What Are the New Rules for 482 Visa to Permanent Residency?

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa Subclass 482 has now been updated to the new Skills in Demand (SID) Visa. This visa streamlines skilled migration by offering tailored pathways based on skill level and salary. Designed to address Australia’s workforce needs, the SID Visa provides clearer opportunities for long-term settlement and permanent residency (PR) to eligible professionals.

The TSS visa subclass 482 is the perfect solution for professional workers who, in their biggest dreams, envision their future in Australia. This visa belongs to the specific category that makes them perceive that relegation in its entity is a step away from an opportunity yet to occur. However, major amendments made by 2024-2025, affecting aspects such as eligibility, pathways, and age restrictions, have introduced new rules for 482 visas to permanent residency.

Therefore, this blog will focus mainly on the revised concepts and procedures for transitioning from a 482 visa to a Permanent Residency (PR), the changing circumstances for visa 482 holders, and PR acquisition strategies under the new scenario.

Overview of the 482 Visa Pathway to PR

The 482 is a temporary work visa targeted at filling certain job shortages that exist in Australia. It falls into three streams:

• Short-Term Stream: To occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), where it is mostly not a pathway to PR.
• Medium-Term Stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List, which can sometimes lead to possibilities of PR.
• Labour Agreement Stream: This is for those entering through employer-sponsored agreements.

In the past, medium-term stream migrants could apply for PR after three years of service with a sponsor employer on a 482 visa. However, the new rule for  482 visas to PR has changed the timeline, age limit, and occupation list, which has opened more doors but is restricted in some ways.

What are the New Rules for the 482 Visa to Permanent Residency in 2025

When it comes to tracing the changes in the New Rules, here are some aspects to consider: 

1. Adjustment of Age Limit on 482 Visa to PR

There is no age limit for applying for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (Subclass 482). But if you want to move to permanent residency after the 482 visa, most pathways require you to be under 45 years old. Exceptions apply for those over 45, such as meeting the high-income threshold under certain employer-sponsored PR options. The new rules for visa subclass 482 to PR exempt under certain circumstances:

• Long-Term Visa Holders: Individuals who have resided and worked in Australia for an extended period on a 482 visa may qualify for PR regardless of being over 45.
• Regional Workers: Those employed in designated regional areas often benefit from relaxed age limits to encourage regional development.

2. Broader Access to the PR Pathway

Changes under the 482 visa will make it possible for workers in the Short-Term Stream who are otherwise ineligible for PR to transition under certain conditions. These include the following:

• Occupation Reclassification: Some occupations that were formerly categorized under the STSOL have been reassigned to the MLTSSL, which makes it easier to access pathways to PR.
• Temporary Residence Transition: Applicants of short-term stream-holding employers are eligible for the new TRT if they meet all residency and employment requirements.

3. Work Requirement

The time required to apply for permanent residency has been reduced from four years to one year. Earlier, Medium-Term Stream holders needed to serve their sponsoring employer for three years before they could make a bid for PR. The new regulations on 482 visas to Permanent Residency have reduced this condition to two years, subject to other conditions. This measure, in effect, accelerates the process of obtaining PR and brings consolation to workers who aspire for permanent status.

4. Increased Regional Benefits

Boosted regional development through Australia’s initiative has ensured greater incentives to work in non-metropolitan areas by 482 visa holders. This benefits them as:

• Regional applications are prioritized for processing.
• Additional conditions within the GSM points test qualify the applicant for PR.
• There is a lax requirement for age, English, and work experience while applying from the regional region.

5. Latest Salary Threshold Updates

To protect overseas workers from underpayment and support a fair local labour market, the Australian Government has increased the minimum salary requirements under the Skills in Demand Visa program. Effective from 1 July 2025, the updated thresholds are:

• $76,515 is the income threshold for core skills.
• $141,210 is the specialist skills income threshold.
• $76,515 is the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).

