Pathway to Permanent Residence While on a Subclass 482 Visa

If you’re currently in Australia on a Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa and looking to make the move to permanent residency (PR), you’re in luck. There are several pathways to transition from a temporary to a permanent resident. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your options.

1. Independent Migration through Subclass 189, 190, or 491

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. To be eligible, you must:

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply.
• Have a suitable skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• Meet the points test pass mark (currently 65 points).
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
• Have competent English language proficiency.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

The Subclass 190 visa is similar to the 189 but requires nomination by a state or territory government. Key criteria include:

• Submission of an EOI and receipt of a nomination from a state or territory.
• Suitable skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant state or territory skilled occupation list.
• Meeting the points test pass mark (currently 65)
• Being under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
• Competent English language proficiency.
• Commitment to live and work in the nominating state or territory for a specified period (currently 2 years)

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 visa is a temporary visa that can lead to PR, intended for skilled workers who must live and work in regional Australia for at least 3 years. Requirements include:

• Submission of an EOI and receiving an invitation to apply.
• Nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
• Suitable skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant list.
• Meeting the points test pass mark.
• Being under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
• Competent English language proficiency.
• Commitment to live, work, and study in a designated regional area.

2. Employer-Sponsored Direct Entry Stream for Subclass 186

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa allows skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, to live and work in Australia permanently. The Direct Entry stream requires:

• Nomination by an Australian employer.
• At least three years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
• A positive skills assessment for the occupation.
• Meeting the age requirement (under 45 years old, with some exceptions).
• Competent English language proficiency.

3. Employer-Sponsored Transition Stream for Subclass 186

The Transition Stream of the Subclass 186 visa is designed for Subclass 482 visa holders who have worked for their employer for at least two years. Requirements include:

• Continued employment with the sponsoring employer for at least two years.
• Nomination by the same employer under this stream.
• Meeting the age requirement (under 45 years old, with some exceptions).
• Competent English language proficiency.
• The position must be full-time, ongoing, and available for at least two more years.

4. Global Talent Independent Program (GTI) subclass 858

The Global Talent Independent (GTI) program is aimed at attracting highly skilled professionals to work and live permanently in Australia. To be eligible, you must:

• Be highly skilled in one of the target sectors, such as AgTech, FinTech, MedTech, cyber security, quantum information, and advanced digital, data science, and ICT.
• Be internationally recognized with a record of exceptional and outstanding achievement.
• Be able to attract a salary at or above the Fair Work high income threshold (currently it is AUD 167,500).
• Be endorsed as a global talent by a recognized organization or individual in Australia in the same field as the applicant.

Conclusion

Transitioning from a Subclass 482 visa to permanent residency in Australia offers multiple pathways, each with specific criteria and benefits. Whether through independent migration, employer sponsorship, or the Global Talent stream, careful planning and adherence to eligibility requirements are key. Consult with a migration agent or legal expert to navigate the process and ensure you meet all necessary conditions.

If you have any questions or need personalized assistance, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you achieve your goal of making Australia your permanent home.

Illustrations by: Fruzka, Tanya Shibalkova, AlexManokhi, Marina Green, Rosina Gavrilash

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Amitava Deb

• Amitava is a gold medallist from India’s premier technical institute, IIT Kharagpur.
• He has worked with some of the world’s top companies such as Sony Australia Pty. Ltd., Siemens AG Germany, Clarity International Ltd., Reliance Communications and Optus Sydney.
• Amitava is a Chartered Professional Engineer accredited by Engineers Australia. He is a full member of this esteemed association.
• He is a member of the Australian Computer Society, Tele Management Forum and Worldwide Institute of Software Architects.
• Amitava is a well-recognised name in the ICT Professional Community in Australia.