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From a 482 Visa to a 186 TRT Visa: When Can You Apply for PR?

Writer: apichana hongsuwong
apichana hongsuwong
8 minutes ago
2 min read

Holding a subclass 482 visa for two calendar years does not automatically qualify you for permanent residence. The subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream has separate visa and nomination requirements.


What is the general employment rule?


Home Affairs states that an applicant generally needs a total of at least two years of eligible sponsored employment during the three years immediately before the visa application. That employment generally must be full time, in Australia, undertaken while holding a subclass 457, subclass 482 or eligible bridging visa, and in an occupation approved under the relevant sponsored visa arrangements. Exceptions and specific statutory rules can apply.


What if you changed employers?


Qualifying employment is not necessarily limited to one employer. Home Affairs explains that where a worker changed employers and began work before the new nomination was approved, qualifying sponsored employment may count from the date the approved nomination was lodged, where the relevant criteria are satisfied. This does not mean all work with any employer counts. Assess employment dates alongside nomination and visa history.


What else matters?


You must have an eligible employer nomination and satisfy the applicable visa criteria, including relevant age, English, skills, health and character requirements or exemptions. Home Affairs also identifies specific nomination approval timing requirements for the TRT application. A visa holder should not assume that an employer's willingness to sponsor is equivalent to an approved nomination.


What records should you gather?


Collect visa grant notices, nomination details, employment contracts, payslips, tax records, superannuation information and records of any employer changes. The legal significance of each date should be considered before applying.


How Visa Hub Tech can help: We assess TRT eligibility, eligible employment histories and the employer nomination process.


Disclaimer: This article contains general information about Australian migration law and Department of Home Affairs guidance as reviewed on 3 November 2026. It is not tailored immigration or legal advice. Eligibility, statutory time limits, exemptions, transitional provisions, visa conditions, government policy and legislative instruments depend on individual circumstances and may change. Review current official sources and obtain advice from a registered migration agent before acting. No visa or review outcome is guaranteed.

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