Get Your Permanent Residency in Australia with the Subclass 186 Visa
Apply for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa and secure a direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia through employer sponsorship.
🧭 Visa Overview & PR Benefits
The Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa offers skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer a direct path to permanent residency in Australia. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely, providing numerous benefits for both you and your family.
Permanent Residency granted immediately
Full Work Rights for you and your family in Australia
Access to Medicare and other social benefits
Pathway to Australian Citizenship after meeting residency requirements
No Points Test: Simplified application process
Why Apply for the Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Visa?
The Subclass 186 Visa is the ideal option for skilled professionals looking to make a long-term impact in Australia’s workforce. With employer sponsorship, this visa offers a smooth and direct pathway to permanent residency, providing career growth and family benefits.
Key Benefits:
No Points Test: Unlike other visas, this one doesn’t require a points test for eligibility.
Direct Pathway to Permanent Residency: Secure your future in Australia with a streamlined process.
Fill Critical Skill Gaps: Contribute to Australia's growing demand for skilled professionals across key industries.
Full Work Rights: Live and work freely across Australia in your nominated occupation.
Family Inclusion: Bring your spouse and dependent children along on your journey to Australia.
Visa Streams
Direct Entry Stream
Subclass 186
- PR Status: Direct Permanent Residency (PR) immediately upon visa approval.
- Nomination: Must be nominated by an Australian employer for an eligible occupation.
- Work Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation is required.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream Subclass 186
- PR Status: Permanent Residency granted after 2 years of working with the sponsoring employer under a Subclass 457 or 482 Visa.
- Nomination: Requires nomination by the same employer who sponsored the applicant on the Subclass 457 or 482 Visa
- Work Experience: Must have worked for 2 years in the same occupation and with the same employer.
Labour Agreement Stream
Subclass 186
- PR Status: Permanent Residency granted upon approval.
- Nomination: The applicant must be nominated by an employer that has a Labour Agreement with the Australian government.
- Work Experience: No specific work experience requirement; however, the employer must demonstrate a need for the occupation as part of the Labour Agreement.
- Skills Assessment: Not required for Labour Agreement Stream applicants.
- Eligibility: This stream is typically used for employers who cannot find a suitable candidate from the Australian workforce and need to sponsor overseas workers.
Subclass 186 Visa Stream Comparison
| Feature | Direct Entry Stream | Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream | Labour Agreement Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR Status | Permanent Residency granted immediately | Permanent Residency granted after 2 years | Permanent Residency granted upon approval |
| Nomination | Must be nominated by an approved employer | Must be nominated by the same employer for 457/482 | Employer with a Labour Agreement |
| Work Experience | Minimum 3 years in nominated occupation | Minimum 2 years with the same employer (on 457/482) | No specific work experience requirement |
| Skills Assessment | Required (positive skills assessment) | Not required | Not required |
| Age Limit | Under 45 years old | Under 45 years old | Under 45 years old |
| English Requirement | English proficiency required | English proficiency required | English proficiency required |
| Processing Time | 3–18 months | 6–24 months (2 years for PR transition) | Varies by employer and agreement |
| Family Inclusion | Yes, spouse and dependent children included | Yes, spouse and dependent children included | Yes, spouse and dependent children included |
| Skills List Requirement | Occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) | No occupation list requirement | No occupation list requirement |
| Pathway to Citizenship | Available after meeting residency requirements | Available after meeting residency requirements | Available after meeting residency requirements |
Eligibility for Subclass 186 Visa
To apply for the Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria. The requirements may vary depending on which stream you apply for: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition (TRT), or Labour Agreement Stream.
General Eligibility Requirements (For All Streams)
- Age: Applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of application.
- English Proficiency: You must meet the required English language standards (e.g., IELTS, PTE).
- Health & Character: Must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
- Nomination: You must be nominated by an approved Australian employer for an eligible occupation.
Stream-Specific Eligibility Criteria
To learn more about the specific eligibility requirements for each stream, click on the corresponding link below:
🔍 Step-by-Step Guide for Subclass 186
1
Check Eligibility
2
Find a Sponsoring Employer
3
Receive Nomination from Employer
4
Submit Subclass 186 Application
5
Meet Health and Character Requirements
6
Visa Outcome and work as a permanent resident employer
Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect Employer Nomination Details
Failure to Meet Eligibility for Work Experience
Outdated Skills Assessments (Direct Entry Stream)
Missing Required Documents (Health/Character)
Wrong ANZSCO Occupation Code
Tips for Strong Application
Ensure Employer Nomination is Correct and Complete
Meet Minimum Work Experience Requirements (for both streams)
Update Your Skills Assessments (Direct Entry applicants)
Provide All Required Health & Character Documents
Confirm ANZSCO Code Matches Your Occupation
Family Members You Can Include 🛤️ After Visa Grant
Family Members
Spouse or De Facto Partner
Dependent Children under 18
Children over 18 (if dependent)
Adopted or declared dependents
After Visa Grant
Full Work Rights
Access to Medicare
Ability to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
Required Documents
Documents you will need to prepare:
Primary Applicant:
Passport, identity documents, skills assessment, English language test (IELTS/PTE, etc.), health & character documents
Family Members:
Proof of relationship, health & character documents
Fees & Processing Time
| Type | Details & Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 🧾 Main Applicant | AUD 4,910 |
| 👥 Additional Applicant 18+ | AUD 2,455 |
| 👥 Additional Applicant below 18 | AUD 1,230 |
| ⏳ Processing Time | Typically 3–18 months (post-invitation) |
❓Frequently Asked Questions
The Subclass 186 Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It allows workers to transition directly to permanent residency without the need for a points test.
Yes, you can apply for Subclass 186 from offshore if you meet the eligibility criteria and have an employer nomination.
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your Subclass 186 application.
Once granted, you are granted permanent residency and can live and work in Australia indefinitely.
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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.