Major updates for the transition from the Employer-Sponsored 482 visa to the 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream take formal effect from November 29th. Employers and applicants, please take note. The impact of these changes could be significant, so it's crucial to self-check immediately!

Before the Changes:

Required 2 years of cumulative work experience on a 482 visa within the past 3 years.

Time worked for a new employer counted toward this requirement as long as the new employer lodged a nomination application.

The employer did not need to hold a valid sponsorship approval (Standard Business Sponsorship - SBS) at the time of lodging the 186 TRT application.

After the Changes (Effective November 29, 2025):
To be eligible for the 186 TRT stream in the future, you must now satisfy:

The 2 years of work experience within the past 3 years must have been completed while working for an 'Approved Sponsor'.

An 'Approved Sponsor' refers to an employer who holds a valid Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS).

The SBS must have been valid when the 482 visa was granted.

The SBS must also have remained valid throughout the period of accumulated 482 work experience.

What Does This Mean? (Crucial Points)

If the Employer's SBS Expires
Work experience accumulated from the date the SBS expires until a new SBS is granted will NOT count towards the TRT's required 2 years.
*Note: As many employers sponsor employees long-term, situations may occur where the SBS was not renewed in time after the last 482 application was approved.*

If You Do Not Change Employers After Getting the 482 Visa
If you work for the same company for 2 years before applying for the 186 TRT, you simply need to ensure the employer's SBS remains valid for the entire period.

If You Change Employers After Getting the 482 Visa
Time worked for the first 482-sponsoring employer can count towards the 2-year requirement, provided their SBS was valid throughout that period.
After switching to a new employer, although the 482 visa rules may allow you to work for them for up to 180 days after your previous sponsorship ends, under the new rules, only work performed after the new employer obtains their SBS approval and lodges a nomination application for you will count towards the 186 TRT's 2-year requirement.

For Current 482 Holders Whose Occupation Has Been Removed from the Lists
If your original 482 visa was granted for more than 2 years (e.g., 3 or 4 years), you generally just need to ensure the employer's SBS remains valid as described above.
If your original 482 visa was granted for only 2 years, this becomes critical. You must ensure there is no unpaid leave during this period and that the SBS has no gaps. Otherwise, you may fail to meet the TRT requirements.
In this situation, since the occupation is removed and a 482 extension might not be possible, the impact is significant.

What Should You Do Now? (Most Important)

Immediately check your employer's SBS expiry date.

Determine if it:

Has already expired?

Is expiring soon (within the next 6 months)?

If it is expiring soon, urge your nominating employer to renew their SBS promptly.