482 to 186 Permanent Residency Visa

The Subclass 186 visa allows Australian businesses to sponsor overseas professionals and their families to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. After two years of working for your nominating employer in your nominated occupation on a 482 visa, you can apply for the 186 permanent visa through the Temporary Residence Transition stream and secure PR in a single step.

Free 186 Visa Eligibility Assessment

Held your 482 visa with the same employer for two years? Contact us to find out whether you qualify to transition to a 186 permanent visa.

Key Focus

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

For applicants holding a 482 visa (formerly 457) who have worked in their nominated occupation with the current employer for at least two years, where the employer intends to offer a permanent position.

Stream 2

Direct Entry Stream

For applicants who have never worked in Australia, or have only worked briefly, or those holding a 482 visa who do not meet the Temporary Residence Transition requirements.

Stream 3

Labour Agreement Stream

Sponsorship is secured through a formal Labour Agreement or Regional Migration Agreement with the Australian Government. This is a specialised pathway and is not suitable for general applicants.

Applicant Core Requirements

• Receive a nomination from an approved Australian employer
• Under 45 years of age (some academic and scientific roles may be exempt)
• Meet health and character requirements
• Valid skills assessment (some exemptions apply)
• At least three years of relevant work experience (some exemptions apply)
• IELTS 6 across all four bands, or an equivalent English test result
• Nominated occupation is on the 186 visa occupation list
• Lodge the visa application within six months of the nomination being approved

Employer Core Requirements

• Offer a full-time employment contract of at least two years
• Annual salary of at least $53,900 (must meet industry market rates)
• Employment conditions no less favourable than those offered to Australian citizens or permanent residents in the same role
• Evidence the business is lawfully and actively trading in Australia (including the last two years of financial statements)
• Evidence the nominated position is a genuine need of the business (organisation chart, position description, etc.)
• Advertise the position for four weeks, completed within the four months prior to lodging the nomination

01

Confirm Occupation

Confirm your nominated occupation is on the 186 visa occupation list

02

Skills Assessment & English

Complete your skills assessment and achieve IELTS 6 across all four bands

03

Employer Nomination

Employer lodges the nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs

04

Lodge Visa Application

Lodge via ImmiAccount within six months of the nomination being approved

05

Phone Interview & Medicals

Department of Home Affairs phone interview, and applicant completes medical examinations

06

Visa Granted

90% of applications are finalised within around 10 months

07

Arrive in Australia

Receive your permanent visa and settle in Australia

Fee Item

Amount (AUD)

Primary Applicant

$4,640

Secondary Applicant (18 and over)

$2,320

Secondary Applicant (under 18)

$1,160

English-Language Charge (if applicable)

$4,890 per person

📋 Primary Applicant Documents

• A current CV covering all work and education history
• Notarised copy of passport
• Skills assessment letter (exemption may apply)
• English test result: IELTS / TOEFL iBT / PTE / CAE
• Notarised work history (employment reference letter required; employment contract, personal income tax records and payslips recommended)
• Notarised degree and graduation certificates
• Notarised birth certificate
• Notarised police clearance (for applicants aged 16 and over)
• One passport photograph

👨‍👩‍👧 Accompanying Family Documents

• Notarised copy of passport
• Notarised birth certificate
• Notarised marriage certificate (for accompanying spouse)
• Notarised police clearance (for applicants aged 16 and over)
• One passport photograph
• English test result (for secondary applicants aged 18 and over) or payment of the $4,890 English-language charge
• Children aged 18 and over: evidence of financial dependence plus a notarised certificate of current enrolment
• If the applicant has used a former name, a notarised former-name statement is required

🎓

University Academics

University lecturers or academic staff nominated by an Australian university at Academic Level B, C, D or E

🔬

Scientific Research Specialists

Scientists, researchers or technical specialists nominated by an Australian scientific government agency at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 or 2

🇳🇿

New Zealand Visa Holders

Hold a Subclass 444 or 461 visa and have worked for the nominating employer for at least two of the last three years (unpaid leave not included)