If you are a current subclass 482 under Skills in Demand (SID) Visa or Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS), the journey towards permanent residency (PR) in Australia can be both exciting and complex.

One of the most practical pathways is through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, specifically the ENS 186 visa.

This article will provide detailed insights into the requirements, important information for the employer, key information for the visa applicant, and the necessary steps to transition from a Subclass 482 to permanent residency successfully.  

Requirements

To be eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) TRT stream under the ENS 186 visa, both the visa holder and their employer must meet certain criteria:  

For the Employer:  

• Nomination: The employer must nominate the applicant for a position that is likely to be available for at least 2 years.  

• Genuine Need: The employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated position within their business.  

• Market Salary Rates: The employer must provide evidence that the terms and conditions of employment are at least equivalent to those provided to Australian citizens or permanent residents in a similar role.  

For the Visa Holder:  

• Work Experience: The applicant must have worked for their nominating occupations for at least 2 years on a subclass 482 Visa in the nominated occupation.  

• English Language Proficiency: The applicant must demonstrate competent English language proficiency, typically achieved through approved English language tests.  

• Health and Character Requirements: The applicant must meet the health and character requirements specified by the Australian government.  

Employer Nomination

Employers play a crucial role in the Employer Nomination Scheme Temporary Residence Transition 186 Visa process. Employers need to understand their responsibilities and the requirements they need to fulfil:  

Nomination Process  

Employers must lodge a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA). This includes providing detailed information about their business, the nominated position, and the terms and conditions of employment. The nomination must be lodged before the visa applicant can apply for the ENS 186 visa under the TRT stream.  

Visa Application  

As a Subclass 482 visa holder aspiring to transition to permanent residency, it is important to be well-prepared and informed about the application process: 

Gathering Documentation  

Visa applicants should gather and prepare all necessary documentation, including proof of work experience, qualifications, English language proficiency, and any other supporting evidence required for the application.    

Application Submission  

Once the employer’s nomination is approved, the visa holder can submit their application for the ENS 186 visa under the TRT stream. This involves completing the necessary forms and paying the applicable fees. It is advisable to submit a complete and accurate application to avoid processing delays.  

Next Steps  after applying for the 186 TRT Visa 

After applying, there are several important steps to follow:  

Monitoring Application Status  

Applicants should regularly monitor the status of their application through the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) online portal. This allows them to stay informed about any updates or additional information requests.  

Responding to Requests  

If the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) requires further information or documentation, it is crucial to respond promptly and accurately. Timely responses can help expedite the processing of the application.  

Transitioning from a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa to permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme – Temporary Residence Transition stream under the ENS 186 Visa is a structured process that requires careful planning and adherence to the specified requirements. By understanding the roles and responsibilities of both the employer and the visa applicant and by following the outlined steps, the 482 Visa holders can successfully achieve their goal of becoming permanent residents in Australia.  

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide any legal or professional advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified expert before making any decisions based on this article. 

Relevant links

Useful links to get the ball rolling

Study Commercial Cookery 
The Ultimate Trade – Study Pathways 
Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
Employer Nominated (ENS) Visa (Permanent) – Subclass 186 

We are here to help:

Our website is jam packed with useful information about various visa options and common questions that answer most of our visitors’ doubts, but if you’re still not sure and would like a personalised migration plan with a step by step road map, then schedule a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agent.

Find your migration plan: 

To learn more about the full requirements and steps for applying for the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Subclass 482, please visit

1. Understanding the new Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Subclass 482.
2. Transitioning from 482 Visa to Permanent Residency via Employer Nomination Scheme 186 TRT Visa

Understanding the requirements and recent changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 Visa can be a difficult task for many. The guide provided below will educate you on the various aspects of holding and applying for the 482 Visa, focusing on your rights, responsibilities, and the potential Permanent Residency pathways.  Whether you are a current subclass 482 Visa holder or if you are planning to lodge your application, understanding these key elements will help you plan your process with ease.  

Visa Holder Rights

If you currently hold a Subclass 482 Visa, you are entitled to the following rights:  

• Work Rights: You have the right to work in the nominated occupation for your sponsoring employer.  

• Nominated Salary: You must be paid at least the nominated salary.  

• Living Rights: You can live and travel freely within Australia.  

• Family Rights: Your family members can accompany you and may work and study in Australia.  

Visa Holders Obligations

Subclass 482 Visa holders must adhere to specific obligations to maintain their visa status:  

• Work Exclusively for your Sponsor: You must work only for your sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation.  

• Comply with Visa Conditions: Abide by all conditions outlined in your visa grant letter.  

• Maintain Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.  

Employer Obligations

Employers sponsoring a subclass 482 Visa holder must meet several obligations:  

• Notify Home Affairs: Advise the Department within 28 days if there are any changes to the Business Structure and/or Nominated Employee’s Position, including Departure.  

• Pay Nominated Salary: Ensure that the visa holder is paid at least the Nominated Salary for their occupation.  

• Maintain Records: Keep accurate records of the visa holder’s employment and conditions including Paid/Unpaid Leave.  

Prepare for Permanent Residency via Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186

Many subclass 482 Visa holders aim to transition to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 Visa. Here’s how you can prepare to take the next steps:  

• Meet Employment Requirements: Typically, you need to have worked for your employer for at least 2 years on a subclass 482 Visa with one or multiple approved Employers.  

• English Proficiency: Meet the English language requirements of at least having competent English.  

