What Are the Requirements to Move from a 482 to a 186 Visa?

What are the main 482-to-186 requirements?

• Hold a subclass 457, 482 or specified bridging visa.
• Usually complete at least two years of eligible full-time sponsored employment in the preceding three years.
• Have an approved nomination from an Australian employer within the applicable period.
• Usually be under 45 at application unless a specific exemption applies.
• Meet the applicable English, skills, health and character criteria.

How is the two-year employment period counted?

Home Affairs states that eligible employment is generally full-time, undertaken in Australia and completed while holding a subclass 457, 482 or specified bridging visa. Eligible sponsored work across more than one 457 or 482 visa may count where the applicant was approved to work in the relevant occupations.

Does changing employer reset the clock?

Not necessarily. Current TRT guidance allows eligible sponsored employment to be considered where the applicant changed employers during the three-year period. The nomination timing and commencement with the new employer must be checked, and payroll, contract, superannuation and role evidence should align.

Is a skills assessment always required?

TRT does not impose a blanket pre-application skills-assessment requirement on every applicant, although the required skills and qualifications must be demonstrated and Home Affairs may request an assessment. This differs from the usual settings for the subclass 186 Direct Entry stream.

When should planning begin?

Build the evidence timeline from the start of sponsored employment. Before the two-year point, review employer commitment, business continuity, position, salary, age and English. The full 482-to-186 pathway guide explains the framework; an individual timeline still requires the applicant's visa and employment history.