Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482) vs Employer Nomination Scheme (186): Which Pathway to Choose?

What You’ll Learn

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between Australia’s Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) and Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visas. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which visa aligns best with your career aspirations and residency goals.

Quick Comparison Table

Overview of Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) Visa

The Subclass 482 visa is designed to address temporary skill shortages in the Australian labor market by allowing employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas.

Pros

– **Flexibility**: Offers multiple streams (Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labour Agreement) to cater to various occupations and durations.
– **Pathway to Permanent Residency**: Provides a route to permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition stream after two years with the same employer.

Cons

– **Temporary Nature**: Initially a temporary visa, which may not suit those seeking immediate permanent residency.
– **Occupation Limitations**: Eligibility depends on the occupation being listed on the relevant occupation list.

Overview of Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) Visa

The Subclass 186 visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.

Pros

– **Direct Permanent Residency**: Provides a direct pathway to permanent residency without the need for prior temporary work experience.
– **Employer Sponsorship**: Employers are required to meet market salary rate requirements, ensuring fair compensation.

Cons

– **Eligibility Criteria**: Requires a minimum of three years of relevant work experience and a positive skills assessment.
– **Age Limit**: Applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of application, with some exemptions.

Side-by-Side Breakdown

Visa Type

– **Subclass 482**: Temporary residency visa allowing stays of up to four years, depending on occupation and stream.
– **Subclass 186**: Permanent residency visa granting indefinite stay in Australia.

Occupation Lists

– **Subclass 482**: Occupations must be on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Regional Occupation List (ROL), or Labour Agreement Stream.
– **Subclass 186**: Occupations must be on the MLTSSL or Labour Agreement Stream.

Work Experience Requirements

– **Subclass 482**: Minimum of two years of relevant work experience.
– **Subclass 186**: Minimum of three years of relevant work experience.

English Language Proficiency

– **Subclass 482**: IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
– **Subclass 186**: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Age Limitations

– **Subclass 482**: No age limit.
– **Subclass 186**: Under 45 years old at the time of application, with some exemptions.

Visa Duration

– **Subclass 482**: Up to four years, depending on occupation and stream.
– **Subclass 186**: Permanent residency.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

– **Subclass 482**: Temporary Residence Transition stream after two years with the same employer.
– **Subclass 186**: Direct pathway to permanent residency.

Employer Obligations

– **Subclass 482**: Skilling Australians Fund levy and market salary rate.
– **Subclass 186**: Market salary rate.

Application Costs

– **Subclass 482**: From AUD $1,330.
– **Subclass 186**: From AUD $4,240.

Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between the Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 visas depends on your career goals, work experience, and long-term plans.

– **Subclass 482**: Ideal for skilled workers seeking temporary employment in Australia with potential for permanent residency after meeting certain criteria.
– **Subclass 186**: Best suited for skilled workers aiming for immediate permanent residency in Australia through employer sponsorship.

Subclass 482 vs Subclass 186: The Final Verdict

| Category | Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) Visa | Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) Visa |
|———————————-|———————————————|———————————————–|
| Best for Beginners | Yes | No |
| Best for Power Users | Yes | Yes |
| Best Value | Yes | No |

Findings and Recap

In summary, the Subclass 482 visa offers a flexible pathway for skilled workers seeking temporary employment in Australia, with a potential route to permanent residency. The Subclass 186 visa provides a direct path to permanent residency for those who meet the eligibility criteria.

Related reading: Understanding Australia’s Skilled Migration Program

AI Image Prompt: A professional setting depicting a skilled worker reviewing two visa options, with one labeled ‘Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482)’ and the other ‘Employer Nomination Scheme (186)’, symbolizing the choice between temporary and permanent residency pathways in Australia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (186)?

The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482) is a temporary work visa that allows skilled workers to work in Australia for up to four years, depending on the occupation and stream. In contrast, the Employer Nomination Scheme (186) is a permanent residency visa that enables skilled workers to live and work in Australia indefinitely. ([truebluemigration.com](https://truebluemigration.com/news/482-visa-vs-186-visa/?utm_source=openai))

Can I transition from a 482 visa to a 186 visa?

Yes, after working for the same employer on a 482 visa for at least two years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the 186 visa’s Temporary Residence Transition stream. ([workvisalawyers.com.au](https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/482-visa-or-186-direct-entry-which-one-should-you-choose-1.html?utm_source=openai))

What are the age requirements for these visas?

The 482 visa has no specific age limit. However, the 186 visa requires applicants to be under 45 years old at the time of application, unless exempt. ([workvisalawyers.com.au](https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/482-visa-or-186-direct-entry-which-one-should-you-choose-1.html?utm_source=openai))

Do I need a skills assessment for these visas?

A skills assessment is mandatory for the 186 visa’s Direct Entry stream. For the 482 visa, a skills assessment may be required, depending on the occupation and the applicant’s qualifications. ([workvisalawyers.com.au](https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/482-visa-or-186-direct-entry-which-one-should-you-choose-1.html?utm_source=openai))

What are the English language requirements for these visas?

For the 186 visa, applicants must demonstrate competent English, typically an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent. The 482 visa requires a functional level of English, usually an IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent. ([workvisalawyers.com.au](https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/482-visa-or-186-direct-entry-which-one-should-you-choose-1.html?utm_source=openai))

Can I apply for these visas if my occupation is not on the Skilled Occupation List?

Both visas require the nominated occupation to be listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List. If your occupation is not listed, you may need to explore other visa options or pathways. ([workvisalawyers.com.au](https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/482-visa-or-186-direct-entry-which-one-should-you-choose-1.html?utm_source=openai))

What is the processing time for these visa applications?

Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and the specific visa stream. It’s advisable to consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for the most current information. ([workvisalawyers.com.au](https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/482-visa-or-186-direct-entry-which-one-should-you-choose-1.html?utm_source=openai))

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