As part of the newly published Migration Amendment (Skilled Visa Reform Technical Measures) Regulations 2025, effective November 29, 2025, applicants for the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the ENS Subclass 186 visa must complete their required work experience with an approved sponsor.
Background
The TRT stream of the ENS visa allows permanent residence for those who have held a specified visa, including a Skills in Demand (SID) Subclass 482 visa, for at least two years in the three years prior to submitting the application, and who have undertaken full-time work experience in the nominated occupation for at least two years.
Since December 2024, a 482 (SID) visa holder who ceases work for their visa sponsor has been allowed to work for six months for any company as long as their visa remained valid, and this work could be counted toward the work experience requirement for the TRT stream of the 186 (ENS) visa.
From November 29, 2025, only employment under an approved sponsor counts towards the TRT-stream ENS work experience requirement. Employers planning to sponsor 482 (SID) visa holders for a TRT-stream ENS visa from this date are advised to review the applicant’s work experience.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.