Today we’re sharing the story of one of our clients, “Xiao C.” After graduating, she worked as a Marketing Specialist (ANZSCO 225113) in Melbourne for a local company willing to sponsor her long-term. Step by step, she transitioned from a 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa to a 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Permanent Residency.

Background

• Occupation: Marketing Specialist
• Location: Melbourne
• Employer: Local company committed to long-term sponsorship
• Goal: Transition from a 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa to a 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Permanent Residency

Step 1: Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

The Subclass 482 visa is the first step for many skilled workers.

• Occupation Requirement: Marketing Specialist is listed on the STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List), so the 482 short-term stream applies.
• Employer Requirement: The sponsoring business must be a legally operating Australian employer willing to provide sponsorship.
• Applicant Requirements:：
  • At least 1 years of relevant work experience
  • IELTS overall score of 5.0 (with no band lower than 4.5) or an equivalent test result
  • Positive skills assessment (VETASSESS)

The visa is typically granted for two years (in some cases, four years).

Step 2: Transitioning to Subclass 186 Permanent Residency

Many people ask: “Can an STSOL occupation lead to permanent residency?” The answer is yes—with the right planning between employer and applicant.

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme offers two main pathways:

1. Direct Entry Stream: For occupations on the MLTSSL
2. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) 过渡通道
   • Applicant holds a 482 visa
   • Works for the same employer for at least 2 years
   • Employer agrees to sponsor under Subclass 186
   • English requirement: IELTS 6.0 (with no band lower than 6.0)

This was the route Xiao C followed: 482 → 186 TRT.

Xiao C’s Migration Pathway

1. Secured a Marketing Specialist position in Melbourne
2. Employer sponsored her for a 482 short-term visa—successfully obtained a two-year visa
3. Worked for the same employer for three consecutive years, maintaining stable employment
4. Once eligible, employer lodged the 186 TRT permanent residency nomination—Xiao C was granted Australian PR

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

• Marketing Specialist is an STSOL occupation, which means it cannot directly access 189/190 skilled migration, but can achieve permanent residency via employer sponsorship (482 → 186).
• The key factors are finding a reliable employer and maintaining long-term employment.
• English requirements are reasonable, but your skills assessment and work experience must be prepared in advance.

Pro TipFor professionals in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations or other STSOL occupations, employer sponsorship is the mainstream migration pathway. If you are studying or working in major cities like Melbourne or Sydney, secure an employer willing to sponsor you early—this can put you on the same path to PR as Xiao C.