If you’re considering migrating to Australia as a skilled worker, one of the most common questions is: Should I apply for the Temporary Core Skills 482 Visa or go straight for the 186 Direct Entry Permanent Residency Visa?
In short, if you meet the requirements for the 186 Visa, going straight to permanent residency is often the best path. But not everyone qualifies immediately—and that’s where the temporary 482 Visa becomes a valuable stepping stone to living and working in Australia.
In this blog, we’ll explain what each visa involves, their pros and cons, and how to decide which one fits your situation best.
Requirement for the 482 Visa and the 186 Direct Entry Visa
To apply for 482 or 186 visas, you must have an Australian employer to sponsor and nominate you.
We know this can be difficult—especially if you’re currently overseas—but it’s not impossible. Thousands of skilled workers secure employer sponsorship in Australia every year.
We’ve created a video and a blog with tips on how to find a sponsor in Australia to assist you in this journey.
Skills in Demand 482 Visa – Temporary Visa with Permanent Residency Pathway
The Skills in Demand 482 Visa (Core Skills Stream) allows you to live and work in Australia for up to four years. It is a more accessible option for many skilled workers and enables them to start working in Australia sooner.
482 Visa Requirements:
- Have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List – There are 456 eligible occupations including Registered Nurse, Civil Engineer, Chef, ICT Business Analyst, Marketing Specialist, Content Creator, Agricultural Technician and Mechanic.
- Skills Assessment often not required (unless you're a tradesperson or applying for certain administrative roles).
- Have at least 1 year of work experience in the last 5 years.
- Lower English requirement – IELTS 5.0 or PTE 36
- No age limit – There is no age limit to apply for a 482 visa. We’ve seen applicants over 45 successfully obtain and renew 482 visas for years. However, to apply for permanent residency, the applicant must be under 45 years old (unless exemptions apply).
186 Direct Entry Visa – Permanent Residency Visa
The 186 Visa (Direct Entry stream) grants permanent residency from the day it is approved.
186 Direct Entry Visa Requirements:
- Occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List – This is the same occupation list used for the 482 visa.
- Full Skills Assessment by the relevant assessing authority.
- At least 3 years of full-time, post-qualification work experience.
- Competent English – IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50.
- Under 45 years of age – with limited exemptions available.
If you’re a recent graduate, or your work history is informal and you don’t have solid references, you might not meet these requirements yet.
Side-by-Side Comparison – 482 Visa vs 186 Visa
Requirement | 482 Visa (Core Skills Stream) | 186 Visa (Direct Entry) |
Visa type | Temporary | Permanent |
Occupation list | CSOL | CSOL |
Work experience | Minimum 1 year | Minimum 3 years |
Skills assessment | May be required | Mandatory (unless exempt) |
Age limit | No age limit | Under 45 (unless exempt) |
English requirement | IELTS 5.0 / PTE 36 | IELTS 6.0 / PTE 50 |
Employer sponsorship | Required | Required |
TSMIT / CSIT | Yes (AUD $76,515 from July 2025) + Must meet market salary rate | Yes (AUD $76,515 from July 2025) + Must meet market salary rate |
PR Pathway | Yes (via 186 Transition Pathway after 2 years on a 482 Visa) | Already a Permanent Visa |
Transitioning from Temporary 482 Visa to 186 Permanent Residency
If you begin on a 482 visa, you can later transition to permanent residency through the 186 Visa Temporary Residence Transition Stream.
To do this, you’ll need:
- At least 2 years of full-time work on a 482 Visa
- An employer to nominate you for a 186 Visa Temporary Transition Stream
- Competent English: IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50
- To be under 45 years old at the time of application
This pathway makes the 482 visa a stepping stone to PR for those who don’t yet meet the 186 Direct Entry criteria.
What If You’re Over 45 or Not on the Core Skills List?
If you’re over 45 or your occupation isn’t on the Core Skills List, you may still have options—particularly through Labour Agreements like the DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreements).
These agreements:
- Offer more flexible age limits (up to 55 years old)
- Include a wider range of occupations (e.g. truck drivers, horticultural workers, carers)
- May allow for lower English levels
Which Visa Is Right for You? 482 or 186 Visa?
If you:
- Have a positive skills assessment
- Have 3+ years of experience
- Are under 45
Then the 186 Direct Entry is likely the best option for you.
But if you don’t yet meet the above criteria and need to start working in Australia sooner, then the 482 visa is a strong, flexible option that can lead to Permanent Residency after two years.
Applying for a 482 or 186 visa
Our team of experienced migration professionals can help you:
- Assess your eligibility
- Understand your visa options
- Prepare a tailored visa strategy
Contact us or book an appointment to discuss your situation.
Sources:
482 Visa Core Skills Stream: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skills-in-demand-visa-subclass-482/core-skills-stream
186 Visa Direct Entry: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/employer-nomination-scheme-186/direct-entry-stream
186 Visa Temporary Residence Transition Stream: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/employer-nomination-scheme-186/temporary-residence-transition-stream
