186 Visa — Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent Residency)
2026 guide to the Subclass 186 permanent residence pathway
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa grants permanent residence to skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. It is the main permanent employer-sponsored visa and the end-point of the 482→186 pathway that many sponsored workers follow.
This guide covers the three streams, eligibility requirements, costs, and how the 186 connects to the 407 Training Visa and 482 Skills in Demand pathways.
Three streams
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream
For workers who hold (or have held) a Subclass 482 visa and have worked for their nominating employer for at least 2 years (medium-term stream) or 3 years (short-term stream, where eligible). This is the most common pathway — the worker has already been in Australia, working in the role, and the employer is converting them to permanent.
Key requirements:
- Hold or have held a 482 visa
- Worked for the nominating employer for the required period
- Under 45 years of age (exemptions apply in limited circumstances)
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent)
- Skills assessment generally NOT required
Direct Entry stream
For workers who have not held a 482 visa, or who haven't completed the required work period. This stream requires a positive skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
Key requirements:
- Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- At least 3 years of relevant post-qualification work experience
- Under 45 years of age
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent)
- Nominated occupation on the relevant occupation list
Labour Agreement stream
For workers sponsored under a formal labour agreement between their employer and the Australian Government. Requirements depend on the specific agreement. This stream is less common and typically applies to industries or regions with special arrangements, including some DAMA agreements.
Costs
| Cost | Amount (AUD) | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application (main applicant) | $4,770 | Applicant |
| Additional applicant (18+) | $2,390 | Applicant |
| Additional applicant (under 18) | $1,195 | Applicant |
| Nomination fee | $540 | Employer |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy (small business) | $3,000 | Employer |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy (other) | $5,000 | Employer |
Fees are indexed annually (typically 1 July). Verify current rates at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The nomination fee and SAF levy are employer obligations and cannot be recovered from the worker under Migration Regulation 2.87.
Salary requirements
The nominated salary must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) — currently $76,515 per year (rising to $79,499 from 1 July 2026). For Specialist Skills stream occupations, the threshold is higher ($141,210, rising to $146,717). The salary must also be no less than what an equivalent Australian worker would be paid for the same role.
The 407 → 482 → 186 pathway
A common pathway for workers in training roles:
- 407 Training Visa — structured workplace training (1-2 years)
- 482 Skills in Demand Visa — employer sponsors the worker for a skilled position (2-4 years)
- 186 Employer Nomination — after 2-3 years on the 482, the employer nominates for permanent residence
This is a long pathway (5-7 years total) but it provides structured progression from training to skilled employment to permanent residence. Each stage has its own application, fees, and requirements.
Note: the 407 does not directly lead to the 186. A 482 visa is required as the intermediate step. For businesses considering this pathway, see our guide on how to become an approved sponsor.
Age requirement
Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age at the time the application is decided. Limited exemptions apply — for example, for certain academic, research, or senior executive positions, or where the applicant is nominated for a position earning above a specified salary threshold. The age exemption rules are narrow and should not be relied on without specific advice.
English language requirement
The 186 requires "competent English" — IELTS 6.0 in each band (or PTE 50, TOEFL iBT 12 each, OET B each). Some applicants may be exempt if they hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Republic of Ireland. English test results are generally valid for 3 years.
Processing times
Processing times vary significantly:
- TRT stream: typically 3-8 months
- Direct Entry: typically 6-18 months
- Labour Agreement: varies by agreement
Processing times are published by the Department and change frequently. Check current estimates at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Common reasons for refusal
- Position is not genuine — the Department assesses whether the role is real and necessary
- Salary below the applicable threshold
- Applicant does not meet the age requirement
- English test scores do not meet the minimum
- Skills assessment is negative or expired (Direct Entry stream)
- Employer is not an approved sponsor or has compliance issues
- Insufficient evidence of the required work period (TRT stream)
Frequently asked questions
What is the 186 visa?
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa is a permanent residence visa. It allows Australian employers to nominate skilled workers for permanent positions. There are three streams: Temporary Residence Transition (for 482 visa holders), Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement.
How much does the 186 visa cost?
The visa application charge is approximately AUD $4,770 for the main applicant. The nomination fee is $540. The Skilling Australians Fund levy is $3,000 (small business) or $5,000 (other). Total employer + applicant costs typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 including professional fees.
Can I get 186 after a 407 training visa?
Not directly. The 407 training visa does not provide a pathway to the 186. However, after completing 407 training, if an employer sponsors you on a 482 visa and you work for them for 2-3 years, you can then apply for the 186 via the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
How long does 186 visa processing take?
Processing times vary by stream and individual circumstances. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is typically faster (3-6 months) because the applicant has already been working for the employer. The Direct Entry stream can take 6-18 months. Check current published processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Do I need a skills assessment for the 186 visa?
For the Direct Entry stream, yes — you need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. For the Temporary Residence Transition stream, a skills assessment is generally not required because you have already been working in the role.
Discuss your 186 visa pathway
Book a consultation
The 186 visa involves multiple parties (employer, worker, and sometimes an existing migration agent). A 30-minute consultation will clarify your eligibility, identify the right stream, and outline the steps and costs involved.
Consultation fee: $200 + GST. Tax invoice with MARN issued.
Book Consultation →Read more about Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) or view our 407 Training Visa services.
This page contains general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Fees and requirements are subject to change. Verify all figures with the Department of Home Affairs before making decisions. Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid consultation under section 43 of the Migration Agents Code of Conduct.