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Mining Engineer
Hi, all
I have started to work for an Australian mining company in September 2024 on a working holiday visa and given a 6-month limitation to work for the same employer defined as a condition of this visa, I am being sponsored in March this year (with a 482, I suppose). To achieve faster PR I was considering other visa applications, but I am unsure about the current processing times for the 189 Skilled visa. I was told that some applications are taking 18 months, which is pretty similar to the typical 2 year duration between the beginning of a 482 visa and the lodgement of the PR applicafion – if I got it right. Has anyone had experience with this process recently and can give me a good insight on the average processing times?
In case you need more information about me to provide a more precise answer, I worked for less than 3 years in Europe, am single and posess a MSc degree in mining engineer from an European university. 26 years old with superior level of English.
Thank you very much in advance!
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7 Replies
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Hello Tiago
This resource from the Australian immigration Department is a good one to assist with processing times.
Based on current data, 50% of 189 Visas are being processed in 74 days, while 90% are being processed in 90 days. There will obviously be some outliers for more complex cases, though I’d be inclined to use these figures for your calculations.
As you have mentioned, The 6-month limitation per employer is indeed a condition of the working holiday visa (subclass 417/462). Since your employer plans to sponsor you for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa subclass 482, this is a common pathway. A 482 visa typically allows for 2-4 years of work and often leads to permanent residency.
If your employer sponsors you for the 482 visa in March, you may be eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 for PR after working with your sponsor for 2 years on a 482 visa. This pathway may seem longer but is straightforward if you meet the requirements, such as skills, English proficiency, and employer support.
- Have you calculated your current points score for the 189 visa?
- Does your employer intend to sponsor you for PR after 2 years on the 482 visa?
Cheers
Mark
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Immigration and citizenship Website
Find out about Australian visas, immigration and citizenship.
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Hi, Mark
Thank you for your reply. I ran the numbers and so far, I have 65 points, whereas after completing one year of work in Australia, I will have 90, which is the current minimum score to be invited as a mining engineer. In this case, I could only apply next year, which would give me just 1 year left on a supposedly 482 visa.
Sponsorship for a PR is something I have to discuss with my employer, but that was on the table at the beginning, before signing the contract.
What are other pathways you consider to be more efficient/faster? I was searching and Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491), Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) or Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) are other options, although I am not too sure about how these work. Do you have any article on this and how to be nominated by a state?
Thank you,
Tiago
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Hi Tiago,
Thank you for providing more details about your situation. It’s good to see you’ve calculated your points, though I agree, the more, the better. 😊
Regarding alternative pathways, here’s an overview of the options you mentioned:
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Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): This visa requires state/territory nomination, which adds 5 points to your score. Each state has specific criteria for occupations in demand. You can explore the nomination requirements for mining engineers on individual state/territory government websites. Learn more here https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
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Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): This is a temporary visa (5 years) leading to PR through the 191 visa. It also requires state/territory nomination, but regional migration programs may have more flexible criteria. Learn more here https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-work-regional-provisional-491
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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): As mentioned earlier, this PR pathway is available after 2 years on a 482 visa, provided your employer sponsors you. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/employer-nomination-scheme-186
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Unfortunately, the Global Talent visa closed to new applications as of 6 December 2024
Finally, when you first arrived here, did you take an IELTS or English test? Achieving a high score in English can earn you additional points, potentially boosting your overall score, unless you’ve already included this in your initial assessment.
All the best
Mark
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This reply was modified 1 month, 3 weeks ago by Mark.
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This reply was modified 1 month, 3 weeks ago by Mark.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Immigration and citizenship Website
Find out about Australian visas, immigration and citizenship.
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Hi, Mark
I appreciate your reply.
Good news regarding my situation: my employer has started the visa sponsorship process (482). However, I got slightly lost in regards to the documentation I have to submit. I tried to look for a post here as a double check after visiting the Homeaffairs website, but couldn´t find any. Is there one I can use as a reference?
Thank you!
Tiago
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Hi Tiago,
That’s great news about your 482 visa sponsorship! The required documentation depends on your specific situation, but in general, you will need:
- Identity documents – Passport bio page and any change of name documents (if applicable).
- Skills and qualifications – Relevant qualifications, skills assessments (if required for your occupation), and proof of work experience (e.g., reference letters, contracts, or payslips).
- English language proficiency – If applicable, IELTS/PTE or other accepted test results (unless exempt).
- Health & character documents – Medical examinations and police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
- Employment contract – Copy of your signed contract with your sponsoring employer.
I don’t have a specific post to share at the moment, but you can refer directly to the Home Affairs website for the most accurate list: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skills-in-demand-visa-subclass-482
If you need more clarification on any document, let me know! Happy to help.
Regards,
Markimmi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Immigration and citizenship Website
Find out about Australian visas, immigration and citizenship.
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Prefect! Thank you very much for the straightforward answer, Mark.
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You are very welcome 😊 Exciting times ahead, hopefully! Keep in touch, Tiago and let us know if you have any further questions as you continue on your journey.
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