These revised salary levels are designed to attract highly skilled professionals while ensuring that all migrant workers receive fair and competitive pay.

6. Extended English Language Test Choices

The Australian Government has broadened the range of accepted English language tests for the 482 Visa, making it easier for more applicants to meet the language requirement. Previously, candidates were required to achieve an IELTS score of 6. Now, applicants can choose from the following additional tests:

• LanguageCert Academic

• Michigan English Test (MET)

• CELPIP General

When can I apply for PR after a 482 visa?

Determining the optimal time to apply for PR is crucial for holders of a TSS 482 Visa. Here’s a summary based on the 482 visa changes:

• Medium-Term Stream Holders: Eligible to apply for PR after two years of employment with your sponsoring employer, provided you meet the criteria.
• Short-Term Stream Holders: Depending on your occupation and employer sponsorship, you can apply two years after holding a TRT through new pathways.
• Regional Workers: PR applications may begin sooner in regional areas, where conditions are more relaxed and procedures are easier to follow.

Process of Migration from 482 Visa to PR

To ensure a smooth transition from a 482 to PR, follow these crucial steps:

1. Assess Your Occupation and Stream

Check if your occupation is on the MLTSSL or STSOL and learn about the relevant PR pathways.

2. Work Experience Requirements

Confirm the completion of the required work period (now often reduced to two years) with your sponsoring employer.

3. Obtain Employer Sponsorship

Talk to your employer early about spons482 visa to prorship for the ENS subclass 186 or other PR programs. A willing employer is crucial for PR eligibility.

4. Age and English Proficiency

Ensure compliance with the visa 482 to PR age limit and language proficiency requirements. If exemptions are applicable, collaborate with a migration agent to take advantage of these benefits.

6. File Your Application

Ensure your application is accurate, complete, and submitted punctually. Seek professional advice as needed to prevent errors that could delay or jeopardize your PR application.

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Conclusion

FAQ

How much does it cost to get a PR from 482?

Getting PR from a 482 visa through the Subclass 186 (TRT) stream typically costs AUD 4,640 for the main applicant. Additional costs may include AUD 2,320 for a partner, $1,160 per child, medical exams, police checks, and English tests. If you hire a migration agent, fees range from AUD 2,000–$5,000+. Total costs vary depending on your family size and individual circumstances.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

How long does it take for a 482 visa to be approved?

The processing time for a 482 visa in Australia typically ranges from 1 to 3 months, depending on the stream (Short-Term, Medium-Term, or Labour Agreement) and the completeness of your application. Delays can occur if additional documents or health checks are required. Ensuring accurate information and prompt responses can speed up the process. For the latest updates, visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

What is the 482 visa processing time?

The Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa—also known as the Skills in Demand (SID) visa since December 2024—has seen improvements in processing, but delays remain, especially for older TSS visa applications.

As of March 2025, the median processing time across all skilled temporary visas is around 78 days.

Breaking it down by stream:

• Specialist Skills Stream (SID):

  • 50% of applications processed within 9 days

  • 90% within 39 days

• Core Skills Stream (SID):

  • 50% processed in 30 days

  • 90% in 47 days

• Labour Agreement Stream:

  • 50% processed in 44 days

  • 90% in 48 days

However, older TSS 482 applications may take significantly longer—some up to nine months—owing to the backlog and transition to the new SID visa processing system

What are the requirements for transitioning from a 482 visa to permanent residency (PR)?

To move from a 482 visa to permanent residency (PR), applicants must generally meet several key eligibility criteria. You must work for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years on your 482 visa, remain employed in the same nominated occupation for at least 3 years, and be under 45 years of age at the time of application. Additionally, you must demonstrate competent English and receive a nomination from your employer for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa.

Key Requirements

Work Experience:

• Complete at least 2 years of employment with your sponsoring employer on the 482 visa.

• Accumulate 3 years of experience in the same nominated occupation before applying for PR.

• Earn a salary that meets or exceeds both the market rate and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).