186 Employer Nomination Scheme
186 Temporary Residence Transition Stream
The Temporary Residence Transition stream provides a direct pathway from temporary to permanent residence for workers in Australia on a Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) or a legacy 457 visa who have completed at least two years of full-time employment with an approved sponsor.
Eligibility and pathway planning
To apply under the Transition stream, you must have completed at least two years of full-time employment in the last three years while holding one or more 482 SID or 457 visas. Employment may be with multiple approved sponsors. You must be nominated by your current or most recent sponsoring employer for a genuine, ongoing position in the same occupation as your sponsored visa.
A skills assessment is generally not required under the Transition stream, provided you have already been assessed in the same or a closely related occupation. This reduces both cost and preparation time compared to the Direct Entry stream.
The two-year employment requirement means Transition stream planning should begin well before the application is lodged. Occupation changes, employer changes, and gaps in employment can all affect eligibility. Early legal advice reduces the risk of deficiencies emerging at the application stage.
Two-year employment requirement
At least two years of full-time employment in the last three years while holding a 482 SID or 457 visa. Employment with multiple approved sponsors counts toward this total.
No skills assessment generally required
Where you have already been assessed for your 482 or 457 visa in the same occupation, a new skills assessment is generally not required under the Transition stream.
Employer nomination required
Your current or most recent sponsoring employer must lodge a nomination for a genuine ongoing position. The employer must hold Standard Business Sponsorship and pay the SAF levy.
Bridging visa employment counts
Time spent on a Bridging visa associated with a 482 application or a 186 TRT application that is subsequently withdrawn can count toward the two-year requirement in certain circumstances.
2 years
Employment required
No SA
Skills assessment generally not required
Permanent
Immediate on grant
13-18 mo
Typical processing time
Why instruct Visa Plan for your Transition stream application?
Eligibility assessment
We assess your employment history, visa timeline, and occupation alignment before any application is prepared, identifying any gaps or risks that could affect your eligibility.
Employer coordination
The nomination must establish a genuine ongoing position and meet salary compliance requirements. We work with your employer to prepare a nomination that satisfies the Department's requirements.
Pathway planning
The Transition stream requires careful timing. We advise on when to lodge, how to count qualifying employment, and what to do if your circumstances change before the application is decided.
186 Temporary Residence Transition stream information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at April 2026. Employment counting rules and eligibility criteria are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.