The Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream offers a pathway to permanent residency for Subclass 482 visa holders. One key requirement is holding the 482 visa for at least two years — but how is this calculated?
The Two-Year Requirement
To be eligible for the 186 TRT stream, applicants generally must have held a Subclass 482 visa for at least two years at the time of lodging the 186 application. This doesn’t mean working for two years — it means holding the visa for that period.
Time Spent Offshore
A common question is whether time spent offshore counts toward the two-year requirement. Policy indicates that decision makers should consider whether the applicant has substantially held the 482 visa for the required period. Extended periods offshore may be viewed unfavourably.
Switching Between 482 Streams
Applicants who have held a 482 under different streams (such as moving from Short-term to Medium-term stream, or from SBS to Labour Agreement) may face additional scrutiny. Policy suggests that holding a 482 under different concessions may not automatically satisfy the requirement.
Best Practice
To strengthen a 186 TRT application, applicants should maintain continuous employment with the sponsoring employer, minimise extended periods overseas, ensure the two years are calculated correctly from the visa grant date, and work with their migration agent to document compliance.
Disclaimer: This is general advice only and may not apply to your specific circumstances. For personalised guidance on your visa application, please book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents.
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Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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