ENS (Subclass 186) TRT Stream Visa Updates: New Rules for Your PR Pathway & Rights in Australia
Big changes have come into effect to Australian immigration rules, especially if you are aiming for permanent residency (PR) through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) visa – TRT Stream, or if you are a temporary visa holder. Here’s what you need to know:
Good News for Your SC 186 (PR) Visa Application!
If you are currently on a Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa and planning to apply for a permanent Subclass 186 (TRT Stream), here are some clarifications regarding your work experience.
Your work experience counts as long as it was full-time, sponsored employment. This means it needs to be with an employer who held an approved sponsorship (Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)) at the time you were working for them.
The sponsor does NOT need to keep their sponsorship approval for your entire work period. This is a relief! As long as they were an approved sponsor when you were working there, that time counts towards your SC186 (TRT stream) requirements.
You cannot count work experience if your previous employer was later barred, sanctioned, or had their sponsorship cancelled.
New Protections Against Wage Theft: What You Need to Know
From 12 December 2025, new rules were implemented to better protect temporary visa holders from employers who intentionally underpay workers. If an employer is found guilty of “intentional wage theft” against a temporary worker, they will face difficulties in sponsoring future visa holders.
Additionally, other important updates starting 12 December 2025:
Penalties for certain migration offences will now be based on “penalty units” rather than fixed dollar amounts.
There are also changes to how certain Bridging Visa R (BVR) holders (a specific group of people in the community) are managed, especially if they have serious criminal backgrounds.
Related:
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
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How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you are unsure or in doubt about the next steps, seek professional advice through a consultation with an Immigration Lawyer. Our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, along with our team of immigration lawyers, specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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