The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) lets skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer live and work in Australia permanently. It is one of the most reliable pathways from a temporary work visa to permanent residence.
✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: subclass 186.
What is the 186 visa?
The subclass 186 visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa. Your employer first lodges a nomination for a genuine, ongoing full-time position, and you then apply for the visa. Once granted, you and any included family members can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, enrol in Medicare, sponsor eligible relatives and, after meeting the residence requirements, apply for Australian citizenship.
The three streams
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)
For people who already hold a 482 (Skills in Demand or TSS), 457 or eligible bridging visa and have usually worked for their sponsoring employer for at least two years full time in the nominated occupation. This is the most common route to PR for sponsored workers.
Direct Entry
For applicants who have never, or only briefly, worked for the employer in Australia. The occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, and you usually need a positive skills assessment, at least three years of relevant work experience and Competent English.
Labour Agreement
For workers nominated under a labour agreement negotiated between an employer and the Australian Government, including Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA). Age, English and skill concessions may apply under the agreement.
Key requirements
- A valid nomination from an Australian employer for a genuine full-time position
- Skills, qualifications and experience that match the nominated occupation
- English language ability that meets the stream requirement (usually Competent English)
- Salary at or above the relevant income threshold and market rate
- Age requirement for the stream (generally under 45 unless an exemption applies)
- Health and character requirements for you and family members
Common mistakes to avoid
- Lodging the visa before the nomination is ready, or with a position description that does not match the occupation
- Counting part-time, unpaid or unrelated work toward the TRT work period
- Letting a 482 visa expire before the 186 is lodged
- Underestimating the evidence needed to prove the business can genuinely fund the role
How Study Mate Migration helps
Eligibility check
We review your age, occupation, qualifications, English, work history and visa history against the current criteria.
Strategy
We compare this visa with other pathways so you choose the option with the best chance of success.
Documents
You get a tailored checklist, and we review every document before anything is lodged.
Lodgement and follow-up
We lodge through ImmiAccount, respond to requests from the Department and keep you updated until a decision.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a 186 visa?
Processing times vary by stream and case. Complete, decision-ready nominations and applications are processed faster. Home Affairs publishes current processing times, and we will give you a realistic estimate once we see your case.
Can I include my family?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in the application and receive permanent residence with you, subject to health and character checks.
Can I change employers after my 186 is granted?
You are expected to genuinely intend to work for the nominating employer, generally for at least two years. Leaving early can raise questions, so get advice before changing jobs.
Does my employer need to be an approved sponsor?
For the 186 the employer does not need standard business sponsorship, but it must lodge a valid nomination and meet the nomination criteria. We can guide the employer through the process.
Related visas and guides
Talk to a registered migration agent
Study Mate Migration is led by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). We help clients across Australia and overseas from our office in Adelaide, South Australia.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Visa costs are approximate and vary with your circumstances, number of applicants and government changes; extra costs such as skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates also apply. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with us for a current quote before you apply.
