Update (October 2026)
The temporary measure described below has ended (further applications had to be lodged before 1 July 2023). Since 25 November 2023, all 482 visa holders can access the 186 TRT stream after two years of sponsored work, whatever occupation list they were sponsored under, and from 7 December 2024 the TSS visa has been replaced by the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). See our 482 visa path to PR guide.
From 1 July 2022, changes come into effect to reduce restrictions on Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Temporary Work Visa holders to encourage foreign workers to remain in Australia and assist in fulfilling labour shortages. The changes are as follows:
Eligible subclass 482 visa holders can apply for a further TSS visa onshore
Eligible subclass 482 and 457 visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme – Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream
Subclass 457 visa holders who have held the visa from 18 April 2017 and were in Australian for at least 12 months from 1 February 2020 to 14 December 2021 will no longer be subject to the age limit of 45 years
Further TSS Visa for Subclass 482 Visa Holders
The Government has announced that subclass 482 visa holders on the Short Term Skills Occupation List (STSOL) can apply for a third subclass 482 visa onshore if they meet the following criteria:
- Must have held a subclass 482 visa for at least 12 months from 1 February 2020 to 14 December 2021
- Submit the further TSS application prior to 1 July 2023
Previously, subclass 482 visa holders in the short-term stream would be required to fulfil the “onshore renewal restriction” which required them to be outside of Australia to make a further valid visa application for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa. The changes coming into effect on 1 July 2022 remove the “onshore renewal restriction” requirement.
Pathways to Permanent Residency for Eligible 482 and 457 Visa Holders
From 1 July 2022, eligible Temporary Work (subclass 457) and Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Holders (subclass 482) will be able to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream if you meet certain conditions. The following conditions apply:
- Must hold a Subclass 482 or Subclass 457 visa
- Must work in an occupation on the Short Term Skilled Occupation List
- Must have been in Australia for at least 12 months between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021
- Must meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TRT stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa
This is a new pathway to permanent residency for short term TSS and Temporary Work visa holders which previously were ineligible. This pathway to PR will only be available for two years from 1 July 2022. It will allow employers to benefit from foreign workers who would otherwise depart, who remain in Australia to live and work.
Please see full requirements here: New PR Pathways for all occupations on the STSOL list
For a further assessment of your eligibility, please book a time with VisaEnvoy here.
Removal of Age Limit for Subclass 457 Visa Holders
An age exemption will be extended and applied to legacy Subclass 457 visa holders who held the visa on or after 18 April 2017 and were in Australia for at least 12 months between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021. This means that the age limit of 45 years, a requirement of the Temporary Residence Stream will no longer apply to eligible Temporary Work visa holders.
What this means in 2026
The one-off concessions in this article have ended. Further onshore 482 applications under this measure had to be lodged before 1 July 2023, and the temporary STSOL pathway to the 186 TRT stream was time limited. Since then, the rules have changed in favour of sponsored workers, so most people this article was written for now have better options.
| Issue | 2022 rule | 2026 rule |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, subclass 482 | Skills in Demand (SID) visa, subclass 482, since 7 December 2024, with Specialist Skills, Core Skills and Labour Agreement streams |
| Occupation lists | STSOL and MLTSSL | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) for the Core Skills stream; Specialist Skills stream is open to most occupations above the Specialist Skills Income Threshold ($146,576 from 1 July 2026) |
| Onshore renewals | Short-term stream holders limited to two onshore applications | No limit on further onshore 482 applications; visas can be granted for up to 4 years |
| Pathway to PR | 186 TRT only for MLTSSL occupations, except under this temporary concession | 186 TRT open to all 482 holders after 2 years of sponsored work with their employer (since 25 November 2023) |
| Minimum salary | TSMIT $53,900 | Core Skills Income Threshold $79,423 from 1 July 2026 |
Who this affects now
If you were a short-term TSS holder who could not stay because of the old onshore renewal rule, you can now apply again onshore if your employer sponsors you and you meet the current SID requirements. If you have worked for your sponsor for 2 years on a 482 visa, you may be able to apply for permanent residence through the 186 TRT stream, whichever list your occupation was on. Legacy 457 holders who used the age exemption should get advice on whether it still applies to their case.
Next steps
- Check your occupation against the CSOL and the current income thresholds.
- Count your time working for your sponsor on a 482 visa towards the 2 year TRT requirement.
- Ask your employer about a new nomination or a 186 nomination before your visa expires.
Read more: Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), 482 visa path to PR, 186 TRT stream and Core Skills Occupation List. To check your eligibility, book a consultation.
Related guides
- COVID-19 Concessions for Employer-Sponsored Visas (SC457-482 and 186-187)
- TSS 482 Visa Skills Assessment
- New PR Pathways for All Occupations on the STSOL List
- Licensing Requirements for TSS 482 Visa
- Company Restructure: TSS 482 Visa and 186 TRT (Temporary Residence Transition) Stream
- Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa
- 186 TRT stream
- Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
- Book a consultation
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