482 to 186 Visa: The Employer-Sponsored PR Pathway for Indians (2026)

For the tens of thousands of Indian professionals in Australia on a Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa, the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is the most direct path to permanent residency — without needing to compete in the SkillSelect points system.

What Is the 482 → 186 TRT Pathway?

The pathway works in two stages:

1. Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) — your employer sponsors you to work in Australia temporarily
2. Subclass 186 TRT stream — after working for your sponsor for the required period, your employer nominates you for permanent residency

The 186 grants permanent residency from day one of approval.

Who Is Eligible for the 186 TRT?

To be eligible you must:

• Hold (or have held) a Subclass 482, 457, or certain other temporary skilled visas
• Have worked for your nominating employer for at least 2 years full-time in your nominated occupation
• Your employer must hold approved sponsor status and be willing to nominate you
• Your occupation must be on the eligible occupation list for the 186
• Be under 45 years old at the time you lodge the 186 visa application (not at nomination date)
• Meet skills, English, and health/character requirements

Age limit note: The 45-year age limit applies at visa lodgement date, not the nomination date. Some healthcare occupations are exempt under reg. 5.19(4) — check the current exemption list at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or ask a MARA agent.

The 2-Year Work Requirement — What Counts?

The 2-year work requirement must be:

• Full-time employment with your sponsoring employer
• In your nominated occupation (or a closely related one)
• With the same employer who is nominating you
• Within the 3 years immediately before the nomination is lodged

If you changed employers, had a break in employment, or were seconded to a different entity, seek advice before assuming you qualify.

How the Application Process Works

1. Confirm your eligibility — you meet the 2-year work requirement, are under 45, occupation eligible
2. Your employer lodges a nomination with Home Affairs
3. You lodge the 186 visa application within 3 months of the nomination being approved
4. Provide documents — health checks, police clearances (including Indian clearance), English evidence, and employment records
5. Home Affairs assesses your application
6. Visa granted — PR from day one

Processing time: Typically 6–12 months after lodgement.

What About Indian IT Professionals at Indian IT Companies?

Many Indian professionals come on 482 visas sponsored by Australian operations of Indian IT firms — TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Cognizant, Tech Mahindra, and others.

The 186 TRT pathway works the same way regardless of whether your employer is Indian-origin or Australian. What matters is that your employer is an approved sponsor, has operated in Australia for at least 12 months, is willing to nominate you, and is paying you the market salary for your occupation.

The key variable is whether the employer will nominate you. Not all employers do. Discuss your transition plan early — ideally when you first join.

What Happens If My Employer Won't Nominate Me?

1. Find a new employer who will nominate you for a fresh 482 and eventually the 186
2. Switch to a points-tested pathway — 189, 190, or 491 if your points score is competitive
3. Explore the 186 Direct Entry stream — available for some occupations without the TRT requirement

This is why it is important not to rely solely on the 186 TRT. Know your points score and keep your skills assessment current as a fallback.

482 Visa Conditions to Be Aware Of

While on your 482:

• You can only work for your approved sponsor in your nominated occupation
• If you stop working for your sponsor, you have 60 days to either find a new sponsor, change visa, or leave Australia
• Do not work for another employer unless you have a second valid sponsorship

Should You Use a Migration Agent for the 186 TRT?

Yes — especially to:

• Verify whether your employment history genuinely meets the 2-year requirement
• Ensure your employer's nomination is lodged correctly (errors at nomination stage delay everything)
• Handle Indian police clearance timing (apply early — allow 4–8 weeks)
• Calculate whether you are within the age limit with enough buffer
• Advise on what to do if your employer situation changes mid-application

Find MARA-registered migration agents who specialise in employer-sponsored visas: → Find a Migration Agent

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change jobs while my 186 application is being processed?

Generally no — you should remain employed with your nominating employer throughout processing. Speak to a migration agent immediately if your employment situation changes.

Does the 2 years have to be continuous?

Substantially yes — brief periods of leave (annual leave, sick leave) should not break continuity, but extended gaps may.

What if I turn 45 before my application is decided?

The age requirement is assessed at lodgement date, not decision date. As long as you were under 45 when you lodged, you remain eligible even if you turn 45 during processing.

Can my family come on the 186 with me?

Yes. Spouse and dependent children included as secondary applicants, receiving PR at the same time.

What if my 482 expires before the 186 is decided?

You are generally protected by a bridging visa while your 186 is being processed. Confirm this with your migration agent when you lodge.

Last verified: pending — verify 186 TRT eligibility requirements, occupation list, and age limit exemptions at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.