By the SponsorMap team · Last updated 2026-06-01
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 ↗
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. This is general information, not migration advice — always confirm your situation with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
This is general information only, not migration or legal advice. Rules change — always verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA).
Last updated: 2026-06-01 · Australian Department of Home Affairs