PR Pathway via Subclass 482 then 186 (Skills in Demand to TRT)
This is a widely used two-step route: you come to Australia to work for a sponsoring employer on the subclass 482 (Skills in Demand), and then, after a period of continuous work, that same employer nominates you for permanent residence through the subclass 186 under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. The core of the whole pathway is one word — “continuous”: continuous work, in the right occupation, with the same sponsoring employer is the key factor that opens the PR step. This article sets out the pathway to help you orient yourself; it does not replace personalised advice.
Who is this pathway for?
This route suits cases where:
- You have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you to work first, then keep you long term.
- You accept a period of provisional work before becoming eligible for PR, rather than aiming straight at PR.
- Your occupation and skills are suitable for both the 482 step and the 186 step with that same employer.
If you already have a solid skills foundation and want to be nominated straight to PR without the provisional step, see the Direct Entry stream of the subclass 186. If your job is in a regional area, the 494-then-191 route is the corresponding variant.
Where it starts
The starting point is a job offer/nomination from a sponsoring employer for a genuine position, together with the employer meeting the requirements to become a sponsor. From there you apply for the subclass 482 to start work in Australia. Right from this step, think ahead to the PR destination: the sponsored occupation and the working relationship with the employer need to be stable enough to lead to the 186 step later.
The steps to permanent residence
Step 1 — Apply for and work on the subclass 482. The employer nominates, you lodge the 482 application, are granted the visa, and start work for the employer in Australia. This is the provisional stage.
Step 2 — Accumulate continuous work. You work for the sponsoring employer, in the right occupation, for a continuous period as required by the TRT stream. “Continuous” and “same employer” are core conditions — an interruption or a change of employer can reset the clock.
Step 3 — The employer nominates you for the 186 (TRT). When you are eligible, the employer nominates you for PR through the subclass 186 under the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Step 4 — Lodge the 186 and await a decision. You lodge the subclass 186 application, providing a health examination, character documents and English. When granted, the 186 is permanent.
Fees and the figures to check
This route has fees at two steps:
- The 482 step: the main application charge is currently 4,015 AUD for the primary applicant.
- The 186 step: the main application charge is currently 6,140 AUD for the primary applicant.
Neither amount includes charges for dependants, health examinations, translation or related costs.
The following factors change over time — check directly on official sources rather than relying on a number you heard:
- The amount of continuous work required for the TRT stream — see the Home Affairs page on the 186 (TRT).
- The minimum salary threshold (TSMIT) that applies to the 482 step — check the current requirement.
- The English level at each step — see the official page and the points conversion table.
- Processing times at each step — see the “visa processing times” tool.
Deciding factors
The deciding factor is the continuity of your employment with the same sponsoring employer, in the right occupation. The whole value of the route lies in the fact that time worked on the 482 “counts” towards the TRT step. Changing employer, changing occupation, or interrupting the contract can all affect your eligibility. So the stability of the employment relationship matters just as much as the skills themselves.
Risks and common mistakes
- Changing employer mid-way without understanding the effect on the TRT clock.
- Interrupting employment (a long break, an occupation change) and breaking continuity.
- Relying entirely on one employer without a backup plan if the job changes.
- Using old numbers for fees, TSMIT or timing — always check official sources.
When to ask an RMA
You should consider consulting a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) registered with OMARA when: you need to time the move from the 482 to the 186 correctly; your relationship with the employer changes (a change of position, a merger, an occupation change); or your case has sensitive factors. An RMA can assess your actual case — something an overview article cannot do.
Learn more
The 482-then-186 route rewards persistence: stable, continuous work in the right occupation with a suitable sponsoring employer. Keep the employment relationship solid and check every specific condition against official sources before acting.
Last updated: 13/06/2026. Migration rules change frequently — always check official sources.