Australian migration law has changed significantly over the past two years — and many Nepalis on sponsored visas or chasing permanent residency are still navigating the new landscape. The 482 visa is gone. Occupation lists have been restructured. The points test has new bonuses. If you haven't reviewed your situation recently, this guide covers the most important updates and what they mean for you.
The Skills in Demand visa — what replaced the 482
From 23 November 2023, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) subclass 482 visa. If you're currently on a 482, your visa conditions haven't changed — but any new applications go through the SID framework. The SID has three streams:
- →Specialist Skills stream — for highly paid workers earning above the specialist skills income threshold (currently AUD $135,000+). No occupation list required — it's salary-based eligibility. Good news if you're in IT, engineering, finance, or management.
- →Core Skills stream — for workers in occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) earning at least AUD $73,150. This is the main pathway for most sponsored Nepali workers in hospitality, aged care, construction, and trades.
- →Essential Skills stream — designed for lower-paid essential workers. Full details and launch timeline are yet to be confirmed by the government.
Important: Under the Core Skills stream, you can now change employers more easily — you no longer need to wait for a new sponsor before leaving a job. You have 180 days to find a new employer sponsor. This is a significant worker protection improvement.
New occupation lists — CSOL and SSOL
The old MLTSSL and STSOL occupation lists have been replaced by two new lists:
- →Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) — the main list used for the Core Skills stream of the SID visa and for points-tested skilled migration visas (subclass 189 and 190). Covers hundreds of occupations across IT, healthcare, engineering, trades, hospitality, education, and more.
- →Specialist Skills Occupation List (SSOL) — used for the Specialist Skills stream. A shorter, higher-skill list covering niche technical and professional roles.
- →If your occupation is not on the CSOL, you may still qualify via the Specialist Skills stream if your salary is above the threshold — check with a registered migration agent.
Points test updates — what changed for skilled independent (189) migration
If you're aiming for the subclass 189 (skilled independent) or 190 (state-nominated) visa, the points test is how invitations are issued. Several changes affect how points are calculated:
- →Age points: The age bracket scoring has been refined. You score the most points (30) between ages 25–32. Points reduce gradually from 33 onwards, dropping to 15 at 45. Plan your timeline accordingly.
- →Australian study requirement: Completing at least two years of full-time study at an Australian institution now attracts 5 bonus points — a meaningful boost for former international students.
- →Partner skills: If your partner meets the points test criteria themselves (skill assessment + English), you get 10 extra points. Single applicants also get 10 points for being unmarried or in a de facto relationship.
- →Professional Year bonus: Completing an Australian Professional Year program in IT, accounting, or engineering gives you 5 extra points on top of your base score.
- →Minimum passing score: Invitations in most occupations are going to applicants with 80–90+ points, depending on demand. Build in a buffer — don't aim for just 65.
Many Nepalis are sitting on 70–75 points and waiting years for an invitation. If you have an Australian degree, complete a Professional Year, or can get your partner skills-assessed, you can often jump 15–20 points. Run the numbers with an agent before giving up on the 189.
Regional migration — the 491 → 191 pathway still works
The subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa remains one of the most accessible pathways to PR for Nepalis who are flexible about location. You get 15 bonus points for being nominated by a state government or sponsored by a relative in a regional area. After three years living and working in a regional area on a 491, you become eligible to apply for the subclass 191 (Permanent Residence — Regional) visa.
- →Strong states for Nepali 491 nominations: South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and parts of Queensland have been active in nominating applicants with lower points.
- →What counts as regional: Most of Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane qualifies as regional. Perth, Adelaide, and Hobart are all eligible — and so are outer suburbs and satellite cities around the major metros.
- →Income requirement for 191: You must have earned at least the median income ($53,900 in 2025–26, indexed annually) in at least two of your three years on the 491.
Employer-sponsored PR — the subclass 186 pathway
If you've been working for the same employer in Australia for at least two years on a 482/SID visa, you may be eligible for direct PR via the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (Temporary Residence Transition stream). Your employer nominates you, you apply for the 186, and if approved, you get permanent residency. Key requirements: must be under 45 at time of application, occupation must be on the relevant list, and your employer must be willing to nominate you.
If you're approaching two years with your employer, start the 186 conversation early. The employer nomination process takes time and your employer needs to meet specific criteria. Don't assume they'll volunteer — you may need to raise it.
What to do next
- →Check your occupation on the CSOL — the Department of Home Affairs website has the full list. If you're not on it, check the SSOL and your salary threshold.
- →Calculate your points — use the official SkillSelect points test calculator at homeaffairs.gov.au to get your current score and see where you can improve.
- →Check your state nomination options — each state publishes its own nomination criteria and which occupations it's currently nominating.
- →Speak to a registered migration agent — Australian migration law changes frequently and penalties for getting it wrong are severe. A MARA-registered agent is worth the cost.
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