Yes — a subclass 186 permanent residence application in the TRT stream cannot proceed without an approved employer nomination. But the “high income” age exemption is not satisfied simply by clearing the income threshold: the two (or three) years of employment must have been with the same nominating employer, in the nominated occupation, and while holding a 457/482 visa. A change of sponsor in February 2025 restarts that clock.
Dr Cyrus Ahmadi, Australian migration lawyer, MARA registration number 0854826, analyses cases of exactly this kind — specialist doctors pursuing permanent residence after the age of 45 through the subclass 482 pathway — with precisely this legal rigour: the decisive question is which employer and which occupation those working years were spent in, not the salary figure alone.
On your facts, arriving in August 2023 and changing sponsor in February 2025 means the high-income years accrued with your previous employer most likely cannot be counted, and two years of employment with your current employer will be completed around February 2027. Whether the required period is “two of the last three years” or three years must be verified against the version of LIN 19/216 in force; either way, the “same nominating employer” requirement remains constant.
On the income side, the test is the applicable FWHIT threshold at the end of each relevant year, and “earnings” is assessed by reference to section 332 of the Fair Work Act — not taxable income in the general sense. These figures must be documented for the twelve-month periods immediately preceding lodgement, supported by your employment contract, payslips and ATO records.
The regional medical practitioner age exemption (ANZSCO 253) is not available on your facts: that pathway requires the nominated position itself to be in a designated Regional area, and approximately two of the last three years to have been spent working as a medical practitioner in a Regional area. Your regional history is approximately eighteen months, and your current position is metropolitan.
One further important distinction: a nomination is a formal application to the Department of Home Affairs under section 140GB, not merely a letter of support from your employer; and the work experience criterion in the TRT stream is a requirement separate from the age exemption — both must be met at the same time. If the timing of the age exemption does not align with your plans, options such as the subclass 494 visa, Labour Agreement/DAMA pathways with a higher age limit, or a return to a nominated regional position are well worth serious consideration.
If you would like a clear picture of exactly when you become eligible, and of the best route among these options based on your contract, your payslips and the actual dates in your case, please contact the office of Dr Cyrus Ahmadi for a dedicated consultation. The peace of mind that comes with a properly timed plan is worth a careful conversation.
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This answer reflects the law and policy as verified on October 8, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently — confirm the current position before acting.
Dr. Sirous Ahmadi Registered Migration Agent 0854826
This article is general information only, current at the date shown, and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it for your own situation — immigration law and policy change frequently. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your circumstances.