Visa 186 Direct Entry(DE) vs Visa 482, which one is better?

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa and the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa are two employer-sponsored visas that allow skilled workers to live and work in Australia. However, they serve different purposes and have unique eligibility requirements.

The 482 Visa (also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa) is a temporary work visa that allows an individual to work in Australia for up to four years in a skilled position. This visa is for workers who are sponsored by an Australian employer and who have the skills, English and experience necessary to fill a position in the Australian labour market.

The 186 Visa (also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa) is a permanent work visa that allows an individual to work and live in Australia permanently. This visa is for workers who are sponsored by an Australian employer and who have high skills and experience necessary to fill a position in the Australian labour market.

Read our article about How to ask for a sponsorship in Australia

It is important not to confuse 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream with the 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream which is accessible to temporary residents who have already worked in Australia under a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482). The TRT stream enables these visa holders to transition to permanent residency after working with their employer for a stipulated period (usually 2 years). Skills assessment is usually not required under this stream.

There are a few key differences between the 482 Visa and the 186 DE Visa:

Here’s a comparison table for the key differences between the 482 Visa and the 186 DE Visa:

Aspect	482 Visa	186 DE Visa
Duration	Temporary visa, allowing work in Australia for up to 4 years.	Permanent visa, granting indefinite work and residency in Australia from the day of approval.
Eligibility Requirements	Sponsored by an Australian employer for a specific role; skill level varies (1-5), with Level 1 roles generally requiring advanced skills or qualifications and Level 5 positions requiring less specialised skills or education. 482 could access both MLTSSL or the STOL	Requires employer nomination, positive skills assessment, and a position only on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL); at least 3 years of relevant experience required.
Pathway to PR	No direct PR pathway, but after 2 years on a 482 Visa, may apply for PR through the 186 TRT stream.	Immediate permanent residency upon visa grant, with access to all PR benefits from day one.

What’s the cost for the business?

The main difference between a 186 and a 482 nomination is that in a 186 scenario the business can pay only the statutory government charges of Nomination and SAF Levy. This could be:

• for business with turnover <$10mil:
  • $540.00 nomination charge
  • $3000.00 SAF Levy
• for business with turnover >$10mil:
  • $540.00 nomination charge
  • $5000.00 SAF Levy

In a 482 context instead, the business must pay the government charges and the professional fees; plus to sponsor a person in a long term occupation the overall costs can be much higher, for example:

• for business with turnover <$10mil:
  • $330.00 nomination charge
  • $4800.00 SAF Levy
• for business with turnover >$10mil:
  • $330.00 nomination charge
  • $7200.00 SAF Levy

Key Changes to be aware of for Visa 482 since 2024

1. Reduced Employment Period for 482 Visa Holders:
   • Previously, 482 visa holders on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) needed three years of employment with their sponsoring employer to apply for PR under the TRT stream. The recent updates reduce this period to two years, making the transition to permanent residency faster.
2. Reduced Work Experience needed to access 482 Visa:
   • As of November 2024, applicants for the 482 visa are required to demonstrate at least 1 year of relevant work experience (instead of the 2 years previously needed) in their nominated occupation 
3. Expanded Access for Short-Term Occupation Holders:
   • Under the previous rules, only medium- and long-term 482 visa holders could transition to PR. Now, short-term occupation holders (on the STSOL) are also eligible for PR under the TRT stream.

Read our article about How to ask for a sponsorship in Australia

All you need to know about visa 482

All you need to know about visa 186 DE

Which pathway to choose – a 482 or 186 DE?

Both the 482 and 186 visas offer strong pathways to permanent residency in Australia, but each has unique advantages depending on your situation and qualifications.

The 482 visa could allow you to apply PR after two years of work with the same employer through the 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, though you’ll still need your employer’s sponsorship for this transition. It’s often a preferred choice for individuals with limited English skills, qualifications, or work experience, as it offers multiple skill levels (1-5), making it accessible to a broader range of workers.

In contrast, the 186 Direct Entry (DE) visa provides immediate access to permanent residency along with associated benefits such as Medicare enrolment, eligibility for home loans without additional taxes, child care subsidies, and lower education fees for children. However, employers may be less inclined to sponsor a 186 DE visa, as it does not require a long-term commitment from the visa holder, unlike the 482, which ensures a minimum two/three-year work period with the sponsoring employer. Deciding which visa (482 or 186), you should apply for, will depend on your own unique visa needs and circumstances. We always recommend you to get in touch with a Registered Migration Agent to understand which pathway would be the best one for your particular circumstances.

Note: This article provides general information about the 482, 494, 186, and 191 visas, accurate as of the date of writing. Immigration policies can change without notice. For personalised advice, contact our immigration experts about your specific circumstances and eligibility for employer-sponsored visas.

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