The Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, is a temporary employer sponsored visa pathway for skilled workers seeking employment in Australia. This visa requires sponsorship from an approved employer, and can be granted for up to 4 years with the option for further renewal. 

From 25 November 2023, changes were made by the Australian Government giving all 482 visa holders access to PR through the Subclass 186 (also known as the ENS visa), regardless of their nominated occupation, after working for two out of 3 years with their employer sponsor, instead of the previous 3 out of 4 years rule. This pathway of the Subclass 186 visa is called the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream. 

There are three pathways for 482 visa holders to access PR through the Subclass 186 ENS visa:

1. Direct Entry (DE) Stream. To be eligible for PR under this pathway an applicant is required to meet the following conditions: 

• Have a Positive Skills Assessment. Most Skills Assessments are valid for 3 years from the date of issue, unless otherwise stated by the Skills Assessing Authority; and

• Have achieved Competent English; and 

• Have 3 Years of work experience related to their nominated occupation (doesn’t have to be with their approved sponsor).

2. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream. To be eligible for PR under this pathway an applicant is required to meet the following conditions: 

• Have worked for at least 2 out of 3 years as the holder of a 482 visa with their last approved employer sponsor in their nominated occupation (note if a 482 visa holder has changed occupations they cannot count this towards the 2 years unless the occupation was in the same ANZSCO unit group); and

• Have achieved Competent English 

3. Labour Agreement Stream. The benefit of this stream is that the standard Skilled Occupation List does not apply and allows employers to nominate workers in any occupation, for example lower skilled positions if they can demonstrate a business need for the position and the unavailability of local employees to fill the role.

Eligibility for PR under this pathway will be dependant on the terms of the approved Labour Agreement, however generally requires an applicant to meet the following criteria:

• Have worked for at least 2 out of 3 years as the holder of a 482 visa with their approved employer sponsor under the terms of the Labour Agreement; and

• Meet English language requirements, the level of English required will depend on what was negotiated in the Labour agreement.

General Eligibility Criteria

Under all three of the above mentioned streams, applicants must also meet the following eligibility criteria:

• must be nominated by their last approved employer sponsor

• must be genuinely performing the duties and tasks of their approved nominated position

• applicants must be under 45 years of age (however the TRT stream provides for some exemptions)

• must demonstrate at least competent English (exception is under the Labour Agreement stream, where a lower level of English language skills can be negotiated under the terms of the agreement, if it is able to be justified.

• must meet relevant health and character requirements.

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Leveraging our extensive experience with major corporations, SMEs, and startups, we adeptly handle all aspects of employer-sponsored visas. Our services include business sponsorship and nomination applications, visa applications, ensuring compliance with sponsorship obligations, and managing sponsorship bars. Whether you're a multinational giant or a startup, we navigate the visa process with precision and expertise.

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