Question 1

What is the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa?

Accepted Answer

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186) is Australia’s primary employer-sponsored permanent residence visa. It allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently when nominated by an approved Australian employer for a genuine, ongoing position.

Question 2

What are the three streams of the 186 visa?

Accepted Answer

The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream for existing 482 holders, the Direct Entry (DE) stream for skilled workers outside Australia or with limited Australian experience, and the Labour Agreement stream for employers with an approved labour agreement.

Question 3

Do I need a skills assessment for the 186 visa?

Accepted Answer

TRT stream applicants usually do not need a skills assessment, since their 482 nomination already established their skills. Direct Entry stream applicants must complete a mandatory skills assessment for their nominated occupation.

Question 4

How long do I need to work for my employer before applying for TRT?

Accepted Answer

You need at least 2 years of full-time employment with the same sponsoring employer, in the same occupation, while holding a 482 visa, before you become eligible to apply for the TRT stream.

Question 5

Is there an age limit for the 186 visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, applicants must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of application. Exemptions apply for certain high-income earners, academics, and specific occupations — ask a MARA-registered agent whether an exemption applies to you.

Question 6

What English level do I need for the 186 visa?

Accepted Answer

Most applicants need Competent English, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band (or an equivalent test such as PTE or TOEFL).

Question 7

How much does the 186 visa cost?

Accepted Answer

The main applicant fee is AUD 4,910 (2026). Additional applicants 18 and over pay AUD 2,455 each, and dependents under 18 pay AUD 1,230 each.

Question 8

How long does the 186 visa take to process?

Accepted Answer

Most TRT and Direct Entry applications are processed in 6–9 months. Direct Entry applications for some occupations can take 17–20 months due to additional scrutiny.

Question 9

Can I change employers after being granted the 186 visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once granted, the 186 is a permanent visa and is not tied to your sponsoring employer — you are free to change jobs or employers immediately after grant.

Question 10

What are the benefits of holding a 186 visa?

Accepted Answer

The 186 grants permanent residence from the day it is issued, giving you the right to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, access to Medicare, eligibility to apply for citizenship, the ability to sponsor eligible family members, and travel rights for 5 years from grant.

Question 11

Can my family be included in my 186 visa application?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your partner or spouse and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants and will also receive permanent residence.

Question 12

What is the Core Skills Income Threshold for 186 nominations?

Accepted Answer

For the 2026–27 program year, the Core Skills Income Threshold for 186 nominations is AUD 79,423 — employers must nominate positions that meet or exceed this threshold.

Question 13

Do I need to hold a 482 visa to apply for the TRT stream?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is only available to applicants who currently hold, or have recently held, a 482 (or legacy TSS/457) visa with the sponsoring employer.

Question 14

What health and character checks are required?

Accepted Answer

All applicants must undergo a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates from every country they have lived in for 12 months or more within the last 10 years.

Question 15

What is the difference between the 186 and 482 visas?

Accepted Answer

The 482 is a temporary visa valid for up to 4 years, tied to your sponsoring employer. The 186 is a permanent visa granted for life, with no ongoing employer tie after grant. Most applicants use the 482 as a stepping stone to the 186.

Requirement	TRT Stream	Direct Entry	Labour Agreement
Skills Assessment	Not usually required	Mandatory	Per agreement
Work Experience	2 years, same employer	3 years relevant	Per agreement
Age Limit	Under 45 (exemptions apply)	Under 45 (exemptions apply)	Per agreement
English	Competent (IELTS 6.0)	Competent (IELTS 6.0)	Per agreement
Visa Required	Must hold Subclass 482	Any visa / offshore	Via labour agreement

Applicant	Fee (AUD)
Main applicant	$4,910
Additional applicant (18 years and over)	$2,455
Additional applicant (under 18 years)	$1,230

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) — Permanent Residence Visa Guide

Three Streams of the Subclass 186 Visa

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

Direct Entry (DE) Stream

Labour Agreement Stream

Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa

186 Visa Eligibility Requirements

English Language Requirements

Health and Character Requirements

186 Visa Application Fees (2026)

186 Visa Processing Time

Can I Change Employers After Getting the 186 Visa?

Pathway from 482 to 186 — How It Works

Frequently Asked Questions About the Subclass 186 Visa

Ready to Secure Your Permanent Residence?