South African applicants · Commonwealth of Australia
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) for South African citizens
Permanent residence visa for workers nominated by Australian employers.
- Processing time
- Variable — 6–18 months.
- Government fees
- From AUD 4,770 principal.
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsor required
- Yes
- Leads to settlement
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: Pretoria
Tourist entry vs. this route
South African nationals require a visa for any entry into Commonwealth of Australia. The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
Subclass 186 is the employer-sponsored permanent residence pathway. Three streams: Temporary Residence Transition (from 482), Direct Entry (for first-time applicants meeting higher thresholds), and Labour Agreement. TRT pathway requirements broadened after the 2024–25 reforms.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Nomination by approved employer.
- ✓Occupation on the relevant list (with TRT broadened post-reform).
- ✓Skills assessment if required.
- ✓Competent English, age under 45 (with exemptions).
Common blockers
- !Occupation not on the eligible list.
- !Age over 45 without exemption.
Typical evidence
- ·Employer nomination approval.
- ·Skills assessment.
Application pathway
Employer nominates
Through approved sponsor process.
Applicant lodges visa
With skills, English, and other evidence.
Grant as permanent resident
Subject to health and character checks.
Other Commonwealth of Australia routes covered for South African applicants
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Points-based permanent residence visa for skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship.
Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100)
Residence visa for spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Comparable routes in other destinations
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
South African applicants — work sponsored routes
- Republic of Ireland
South African applicants — work sponsored routes
- Federal Republic of Germany
South African applicants — work sponsored routes
- Portuguese Republic
South African applicants — work sponsored routes
Frequently asked questions
Are South African citizens eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)?+
Eligibility for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is set by Department of Home Affairs and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though South African applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do South African applicants typically file the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)?+
Pretoria. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Department of Home Affairs — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do South African applicants need a tourist visa for Commonwealth of Australia as well?+
South African nationals require a visa for any entry into Commonwealth of Australia. The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
How long on a 482 before qualifying for the 186 TRT stream?+
2 years as of the post-2024 reforms (reduced from the former 3-year requirement). Verify current settings on Home Affairs.