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.

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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:

1. 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.

2. Skills Assessment often not required (unless you're a tradesperson or applying for certain administrative roles).

3. Have at least 1 year of work experience in the last 5 years.

4. Lower English requirement – IELTS 5.0 or PTE 36

5. 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: 

1. Occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List – This is the same occupation list used for the 482 visa.

2. Full Skills Assessment by the relevant assessing authority.

3. At least 3 years of full-time, post-qualification work experience.

4. Competent English – IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50.

5. 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

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. 

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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

We understand how frustrating it can be when you're waiting on a visa decision. Many applicants expect a quick turnaround after submitting their 482 Visa application, only to find themselves waiting months with little to no updates.

In this blog, we’ll break down the current processing times for both the older Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa and the new Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa. 

We’ll also explain what might be causing delays, how priority processing works, and what steps you can take if your visa is taking longer than expected.

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Which type of 482 Visa have you applied for? 

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa was accepting applications up until 6 December 2024 after which it closed. The new Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa opened on 7 December 2024.

Therefore, applicants who applied before 7 December 2024 are awaiting a decision on the old TSS 482 Visa, while those who applied on or after 7 December 2024 are waiting for a decision on the SID 482 Visa.

Processing times for old TSS 482 Visa applications are longer

The standard processing times for the TSS 482 Visa for the Medium- and Short-Term Streams are currently, at the time of writing, as follows:

• 50% processed in 5 months

• 90% processed in 9 months

Processing times for Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa applications are shorter

Processing times for the Skills in Demand 482 Visa are currently reported by the Department of Home Affairs as:

Core Skills Stream

• 50% processed in 51 days

• 90% processed in 3 months

This means that 10% of applications are taking longer than 3 months—sometimes much longer.

Specialist Skills Stream

• 50% processed in 8 days

• 90% processed in 67 days

482 Visa priority processing times

There are also several other considerations that affect 482 Visa processing times, such as the occupation you’ve applied for. Under Direction 105, processing priorities are assigned as follows:

Priority 1: Employer-sponsored visas for occupations to be carried out in a designated regional area

 
Priority 2: Visas related to healthcare or teaching occupations

 
Priority 3: Employer-sponsored visas where the applicant is nominated by an approved sponsor with Accredited Status

 
Priority 4: Permanent and temporary visa subclasses that count towards the migration program, excluding the Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa

 
Priority 5: All other visa applications

If you fall under Priority 5, your application may take longer to be processed.

Accredited sponsors

Nominations and visa applications from accredited sponsors are generally processed faster. From an employer’s perspective, applying to become an accredited sponsor can significantly reduce processing times.

Long processing times may lead to refusals

If your application is taking significantly longer than the standard processing times, it may be undergoing additional checks. Depending on the findings by the Department of Home Affairs, there may be further information requests—or in some cases, the application may be refused.

Make sure all required information has been provided, and that your medical examinations and character requirements have been completed, as these are crucial to visa processing.

What can I do if my 482 Visa is taking longer than standard processing times?

You may wish to follow up with your Registered Migration Agent (RMA) or Immigration Lawyer for an update.

Contact us if you need any assistance. 

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Sources

Visa Processing Times: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times

Direction 105: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/skilled-visa-processing-priorities

The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is an important visa pathway to permanent residency for many people in Australia, especially those over 45 and under 55 years old. 

There are skill shortages across various industries such as health, agriculture, and hospitality.  The South Australian DAMA provides a wider range of occupations, and concessions on age, salary, English, and work experience for visa applicants. 

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What is the South Australia DAMA? 

The South Australia DAMA is a labour agreement between the Australian Government and businesses in South Australia.  

It is designed to address local skill shortages by allowing employers in South Australia to sponsor overseas workers under more flexible conditions than standard employer-sponsored visas. 

