Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.

The subclass 186 grants permanent residency through employer nomination. It is the most common destination for 482 visa holders transitioning to PR, but it also has a Direct Entry stream for applicants who have never held a temporary work visa. No points test is required.

At a glance

Visa type
Permanent
Sponsorship
Employer nomination required
Points test
Not required
Location
Anywhere in Australia
Application cost
$4,640 (main applicant)
Processing time
6-12 months

Three streams.

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)

The most common stream. For 482 visa holders who have worked for their sponsoring employer for at least two years. Your employer nominates you to transition from temporary to permanent residency.

Direct Entry

For applicants who have never held a 482 visa, or who are being nominated directly by an employer. Requires three years of relevant work experience and a skills assessment. Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL.

Labour Agreement

For workers nominated under a formal labour agreement between their employer and the Australian Government. These agreements are negotiated for industries with specific workforce needs not met by standard occupation lists.

Eligibility requirements.

  • Employer nomination: Your employer must be an approved sponsor and must nominate you for a genuine position.
  • Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant occupation list (MLTSSL for Direct Entry, broader lists for TRT).
  • Skills assessment: Required for the Direct Entry stream. TRT stream applicants are generally exempt if they have been on a 482 for two years.
  • Experience: Three years of relevant work experience for the Direct Entry stream. TRT stream requires two years with the nominating employer.
  • English: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent) for most streams.
  • Age: Under 45, with some exemptions for high-income earners and academics.
  • Health and character: Standard requirements apply.

How this compares.

Subclass 482

The temporary visa that typically leads to the 186 TRT stream after 2 years.

Skilled visas (189/190/491)

Points-tested pathway to PR without needing an employer sponsor.

Frequently asked questions.

What are the three streams of the 186 visa?
The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is for 482 visa holders after two years with their employer. The Direct Entry stream is for applicants who have never held a 482 or are nominated by their employer directly with three years of experience. The Labour Agreement stream is for workers nominated under a labour agreement between their employer and the Australian Government.
Do I need a points test for the 186 visa?
No. The 186 is not points-tested. It is based on employer nomination, your skills assessment, work experience, and English ability. This makes it a strong option for people who may not score highly on the points test.
Can I change employers after getting a 186 visa?
Yes. Once the 186 visa is granted, you have permanent residency and can work for any employer. There are no ongoing obligations to the sponsoring employer after the visa is granted.
How long do I need to work for my employer before applying?
For the TRT stream, you must have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least two years on a 482 visa. For the Direct Entry stream, there is no minimum period with the employer, but you need three years of relevant work experience overall.
What is the age limit for the 186 visa?
Generally, you must be under 45 at the time of application. However, exemptions exist for certain academics, scientists, and TRT stream applicants earning above the Fair Work high income threshold.

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