482 vs 186 Visa: Which Is Right for Your Business?
482 or 186 — What Is the Difference?
The 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) and 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) are Australia's two main employer sponsored visa pathways. Choosing the right one depends on your business needs, budget, and long-term plans.
482 Visa — Temporary First
The 482 visa is a temporary visa lasting up to 4 years. It allows you to sponsor a worker to fill a genuine skill shortage. The medium-term stream provides a pathway to permanent residency via the 186 TRT stream after 2-3 years.
- Duration: Up to 4 years
- PR pathway: Yes, via 186 TRT after 2-3 years
- Cost: ~$8,000-12,000 total (government + agent fees)
- English: IELTS 5.0 overall
- Best for: Testing a worker before committing to permanent sponsorship
186 Visa — Permanent Directly
The 186 visa grants permanent residency from day one. The Direct Entry stream allows you to nominate a worker without them having held a 482 first, though they need a skills assessment.
- Duration: Permanent
- PR pathway: Immediate
- Cost: ~$12,000-20,000 total
- English: IELTS 6.0 each band
- Best for: Highly skilled workers you want to keep long-term
Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | 482 Visa | 186 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment level | Lower — temporary first | Higher — permanent from day one |
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront, no renewal |
| Worker retention | Worker tied to you for 2-3 years | Worker can leave after grant |
| Skills assessment | Not always required | Required for Direct Entry |
| English | IELTS 5.0 | IELTS 6.0 each band |
Common Strategy
Most employers start with a 482 visa, work with the employee for 2-3 years, then transition to a 186 TRT for permanent residency. This lets you assess the worker before committing to permanent sponsorship, and the worker benefits from eventually getting PR.
Need help deciding? Chat with our AI assistant or browse candidates at sponsortalent.com.au/candidates.
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