South Australia has two DAMAs, covering different regions and industries: 

•        Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA – focuses on tech, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing 
•        South Australian Regional Workforce DAMA – covers industries such as healthcare, agribusiness, tourism, construction, and hospitality 

Some common occupations that apply for DAMA in South Australia include: 

•        Child care workers
•        Aged or disability Carers 
•        Horticulture workers 
•        Chefs and Cooks
•        Hospitality Workers
•        A range of ICT occupations
•        Production operators
•        Truck Drivers
•        Nurses over 45 years old 

What Are the Visa Options Under the South Australia DAMA? 

There are three different employer-sponsored visas available under DAMA: 

•        482 Skills in Demand Visa – a temporary visa that can lead to permanent residency after two years if the employer nominates the visa holder for a Subclass 186 visa (Temporary Residence Transition Stream) 
•        494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – a provisional visa leading to permanent residency after three years by applying for the 191 visa. 
•      186 Employer Nomination Scheme (Labour Agreement) visa – a permanent visa that employers can nominate 482 visa holders for, after they have worked in the occupation for 3 years

These visas help employers fill critical skill shortages while providing a pathway to permanent residency for skilled migrants. 

What Are the DAMA Concessions? 

•        Age Concession up to 55 – Some occupations have no age concession, or the concession may be only under 50  
•        Salary Concession – some DAMAs allow for up to 10% reduction in the minimum salary requirement. For example, while a standard employer-sponsored visa requires a minimum salary of $73,150, under DAMA, businesses can sponsor workers at $65,835 per year.  These amounts will change every year as the TSMIT and Core Skills Threshold go up.
•        English Concession – some DAMA occupations have lower English language requirements than standard employer-sponsored visas  
•        Work Experience Concession – the required work experience period is lower than in standard employer-sponsored visas. For example, a Subclass 494 visa usually requires at least three years of full-time experience, but under some DAMAs, applicants can qualify with just 12 months of experience 

Industries Covered by the South Australia DAMA 

The South Australia DAMA supports a wide range of occupations across key industries, including: 

•        Healthcare and aged care 
•        Agriculture and agribusiness 
•        Construction and trades 
•        Hospitality and tourism 
•        Manufacturing and engineering 
•        Technology and innovation 

Each DAMA agreement includes a list of eligible occupations, and some roles may be eligible for age, English, and salary concessions. 

We recently had DAMA visas granted for occupations such as sommelier, horticulture worker, aged and disabled carer and electronic engineering draftsperson. 

Who is Eligible for the South Australia DAMA? 

To apply under the South Australia DAMA, you must meet certain criteria, including: 

•        An eligible occupation listed under the South Australia DAMA agreement 
•        A job offer from a South Australian employer 
•        Relevant skills and experience in your occupation 
•        English language requirements (concessions may apply) 
•        Receiving at least the minimum salary required (concessions may apply) 

Unlike standard employer-sponsored visas, DAMA allows for more flexible eligibility, especially for older applicants, those with lower English proficiency, and those earning slightly below the standard TSMIT. 

How to Apply for a South Australia DAMA Visa 

The DAMA visa process involves several steps: 

1.      Find a South Australian Employer to Sponsor you – you must have a job offer from an approved employer in an eligible DAMA occupation 

2.      Employer Applies for DAMA Endorsement – your employer must get approval from the South Australian Government to sponsor workers under DAMA 

3.      Labour Agreement Application – the employer enters into a labour agreement with the Australian Government 

4.      Nomination & Visa Application – once the agreement is approved, the employer nominates you, and you can apply for the visa through the Department of Home Affairs 

Why to apply for a South Australia DAMA? 

The South Australia DAMA is an excellent opportunity for skilled and semi-skilled migrants who want to work and settle in regional South Australia. 

With greater flexibility, employer sponsorship, and pathways to permanent residency, it is an attractive option for those who may not qualify under standard visa programs. 

Regional areas usually also offer benefits such as lower cost of living and good job opportunities for some industries.  

If you are looking to apply for a DAMA in South Australia or across Australia, please book an appointment to discuss your situation. 

