2 years of working in Australia
Continuous work for the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation. Breaks of short periods generally acceptable.
TRT 186 · 2-Year Working Period · Same Employer · Same Occupation
The 482 to PR pathway is now 2 years.
Workers who hold a 482 or SID visa and work for the same sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation can transition to permanent residency via Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) after 2 years. Here is how it works.
Core eligibility
Four requirements for TRT 186.
Every TRT 186 application is assessed against these four.
Same employer throughout
The sponsor who nominates for 186 must usually be the sponsor who held the 482 or SID nomination. Changing employers resets the clock.
Same nominated occupation
Occupation on the 186 nomination must match the 482/SID occupation. Role changes during the 2 years affect eligibility.
Age, English, health, character
Under 45 (exceptions apply, see age exemption guide). Competent English. Health and character met.
What counts toward the 2 years
Work periods assessed in detail.
The 2-year rule is applied precisely. Understanding what counts matters.
Full-time work on the visaTime actually working on the 482 or SID in the nominated occupation with the sponsoring employer counts.
Authorised breaks and leaveAnnual leave, sick leave, parental leave are treated as working time. Generally counts.
Brief bridging visa periodsShort bridging visa periods between substantive visas can count if work continued. Detail-specific.
Work with related entitiesWork with a related entity of the sponsor (same corporate group) generally counts. Contractor or labour hire arrangements require detailed review.
Common obstacles
Three things that can derail the pathway.
Most transitions are straightforward but these specific issues cause problems.
Condition breaches
Breaches of visa conditions (work hours, role changes without notification) can affect 186 eligibility. Sponsor obligations also relevant.
Change of ownership
If the sponsoring business is sold or restructured, the sponsor identity matters. Sometimes related-entity rules help; sometimes they do not.
Age at application
Must be under 45 at 186 application, not at 482 start. Applicants approaching 45 need to time carefully. Age exemptions available in limited cases.
The 2-year rule counts work time, not visa time.
A 482 visa that was not worked for 6 months due to unpaid leave or unemployment may not count toward the 2 years. Genuine employment in the nominated occupation is what builds TRT eligibility, not mere visa holding. Keep payroll records throughout.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For 482 to 186 transitions, book with Brian Park or Sourabh Aggarwal.
Can I change employers during the 2 years?
Changing employers usually resets the 2-year clock. Specific exceptions for related entities and special circumstances.
Does part-time work count?
Generally yes, provided it was genuinely in the nominated occupation. Full-time is preferred for strongest evidence.
Can I apply 186 directly after 2 years without more work?
Lodgement at the 2-year mark is possible. Lodgement with strong employment evidence is strongest.
What if my 482 was a short-term (2-year) stream?
Older 482 short-term streams had different pathway rules. Current applicants should look at SID Core/Specialist streams and the 2-year TRT rule.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.