What is the difference between Subclass 482 and Subclass 186?

Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand, which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024) is a temporary employer-sponsored visa valid for up to 4 years. Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) is a permanent visa. Many applicants transition from 482 to 186 via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after working for the same employer for at least 2 years on the 482 (reduced from 3 years under the new framework). The 186 Direct Entry stream allows direct permanent sponsorship without a prior 482.

Does my Australian employer need to be accredited to sponsor me?

Standard business sponsors do not need formal accreditation, but must apply for standard business sponsorship approval before nominating you. Accredited sponsors are larger, well-established businesses that receive streamlined processing as a benefit of accreditation. Most small and medium businesses use the standard sponsorship pathway.

Can a Subclass 482 visa lead to permanent residency in Australia?

Yes, via two pathways. The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the 186 visa allows 482 holders to apply for permanent residency after 2 years with the same employer in the same occupation (reduced from 3 years on 7 December 2024). Alternatively, the 186 Direct Entry stream allows direct permanent sponsorship if the occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). State nomination pathways (190/491) are also available to some 482 holders.

Australian Employer Sponsored Visa Guide (482 / 186 / 494)

Step 1 — Start Here

Are you an employer or an employee?

The sponsorship process looks different depending on which side of the equation you're on. Both paths are covered here.

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I'm an employer — I want to sponsor overseas workers

Get guidance on standard business sponsorship, Labour Market Testing, and obligations

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I'm a worker — I want to find an employer to sponsor me

Find out which visa is right for you and what your employer needs to do

Step 2 — Your Occupation

Is your occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)?

Since 7 December 2024 the 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. A single Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) replaced the old MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL for the Core Skills stream — and the 186 ENS Direct Entry stream now also uses the CSOL. A separate Specialist Skills stream covers high-income earners (≈A$146,717+) in almost any occupation. Check the official list →

Yes — my occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

Eligible for the 482 SID Core Skills stream and the direct permanent 186 ENS

No — but I earn a high salary (≈A$146,717+) — Specialist Skills

May be eligible for the 482 SID Specialist Skills stream (no occupation list)

Only for regional areas

Eligible for the 494 regional employer sponsorship pathway

Not sure / I need to check

My occupation doesn't seem to be on any list

Some occupations may still qualify — a MARA agent can review your specific role and ANZSCO code

Step 3 — Work Experience

How much skilled work experience do you have in your nominated occupation?

The 482 SID Core Skills stream requires at least 12 months of relevant work experience (in the last 5 years). 186 ENS Direct Entry requires 3 years (or 2+ years on a 482 for the TRT stream).

Less than 12 months

Below the 482 SID minimum — consider upskilling or alternative pathways

12 months – 3 years

Meets the 482 SID requirement. May need more time for direct 186 ENS

3+ years

Meets requirements for both 482 and 186 ENS Direct Entry stream

Step 4 — English Language

What is your English level?

English is tested via IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. English requirements for the 482 are set by the Department of Home Affairs and differ by stream. The 186 ENS requires Competent English. Citizens of English-speaking countries may be exempt.

Functional English or below (IELTS < 5.0)

Below minimum — retesting and preparation needed before applying

Meets the Department’s English requirement

Meets minimum for 482 and 186 ENS

Proficient English (IELTS 7.0+ each component)

Strong profile — may reduce or waive requirements for some visas

Exempt (citizen of UK, USA, Canada, NZ, or Ireland)

Step 5 — Location

Where would you prefer to work in Australia?

Subclass 494 (RSMS) requires work in a regional area of Australia. If you're flexible about location, regional sponsorship opens more opportunities and leads to PR via subclass 191.

Major cities only (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth)

Open to regional Australia

Regional work qualifies for RSMS 494 and regional skilled visas — often lower competition

Flexible — I'll go where the job is

Step 2 — Your Business

Which describes your business situation?

All sponsoring businesses must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) by the Department of Home Affairs before any visa can be sponsored.

We're already an approved Standard Business Sponsor

Proceed to nomination — skip the approval step

We're not yet approved as an SBS

Need to apply for SBS accreditation first (processing: 2–8 weeks)

We're a new or start-up business

Start-ups can still sponsor but must demonstrate genuine business activity and future viability

Ready to start your sponsorship journey?

Our MARA-registered agents specialise in employer sponsored visas. We help both employees and employers navigate the process.

Book a free consultation →

Employer Guide

How to Sponsor an Overseas Worker in Australia

SID 482 ENS 186 RSMS 494

1️⃣

Apply for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) — takes 2–8 weeks. Must be actively operating in Australia.
2️⃣

Conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) — advertise the role for at least 28 days on Australian job boards. Document all efforts before lodging.
3️⃣

Lodge a Nomination — nominate your candidate for the specific position. The occupation must be on the approved list.
4️⃣

Candidate lodges their visa application — the employee applies independently after your nomination is approved.
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Market Salary Rate (MSR) — you must pay the sponsored worker at least what an Australian would earn in the same role. Checked strictly. The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is $79,499 p.a.; the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) is $146,717 p.a. — verify current figures at homeaffairs.gov.au before sponsoring.

Processing times (approximate)

SBS approval: 2–8 weeks
Nomination: 2–6 weeks
482 visa (medium-term): 4–12 weeks
186 ENS (permanent): 4–12 months

Processing times vary significantly by occupation and workload. A registered agent can help fast-track where possible.

Ready to sponsor your first overseas worker?

Our MARA agents manage the entire employer sponsorship process — SBS application, Labour Market Testing, nomination, and visa lodgement.

Book a free employer consultation →