DAMA in other states

There are 13 DAMAS in Australia including:

-          All of Western Australia

-          All of Northen Territory

-          All of South Australia

-          Much of New South Wales through the ORANA DAMA

-          Some of Victoria

-          Some of Queensland

-          Tasmania and the ACT do not have DAMA

How can we assist you? 

If you are a business, we can help you register your business under a labour agreement and assist with visa applications for your employees. 
If you are an individual, we can assist with your visa application. 

Please book an appointment to discuss your situation in more detail.

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How to find an employer to sponsor you? 

We don’t assist applicants in finding an sponsor, however, we have a blog and a YouTube video with tips on how to find a business to sponsor you in Australia.

To apply for an Australian visa, your work experience can play a significant role. Both overseas and Australian employment can be considered, and the terms of employment do not usually matter, they can be casual, part-time or full-time, self-employed or as an employer. 

Meeting work experience requirements for visas and skills assessments depend significantly on the facts and evidence of each person's particular case. Different periods of experience must be carefully examined to ensure the requirements can be met.

If you have overseas work experience, you can prove it using reference letters, payslips, bank statements, and other documents that confirm your occupation, duration of employment and salary.

If you are in Australia, your experience will count whether you work casually, part-time, full-time, or under an ABN or TFN.

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Here are some visas that require relevant employment experience: 

1. General Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189, 190, and 491)

These visas are for individuals with skills that are in demand in Australia.

• Work experience requirement: Post-qualification, relevant work experience is often required for a skill assessment. The more experience you have, the more points you can claim in the points-based system. 

• How it counts: Only work that exceeds 20 hours per week can be counted. Full-time, part-time, casual, and self-employment can all count as long as the work is relevant to your nominated occupation.

Each state has different criteria regarding the required number of work hours and whether the applicant must be living in the state or not.

Besides work experience, you will need to meet additional requirements to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the 189 visa, 190 visa, or 491 visa.

2. Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

The 482 visa allows employers to sponsor foreign workers for skilled roles.

• Work experience requirement: At least one year of full-time experience in the nominated occupation. 

Part-time or casual experience can also be counted and will be calculated pro rata. For example, if you work part-time (20 hours per week) for two years, it will be equivalent to one year of full-time experience.

ABN experience may also count if the applicant has sufficient documentation to support it.

• How it counts: The work experience should show you have the necessary skills for the job you’re being sponsored for. The employer will need to verify your experience as part of the sponsorship application.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) Direct Entry Stream 

The 186 Direct Entry Visa is a visa for skilled workers nominated by an employer sponsor that leads directly to permanent residency.

• Work experience requirement: You need at least 3 years full-time of relevant work experience. Generally, the experience needs to be post-qualification. 

• How it counts: Similar to the 482 visa, your experience needs to be in the nominated occupation and directly related to the role. 

Part-time or casual experience might be considered, but it could be prorated depending on the hours worked.

ABN experience may also count if the applicant has sufficient documentation to support it.

4. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

The 494 visa is for skilled workers nominated by their employer to work in regional areas in Australia.

• Work experience requirement: You need at least 3 years full-time of relevant work experience. Generally, the experience needs to be post-qualification. 

• How it counts: The experience needs to be in the nominated occupation and directly related to the role. 

Part-time or casual experience might be considered, but it could be prorated depending on the hours worked.

ABN experience may also count if the applicant has sufficient documentation to support it.

5. Training Visa (Subclass 407)

The Training Visa allows applicants to undertake structured workplace-based training in Australia to improve their skills or meet licensing/registration requirements.

• You must have at least 12 months of relevant work experience in your occupation within the last 24 months before applying. The experience can also be studying. 

• The experience can be full-time or part-time, but it must be directly related to the training program you are applying for.

• Volunteer work may be considered if it is structured, documented, and relevant to the training.

How Work Experience is Assessed:

Skill assessments: For General Skilled Migration Visas (subclass 491/190/189), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494), and Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) Direct Entry Stream, a positive skill assessment is mandatory. 

For the Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482), a skill assessment may be required depending on your occupation and the country of passport. 

Do You Need Help with an Australian Visa?

If you’re looking to apply for an Australian visa, we can assist you with your visa application.

