Under the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa, applicants can be granted a visa for up to 4 years, depending on the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy paid by the sponsoring employer.
How the SAF Levy Affects 482 Visa Duration
The length of a 482 visa is directly linked to the employer’s SAF levy payment:
- If the employer pays for 2 years, the visa can only be granted for 2 years
- If the employer pays for 3 or 4 years, the visa may be granted for that corresponding period
This makes the SAF levy a key factor when planning visa duration.
Important: 482 Visa Does NOT Automatically Lead to PR
A common misconception is that the 482 visa automatically converts to permanent residency. This is not the case.
To transition to permanent residency, most applicants apply for the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa, typically through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
Recommended Strategy for 482 Visa Validity
Although the current requirement for the 186 TRT stream is generally 2 years of employment, there are important considerations:
- Unpaid leave does NOT count toward the 2-year requirement
- Time working with a new employer before the nomination transfer application is submitted does NOT count towards the 2-year requirement
Best practice:
- Nominate the 482 visa for at least 3 years
- A 4-year visa is usually unnecessary unless the employer requires a longer commitment before offering PR sponsorship
Timing Your 186 Application
To ensure a smooth transition to permanent residency:
- Lodge the Subclass 186 application before the 482 visa expires
- Once lodged, a Bridging Visa will maintain lawful status while the PR application is processed
Pro Tip: Start Early
The most successful applicants:
Avoid leaving preparation until the final 2 months of the 482 visa validity, which can create unnecessary pressure and risk, best to begin planning the186 application within the 6 months of their 482 visa expiry.