep in mind

Your PR pathway depends on staying employed with your sponsor in the nominated role, so the relationship with your employer matters. Always confirm current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent before making plans.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need to work for my sponsor before applying for PR?: Generally two years of full-time work in your nominated occupation with your sponsoring employer, under the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the subclass 186. This reduced from three years following a November 2025 change.
Does time on a TSS 482 visa count toward the two-year requirement?: Time spent on an old TSS 482 visa before April 2026 usually counts toward the two-year requirement for the subclass 186. Confirm your specific circumstances with a migration agent.
Can all three 482 streams lead to permanent residence?: Yes. All streams of the Skills in Demand visa — Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Essential Skills — now have a pathway to permanent residence via the subclass 186.
What happens if I change employers before I qualify for PR?: Your PR eligibility clock generally resets when you move to a new sponsor — the two-year period starts from when the new employer nominates you. Seek advice before making a change.

Related resources

About this guide

This guide is maintained by the SponsorMap team and reviewed against official Australian government sources. SponsorMap's company data comes from the Department of Home Affairs list of approved sponsors. Visa rules and figures are based on the Department of Home Affairs and are updated as they change. Always confirm your situation with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.

Rules change — always verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA).