Are you a skilled worker dreaming of making Australia your permanent home? The Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 visa is one of the most sought-after pathways to Australian permanent residency. Whether you’re already working in Australia on a temporary visa or applying from overseas, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 186 visa — from eligibility criteria to the step-by-step application process.
If you’re unsure where to begin, consulting a qualified migration agent or elsewhere in Australia can make the process significantly smoother and stress-free.
What Is the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa 186?
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently when nominated by an approved Australian employer. According to the Department of Home Affairs, this visa is designed to address skill shortages by enabling employers to sponsor overseas workers in positions they cannot fill locally.
With a 186 visa, you can:
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Enrol in Medicare (Australia’s public health scheme)
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
- Travel to and from Australia for five years
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
186 Visa Streams: Which One Is Right for You?
The Subclass 186 visa is offered under three streams:
1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
This stream is for workers who have been working with their nominating employer on a Visa Subclass 482 (SID) or Subclass 457 visa for at least two years in the nominated occupation.
2. Direct Entry (DE) Stream
The Direct Entry stream is for skilled workers who have not worked in Australia on a TSS or 457 visa, or who do not meet the TRT requirements. Applicants must have their skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority and meet other specific requirements.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
This stream applies to workers employed under a labour agreement between the Australian Government and an employer, industry body, or regional certifying body.
186 Visa Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the stream you apply under. Here is a general overview:
Age Requirement
- You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Some exceptions apply for certain occupations such as academics, scientists, and medical practitioners.
Skills & Occupation
- Your occupation must be on an eligible skilled occupation list.
- For the Direct Entry stream, you must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
- Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest eligible occupations list.
English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate competent English through an approved test such as:
- IELTS (minimum score: 6 in each component)
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
Some applicants may be exempt if they hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
Employer Nomination
Your employer must be approved to sponsor workers and must nominate you for a full-time position in your nominated occupation. The employer must also demonstrate that the position is genuine and cannot be filled by a local worker.
Health & Character Requirements
All 186 visa applicants must meet health and character requirements, including:
- Undergoing a medical examination
- Providing police clearance certificates from all countries you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
Work Experience (TRT Stream)
Under the TRT stream, you must have worked with your nominating employer for a minimum of 2 years (3 years for applications lodged before 18 March 2018) in the nominated occupation.
Step-by-Step 186 Visa Application Guide
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before applying, carefully review your eligibility. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest requirements, or speak with a registered migration agent or your state to get a professional assessment.
Step 2: Secure an Eligible Employer
Your employer must:
- Be a lawfully operating business in Australia
- Be an approved sponsor or apply to become one
- Offer you a full-time position in an eligible occupation
- Nominate you formally through the Department of Home Affairs portal
Step 3: Employer Lodges a Nomination Application
Your employer must lodge a nomination application through ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs website. The nomination must be approved before or at the same time as your visa application.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
Prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Skills assessment (if required for your stream)
- English language test results
- Evidence of work experience (payslips, employment contracts, reference letters)
- Health examination results
- Police clearance certificates
- Proof of relationship (if including family members)
Step 5: Lodge Your Visa Application
Once your employer’s nomination is in order, you can lodge your visa application via ImmiAccount. You can lodge your visa application at the same time as the nomination or after it’s been approved.
Pay the relevant visa application charge (VAC). Fees are subject to change, so always check the current fee schedule on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 6: Await a Decision
Processing times for the 186 visa vary. According to the Department of Home Affairs, 75% of applications are processed within 12 months. You may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview during this time.
Step 7: Receive Your Visa Grant
Once approved, your 186 visa will be granted. You can then make your move to Australia permanently and begin your new life Down Under!
186 Visa Processing Times
| Stream | 50% Application | 90% Application |
| Direct Entry Stream | 11 Months | 21 Months |
| Labour Agreement Stream | 47 Days | 9 Months |
| Temporary Residence Transition Stream | 11 Months | 20 Months |
Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa Cost
| Stream | Cost |
| Direct Entry Stream | AUD4,910.00 |
| Labour Agreement Stream | AUD4,910.00 |
| Temporary Residence Transition Stream | AUD4,910.00 |
Always confirm the latest fees on the official Department of Home Affairs website, as these are updated periodically.
Common Reasons for 186 Visa Refusal
Understanding common pitfalls can help you avoid a refusal:
- Occupation not on the eligible list — Always verify your occupation is eligible before applying.
- Inadequate skills assessment — An incomplete or unfavourable skills assessment is a common reason for refusal.
- Insufficient English proficiency — Ensure your test scores meet the minimum requirements.
- Employer not genuinely needing the position filled — The employer must prove the role is legitimate.
- Character or health issues — Undisclosed medical conditions or criminal history can result in refusal.
- Incomplete documentation — Missing documents can cause delays or outright refusal.
Working with an experienced migration agent or your nearest city can significantly reduce the risk of refusal by ensuring your application is thorough and correctly prepared.
Final Thoughts
The 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) is an excellent pathway to Australian permanent residency for skilled workers. However, the application process involves multiple steps, strict eligibility criteria, and detailed documentation. Staying informed through the official Department of Home Affairs website and seeking professional guidance from a trusted immigration agent in Perth can make all the difference in achieving a successful outcome.
Ready to start your Australian journey? Take the first step today — your permanent residency could be closer than you think.
FAQs
1. Can I include my family in my 186 visa application?
Yes. Your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included in your application as secondary applicants.
2. Do I need a job offer before applying for a 186 visa?
Yes. The 186 visa requires employer nomination, meaning you must have a job offer from an approved Australian employer.
3. Can I change employers after getting my 186 visa?
Yes. Since the 186 visa is a permanent residency visa, you are free to change employers after the visa is granted.
4. What happens if my employer withdraws the nomination?
If your employer withdraws the nomination before the visa is granted, your application may be affected. Seek immediate advice from a registered immigration agent or a migration lawyer.
5. Is the 186 visa the same as a permanent residency visa?
Yes. The Subclass 186 visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
