Subclass 482 vs. 186 | Your Guide to Australian Work Visas

Do you want to work in Australia? But are you confused about subclass 482 vs 186? Here is the comprehensive guide to work visas in Australia.

This guide will answer all your questions about work visas in Australia, such as:

• What are subclass 482 and 186 visas?
• What are the eligibility criteria and processing time?
• How can you transition from subclass 482 to 186 visa?
• What are the work rights?
• What are the visa sponsorship requirements?

So, let’s get started with the in-depth overview of the subclass 482 and 186 visas in Australia.

Overview: Subclass 482 vs. 186

Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)

The subclass 482 visas are especially open to skilled people in Australia. Subclass 482 is a temporary skill shortage visa. So, the employers sponsor skilled foreign workers in Australia. This is a temporary visa option for people who want to work in Australia. According to recent statistics, the success rate of TSS (temporary skill shortage) visas is 98%.

Subclass 482 has four main streams as follows,

Stream	Stay Duration	Cost	Eligibility
Short-term Stream	Up to 2 years (4 years with ITO); Hong Kong passport holders up to 5 years.	AUD 1,495	Occupation on Short-term Skilled Occupation List.
Medium-term Stream	Up to 4 years; Hong Kong passport holders up to 5 years.	AUD 3,115	Occupation on MLTSSL or ROL.
Labour Agreement Stream	Up to 4 years, based on labor agreement terms.	AUD 3,115	The employer has a valid labor agreement.
Subsequent entrant	Valid as long as the primary visa is valid.	AUD 1,495	A family member of Subclass 482 or 457 visa holder.

Subclass 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme)

The Australian Government offers the subclass 186 visa to those who are skilled workers. They want to work and live permanently in Australia. This is an employer nomination scheme (ENS) that requires a nominator for visa approval. 

There are three main streams for the subclass 186 visa as follows. All streams will grant PR to the workers. However, the eligibility criteria are different for every stream. Let’s have a look at it.

Stream	Eligibility
Direct Entry Stream	Nominated by an employer, occupation on the eligible list, and competent English.
Labour Agreement Stream	Nominated by an employer with a valid labor agreement.
Temporary Residence Transition stream	457, TSS, or any other bridging visa holder and worked as a full-time worker for the employer for two years.

Key Differences: Subclass 482 vs. 186

1. Visa Duration and work rights

 Subclass 482 allows the visa holder to live up to 4 years or a maximum of five years for Hong Kong applicants. However, the stay duration can be extended by taking an ETA visitor’s visa. Moreover, the applicant will get permission from the employer who sponsored him. Also, the applicant’s occupation must be on the Skilled Occupational List (SOL).

In contrast, subclass 186 gives you the freedom of permanent residency. Therefore, those who are skilled in the profession are mostly chosen in subclass 186. The visa not only builds your career but also gives you the freedom to live and work here.

2. Sponsorship requirements: Subclass 482 vs 186

Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa) Sponsorship Requirements:

1. Approved Sponsorship by the employer of standard business.
2. Labour Market Testing (LMT) is proof that there was no other Australian worker available for this role.
3. The employer must nominate a position that is listed on the appropriate skilled occupation list, such as SOL or MLTSSL.
4. The duration of Sponsorship by the employer must be equal to the duration of the visa.
5. Training in the Australian workplace.

Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) Sponsorship Requirements:

1. Approved Sponsorship to nominate a worker for permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme.
2. The employer must nominate a position listed on the eligible skilled occupation list.
3. Employers must offer the employee a permanent, full-time position.
4. There is a need for Labour Agreements for specific streams.
5. Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy, which funds training for Australian workers.

3. Cost and processing time

In subclass 482 vs. 186, both visas have different processing times and costs.

Subclass 482 will cost the applicant around AUD $1,265. Moreover, the processing time for 75% of applications is 36 days. However, 90% of applications get processed in 61 days for subclass 482. In contrast, the cost for a subclass 186 visa is around AUD $4,240. Hence, the average processing time is up to 6 weeks.

So, fill out the form on our website and live a secure future in Australia.

Pathway to Permanent Residence: Subclass 482 to Subclass 186 Visa

According to the latest rules of 2024, you can make a transition from subclass 482 to subclass 186. So, if you are a subclass 482 visa holder, there is a higher chance of getting 186 visas. The reason is that you’ll become eligible for the subclass 186 PR after two years. 

Many skilled workers on a Subclass 482 Visa may wish to transition to a Subclass 186 Visa for permanent residency. To be eligible for this transition:

• The worker must be nominated by their employer for a permanent position​
• They must meet specific skills and experience requirements set by the Australian government.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Subclass 482 vs. 186 Visa depends on career goals. So, if you want to gain just work experience in Australia, then subclass 482 is an ideal visa. The 482 Visa serves as a pathway for temporary employment. However,  the 186 Visa offers a route to permanent residency and a secure future.

So, hurry and pack up your bags and fill out the form on the website. And start your journey of amazing work experience in Australia.

FAQs

Can you apply for a Subclass 186 visa without holding a Subclass 482 visa?

Yes, you can apply for the Subclass 186 visa without holding a Subclass 482 visa if you qualify under the Direct Entry Stream. This stream allows skilled workers to apply directly for permanent residency. However, under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, you must hold a 482 visa and have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least two years.

How long does the Subclass 482 Visa last?

The Subclass 482 Visa is typically valid for up to four years, depending on the occupation. However, the validity is up to five years if the applicant is a Hong Kong passport holder.

Can I transition from a Subclass 482 Visa to a Subclass 186 Visa?

Yes, you can transition from a Subclass 482 Visa to a Subclass 186 Visa by obtaining a nomination from your employer.