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TSS 482 Visa to Permanent Residency

Pathways to Permanent Residency for Medium-Term TSS 482 Visa Holders

The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) SC 186 will be updated as of 25 November 2023. This change will make all Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) SC 482 visa holders eligible for ENS 186 visas sponsored by their employers.

Upcoming Changes by 25 November 2023

  • All TSS SC 482 visa holders can apply for ENS 186 visas sponsored by their employers.
  • Applicants must continue working in the occupation for which their 482 TSS visa was granted.
  • Visa holders will be eligible for the 186 ENS TRT after just two years of sponsorship (down from three years).
  • The restriction on onshore applications for the Short-Term stream of the 482 TSS visa has been lifted.

Pathway to Permanent Residency on a 482 TSS Visa

Applicants on a 482 TSS visa can pursue permanent residency through the Employer Sponsored Temporary Transition Stream (ENS 186/RSMS 187) if they meet the following criteria:

  • Occupation is on the Medium-Term list.
  • Have worked for the same employer for three years on a TSS 482 visa.
  • Have worked in the same occupation for three years on a TSS 482 visa.
  • Have at least competent English (IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent) – exemptions may apply.
  • Be under 45 years old at the time of applying for PR.

Regional 482 TSS Visa to PR

If your occupation is on the Regional Occupation list and you are working in a designated regional area, you may also have a pathway to permanent residency. Other criteria include:

  • Working for the same employer for three years on a TSS 482 visa.
  • Working in the same occupation for three years on a TSS 482 visa.
  • Having at least competent English (IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent) – exemptions may apply.
  • Being under 45 years old at the time of applying for PR.

Transitional Workers

A transitional 457 worker is someone who held a Subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017. Similarly, a transitional 482 worker is someone who held a Subclass 482 visa in the Medium-Term stream on 20 March 2019.

Replacement of TSS 482 Visa in 2024

As part of Australia’s new migration strategy, the TSS SC 482 visa will be replaced by a new three-tiered visa system:

  • Specialist Skills Visa: No occupational list, processing time of 7 days, excludes trades, machinery operators, and laborers.
  • Core Skills Visa: Expected to provide the majority of visas, for those earning $70,000 to $135,000 annually.
  • Essential Skills Visa: Targeted at sectors like aged care and disability, for those earning under $70,000 annually.

All three visa types will allow up to four years of residence, easier employer changes, and clearer pathways to permanent residency.

Alternative Pathways to Permanent Residency

  • Employer Sponsored Direct Entry Stream (ENS/RSMS)
  • General Skilled Migration (189/190/489)
  • Partner Migration (as the partner/spouse/de facto of an Australian Permanent Resident or Citizen)
  • Visa options after turning 45

Medium-Term TSS 482 Visa

  • Granted for four years.
  • Allows for unlimited onshore visa renewals.
  • Provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years.

TSS 482 Visa to PR in 2023

Medium-Term TSS 482 visa holders who have been employed by the same employer for three years may be eligible for permanent residency through the TRT Stream, either under ENS 186 or RSMS 187. The employer must lodge a valid nomination with the Department of Home Affairs.

Criteria for a 482 TSS Visa (Long-Term Stream)

  • Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List.
  • At least two years of relevant work experience is required.
  • Minimum salary and police check requirements must be met.
  • Employers must conduct labor market testing and pay a training levy.