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Subclass 186

Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme

Permanent skilled visa where an Australian employer nominates you directly to PR — the common outcome of the 482 → 186 pathway.

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Pathway

Permanent

Processing time

6–12 months (indicative)

Government fee

AUD 4,770+

Visa duration

Indefinite (PR)

Overview

!
Detailed legal content below is being written. Contact Visa Affairs directly for an assessment of your specific circumstances.

Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) is a permanent skilled visa where an Australian employer nominates you for PR. PR from day of grant — live, work, study without restriction; eligible for citizenship after 4 years residence.

It is the natural endpoint for many workers on 482 transitioning to permanent residence.

Three main streams:

  • Direct Entry (DE) — no prior 482 required, but needs Skill Assessment + 3 years full-time experience.
  • Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) — most common pathway; requires ≥2 years on 482/TSS.
  • Labour Agreement (LA) — for employers with a special labour agreement.

Detailed legal content (eligible occupations, age exemptions, stream-specific English requirements, LMT exemptions, AAT review rights) needs verification against current regulations. Book a consultation for a per-role assessment.

Key eligibility

  • Australian employer nominates you to a full-time, ongoing position
  • Meet stream requirements: Direct Entry (DE), Temporary Residence Transition (TRT), or Labour Agreement (LA)
  • Under 45 at lodgement (some exemptions)
  • Competent English minimum (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
  • Skill Assessment from an assessing authority (DE stream) or meet TRT experience
  • Meet health and character requirements

Process

  1. 01

    Sponsor approved

    Employer holds an active Standard Business Sponsor (TRT) or lodges ENS nomination directly (DE).

  2. 02

    Nomination

    Employer lodges ENS nomination for the specific position. LMT applies (DE) or ≥2 years on 482 (TRT).

  3. 03

    Visa application

    You lodge alongside or after nomination approval. Combined lodgement can speed processing.

  4. 04

    Visa granted

    PR from day of grant. Eligible to apply for Citizenship after 4 years residence.

Estimated cost

Department of Home Affairs fee (per immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) AUD 4,770+
VisaAffairs service fee Quoted after initial consultation
Third-party costs (health, AFP check, translations, etc.) Varies by case
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All figures are indicative as of last update. Department of Home Affairs fees change periodically — verify on the official site before lodging. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au →

How VisaAffairs helps

Clear eligibility assessment

Our RMA reviews your full situation against current rules — no boilerplate templates.

Document set reviewed item-by-item

Every piece of evidence is checked before lodgement — minimising the risk of request for further information.

Case officer tracking

VisaAffairs monitors ImmiAccount and responds to case officer requests on time.

Frequently asked questions

How do the three 186 streams differ?
Direct Entry (DE): no requirement to work on 482 first, but needs 3 years post-qualification experience and Skill Assessment. TRT: requires ≥2 years working for the sponsor on a 482/TSS visa — the most common pathway. Labour Agreement (LA): for employers with a special labour agreement with the Department. Verify current rules at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Do I need a Skill Assessment for TRT stream?
Often not — TRT often waives Skill Assessment when you've worked the role on 482 long enough. There are exceptions — check with an RMA.
186 vs 482 vs 189 — which should I pursue?
189 needs no sponsor but is highly points-competitive. 482 is temporary, can transition to 186. 186 is PR immediately but needs an employer sponsor. Choice depends on occupation, industry, employer support, age, English.
After 186 PR, must I stay with the employer?
Not legally required, but leaving the sponsor very soon can affect the case if the Department later reviews bona fides. Stay a reasonable period after grant — verify with an RMA.

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