If you’re planning to apply for a 482 visa, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is: how long can I stay in Australia? This is an important consideration because the length of your stay affects your work plans, your family arrangements, and even your pathway to permanent residency.
What are the Three Streams?
The 482 visa, now replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa framework, is structured into three main streams to address Australia’s skill needs:
- Core Skills stream
- Specialist Skills stream
- Labour Agreement stream
Length of Stay by Stream
For the Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams, applicants can usually stay in Australia for up to four years. If you hold a Hong Kong passport, this can be extended to five years. These streams are designed for occupations on the relevant skills lists and often provide pathways to permanent residency after meeting certain work and sponsorship requirements.
Under the Labour Agreement stream, you can also stay for up to four years, with Hong Kong passport holders eligible for five years. This stream applies to occupations listed under a formal labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government. Depending on the agreement, it may provide a pathway to permanent residency.
It’s essential to remember that your visa length is linked to your employment and sponsorship. If your employment ends, you now have 180 days (previously 60 days) to secure a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or depart Australia. Importantly, for those aiming for permanent residency through the transition stream, the time counts from the lodgement of the new nomination, not the approval. Knowing which stream applies to you allows for better planning of both your career and long-term residence in Australia.
Looking Ahead on Your 482 Visa
Many applicants see the 482 visa as a pathway to permanent residency. The Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement streams can all lead to the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) through the Temporary Residence Transition stream, provided you have worked for your sponsoring employer on a 482 visa for at least two years and have been nominated by an Australian employer with an approved nomination within the six months prior to your application. With the updated rules, your eligibility period starts from the date of nomination lodgement, which gives greater certainty in planning your PR pathway.
Even if you’re on the Core Skills, Specialist Skills or Labour Agreement streams, understanding the rules, salary thresholds, and sponsorship conditions is critical. Early planning helps you navigate any unexpected changes, such as a job ending or a sponsor withdrawing support.
How SALIA Lawyers & Associates Can Help
At SALIA Lawyers & Associates, we know that the 482-visa process can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our goal is to make the process straightforward and help you choose the stream that best fits your circumstances.
We provide:
- Detailed guidance on each SID visa stream, so you understand your options and can make informed decisions.
- Assessment of your occupation’s eligibility for the Core Skills, Specialist Skills, or Labour Agreement stream.
- Comprehensive support throughout your application, from preparation to lodging.
- Strategic advice on long-term migration planning, including pathways to permanent residency.
If you are considering a 482 visa or want to understand which stream is right for you, our professional guidance can make all the difference. Contact SALIA Lawyers & Associates today to book a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer. We will help you understand your options, plan your migration journey, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
