The Government has released new regulations affecting how sponsored workers progress from the 482 visa to permanent residency. This matters most if you are hiring someone who is already on a 482 with another employer or has been in the past 2 years.
The key change is simple:
Only employment that is sponsored by an approved work sponsor can now count toward the work experience requirement for the ENS 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) pathway.
This requirement has always been reflected in policy, but it is now written directly into the migration regulations.
What this means for employers
If you are taking on someone already on a 482 visa:
- You need to understand which parts of their work history qualify as “sponsored employment”
- Only this sponsored employment can be counted toward the work experience needed for the 186 PR pathway
- This may influence when they become eligible to apply for permanent residency and how long you may now need to support them on a 482
- It is important to set clear expectations at offer stage and plan timelines carefully
This ensures both you and the worker have an accurate view of their PR pathway and the timeframes involved.
Other technical updates
The regulations also tidy up several smaller points to bring the new Skills in Demand (SID) 482 visa in line with the existing TSS 482 visa, including:
- Ministerial cancellation powers
- Definitions of primary and secondary sponsored persons
- Sponsor travel cost obligations
- Review rights for SID visa refusals
These are administrative and do not change day-to-day employer processes.
When the changes apply
The new regulations take effect from 29 November 2025 so get in touch if you need support – we are here to help.