• Employer Nomination: Have a discussion with your Employer as they must nominate you for the ENS subclass 186 visa.  

• Health and Character Checks: Complete the necessary health and character assessments.  

Record Keeping

We advise all our clients to maintain complete and accurate records of their Employment documents, including:  

• Employment Records: Save dates when you are changing Employers to satisfy Visa conditions and check your eligibility for Permanent Residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme – Temporary Residence Transition stream (TRT).  

• Income Records: Keep records of your employment contracts, Payslips, income statements and superannuation statements.  

• Leave Records: Keep a list of all Paid and Unpaid Holidays with specific dates and type of leave taken.  

• Travel history: Keep a record of all travels to other countries.  

• Residency Records: Save dates and addresses whenever you are moving houses.  

• Health Insurance: Keep your health insurance records to show that you satisfy the Visa Conditions,   

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:  

• Comply with all visa conditions and obligations.  

• Communicate regularly with your employer about your further pathway for  Permanent Residency. 

• Keep detailed records of your employment and visa-related documents. 
  

Don’ts:  

• Work for a non-sponsor or as an ABN subcontractor.  

• Neglect to update your details or inform changes in circumstances.  

• Violate any visa conditions, as it may lead to visa cancellation.  

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide any legal or professional advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified expert before making any decisions based on this article. 

Relevant links

Useful links to get the ball rolling

Study Commercial Cookery 
The Ultimate Trade – Study Pathways 
Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
Employer Nominated (ENS) Visa (Permanent) – Subclass 186 

We are here to help:

Our website is jam packed with useful information about various visa options and common questions that answer most of our visitors’ doubts, but if you’re still not sure and would like a personalised migration plan with a step by step road map, then schedule a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agent.

Find your migration plan: 

Welcome to the first blog in our three-part series on the new Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482. The article below covers an overview of the visa, the eligibility criteria and steps in applying for the visa. Stay tuned for the 2 upcoming articles:  

1. The complete guide for current and prospective Subclass 482 Visa holders 

2. Transitioning from the 482 Visa to Permanent Residency 186 TRT Visa

The latest Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Subclass 482 is a temporary visa that allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill positions they cannot find suitable Australian workers for. This visa, which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on December 7, 2024, aims to address labour shortages and attract global talent to Australia. 

The introduction of this visa is aligned with insights from the Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), regional demands and input from key industry stakeholders across the country. The SID Visa is a powerful step in responding to the changing economic, social and labour market needs of Australia.  

General overview:  

• Allows the applicant to stay in Australia for up to 4 years  

• Hong Kong passport holders may stay for up to 5 years  

• Costs start from AUD $3,115  

• If eligible, applicant can apply for Permanent Residency  

Eligibility criteria

1. Eligible occupations 

To qualify for the Skills in Demand Visa, your occupation must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) or meet the income threshold for the Specialist Skills stream. The CSOL covers 456 occupations across critical sectors, with a reduction of 125 occupations from the previous TSS occupation list.  

2. Required skills 

Applicants must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the nominated position. This may involve completing a skills assessment to demonstrate your capabilities. 

3. Experience requirement

• The work requirement has been reduced from 2 years to 1 year of relevant experience. This experience must have been undertaken in the past 5 years and can be in the nominated occupation or a related field.  
• The 1 year of relevant experience is now a Time of Application requirement; meaning you must have the relevant 1 year of experience at the time of your visa lodgment.
• Applicants can no longer accumulate experience towards the work experience requirement whilst their visa application is processing.   

 4. English requirement

Applicants must meet the English language proficiency standards, which include an IELTS score of at least 5.0 overall with a minimum of 5 in individual components or equivalent scores in other accepted tests. 

5. Salary requirement 

The minimum salary for the Skills in Demand Visa is determined by the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), currently set at AUD $73,150 per annum. The minimum annual salary (SSIT) for the Specialist Skills stream is AUD $135,000.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

The Skills in Demand Visa offers a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). After 2 years of employment in Australia, you can apply for Permanent Residency under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

Including Family Members

You can include family members in your Skills in Demand Visa application. Family members can stay in Australia for the duration of their visa and enjoy the same rights to work and study. 

Which family members can be included in your SID Visa application?  

• Only a Member of the Family Unit is eligible to be included in your application.  

• This includes a spouse or de factor partner, and certain dependent children.  

• Please note that this does not include your parents or your siblings. 

Steps in applying for the SID Visa

1. Sponsorship from your employer  

Your employer must:  

• Be or become an approved sponsor to sponsor overseas workers  

• Comply with Australian workplace laws  

• Meet the training requirement 

2. Nomination from your employer 

Your employer must:  

• Conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) before submitting your nomination  

• Meet the salary and employment requirements  

• Meet the genuine position requirements  

3. Visa application from you

This is the final step in the process. You must have a valid nomination approval before you can lodge your visa application. Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide any legal or professional advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified expert before making any decisions based on this article. 

Source: Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) – Immigration and Citizenship Website  

Relevant links

Useful links to get the ball rolling

Study Commercial Cookery 
The Ultimate Trade – Study Pathways 
Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
Employer Nominated (ENS) Visa (Permanent) – Subclass 186 

We are here to help:

Our website is jam packed with useful information about various visa options and common questions that answer most of our visitors’ doubts, but if you’re still not sure and would like a personalised migration plan with a step by step road map, then schedule a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agent.

Find your migration plan: