482 vs 186: which Australian visa is right for you?
The Skills in Demand (482) visa is temporary employer-sponsored work; the Employer Nomination Scheme (186) is permanent residence. Many people move from one to the other.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Skills in Demand visa (SID) (482) | Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (186) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary (up to 4 yrs) | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | Skilled workers with an Australian employer sponsor for an occupation in demand. Replaced the TSS visa. | Skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for a permanent role. |
| Government cost | ~$3,210 (Core stream; Specialist higher) | ~$4,910 (main applicant) |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months (priority 5-10 days) | ~5-12 months |
| Length of stay | Up to 4 years | Permanent |
| Where to apply | Onshore or offshore | Onshore or offshore |
| Work rights | Full-time for your sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation | Unlimited - full PR work rights |
| Pathway to PR | Pathway to PR via subclass 186 (ENS) after 2 years with an eligible sponsor. | This visa IS permanent residence. |
Which is right for you?
Skills in Demand visa (SID) (482)
Skilled workers with an Australian employer sponsor for an occupation in demand. Replaced the TSS visa.
Full 482 guide →Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (186)
Skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for a permanent role.
Full 186 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, 482 or 186?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Skills in Demand visa (SID) (482) is the lowest at ~$3,210 (Core stream; Specialist higher). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, 482 or 186?
Indicatively Skills in Demand visa (SID) (482) is the quickest at ~1-3 months (priority 5-10 days). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Which of these leads to permanent residence?
186 is permanent. 482: Pathway to PR via subclass 186 (ENS) after 2 years with an eligible sponsor. 186: This visa IS permanent residence.
What's the main difference between 482 and 186?
Skills in Demand visa (SID) (482) is for skilled workers with an Australian employer sponsor for an occupation in demand. Replaced the TSS visa. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (186) is for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for a permanent role.