Navigating the Skills in Demand 482 Path to PR: A Guide to Australian Permanent Residency

Yes, eligible Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa holders may have pathways to permanent residency. A common employer-sponsored pathway is the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, including the Temporary Residence Transition stream where the applicant satisfies the relevant employment and other eligibility requirements. Other pathways may also be available depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

A formal skills assessment is generally not required for applicants applying through the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream, although individual circumstances and exemptions should be considered. A skills assessment may be required for applicants applying through the Direct Entry stream or certain independent skilled visa pathways.

Changing employers while holding a Subclass 482 visa can affect your circumstances and should be carefully managed. Your new employer generally needs to meet the relevant sponsorship and nomination requirements before you commence employment with them. Depending on your circumstances and the permanent visa pathway you intend to pursue, previous qualifying employment may count towards the relevant work experience requirement.

Applicants for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa must generally be under 45 years of age when they apply, unless an applicable exemption applies. There are a number of exemptions in the migration legislation, and eligibility depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances. We can assess your circumstances to determine whether an age exemption may be available.