Since 2011, we have helped thousands of applicants and businesses with immigration matters, Australian visas, permanent residency and citizenship.

Contact us for more information!

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If you're a Cafe or Restaurant Manager seeking to migrate to Australia, recent changes to immigration policies may have left you feeling uncertain.

The removal of Cafe and Restaurant Managers from the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) means that applying for new Skills in Demand 482 visa or the Direct Entry 186 visa is no longer an option.

However, this doesn’t mean all hope is lost—there are still several viable visa pathways available for skilled hospitality professionals.

In this blog, we’ll cover the best visa options for Cafe and Restaurant Managers in Australia, helping you navigate the complexities of the Australian immigration system.

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Why Were Cafe and Restaurant Managers Removed from the CSOL List?

The removal of Cafe and Restaurant Managers from the CSOL list was a major policy shift that disrupted many migration plans.

As a result, new applications for the 482 visa and the Direct Entry 186 visa are no longer available for these occupations.

This change reflects the government's focus on addressing skills shortages in other sectors, particularly in response to Australia's housing crisis, where occupations like teachers, healthcare workers, and construction professionals are given priority for state nominations.

What Are the Best Visa Options for Cafe and Restaurant Managers?

Despite these restrictions, there are still several pathways to permanent residency (PR) for Cafe and Restaurant Managers. Below are the most relevant options:

1. State Nomination: 190 and 491 Visas

You can still apply for state nomination through the 190 visa or 491 visa by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

To qualify, you will need:

• A positive skills assessment as a Cafe or Restaurant Manager
• At least competent English proficiency
• At least 65 points on the points test

However, state allocations for these visas are limited, and priority is currently given to occupations addressing Australia's housing and healthcare shortages.

Waiting for an invitation for restaurant managers may not be the most reliable strategy.

2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) 494 visa

If a cafe or restaurant is located in a regional area, you could be eligible for the 494 visa.

This provisional visa offers a pathway to permanent residency after three years.

To be eligible, you need:

• At least three years of full-time work experience as a Cafe or Restaurant Manager
• A positive skills assessment
• At least competent English

Meeting the experience requirement can be challenging for some applicants.

3. Labour Agreements: Flexible Sponsorship Options

Labour agreements provide customised sponsorship opportunities for employers and offer concessions on visa requirements, including age, work experience, and English proficiency.

They can also provide pathways to permanent residency for applicants aged between 45 and 55.

There are three primary types of labour agreements suitable for Cafe and Restaurant Managers:

a. Restaurant (Premium Dining) Industry Labour Agreement

Businesses must have an annual revenue of at least $2 million, employ specialised staff such as chefs, waiters, and sommeliers, and provide table service.

b. DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreements)

Available in regional areas such as South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. DAMAs offer concessions on age and English language requirements but are not available in Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne.

c. Company-Specific Labour Agreements

Designed for businesses not covered by DAMAs or industry-wide agreements, these agreements can include occupations like Cafe and Restaurant Managers.

4. 186 Visa: Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

If you already hold a 482 visa as a Cafe or Restaurant Manager, you can still apply for permanent residency under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) 186 visa after two years of employment with your current sponsor.

You must be nominated by your current employer. If you want to change employers, your occupation must still be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) to transfer your 482 visa to a new employer.

 If your occupation is no longer listed, you’ll need to apply for PR through your current employer.

What If Your Visa Options Are Limited?

Given the recent policy shifts and growing competition for state nominations, Cafe or Restaurant Managers may need to consider alternative pathways, such as employer-sponsored visas through labour agreements or the 494 visa, exploring other eligible occupations, or consulting with an immigration specialist for personalised advice.

Stay Updated with Australian Immigration Changes

At Work Visa Lawyers, we have been providing up-to-date immigration news and guidance for over ten years.

 If you're unsure about your eligibility or need advice tailored to your situation, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our experienced migration lawyers. You can also follow us on our Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or YouTube for more information.

Contact us today for expert advice on the best migration pathway for your situation.

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