Commonwealth of Australia · Processing time
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): how long does it take?
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) permanent-residence applications are typically decided in about 6–14 months. Where you land in that range depends mostly on the stream you use: the Temporary Residence Transition stream – for people already working for their sponsor on a 482/TSS visa – tends to be quicker than Direct Entry, which carries a fuller skills assessment and document check.
How long does the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) take to process in Australia?
The typical published decision window is 6 months – 14 months from a complete application. Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) permanent-residence applications are typically decided in about 6–14 months. Where you land in that range depends mostly on the stream you use: the Temporary Residence Transition stream – for people already working for their sponsor on a 482/TSS visa – tends to be quicker than Direct Entry, which carries a fuller skills assessment and document check.
Verified against Home Affairs — Global visa processing times on 1 June 2026.
Typical wait
6 months – 14 months
from complete application
Government fees
From AUD 4,770 principal.
Last checked
1 June 2026
What is the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)?
Permanent residence visa for workers nominated by Australian employers.
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.
- Sponsorship: You need a job offer or employer sponsor in Commonwealth of Australia.
- Settlement: This route can lead to permanent residency in Commonwealth of Australia.
- Typical permit length: Permanent residence.
- Indicative government fees: From AUD 4,770 principal.
Priority and fast-track options
Australia doesn’t sell a paid fast-track for the 186, so every application sits in the same queue. The cases that drift toward the slow end are usually the ones missing a skills assessment, waiting on a health or character check that has been referred for a closer look, or answering a request for more information mid-assessment. The single biggest lever you control is lodging a complete, decision-ready application the first time.
How to read this estimate
The 6 months – 14 months window is the time Home Affairs — Global visa processing times typically associates with the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) — measured from a complete, correctly-lodged application through to a decision, not from when you start gathering documents.
- Collecting documents, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the clock starts.
- If the authority requests more information, the clock pauses until you reply — so a fast, complete response keeps your place in the queue.
- Processing times shift with application volumes and policy changes. The Home Affairs — Global visa processing times page linked below is the only figure that is current on the day you apply.
Official source
Home Affairs — Global visa processing times
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) take to process?+
The typical wait is 6 months – 14 months from submitting a complete application. Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) permanent-residence applications are typically decided in about 6–14 months. Where you land in that range depends mostly on the stream you use: the Temporary Residence Transition stream – for people already working for their sponsor on a 482/TSS visa – tends to be quicker than Direct Entry, which carries a fuller skills assessment and document check. These figures come from Home Affairs — Global visa processing times and were last verified on 2026-06-01. Always confirm on the primary source before you apply.
When does the 6 months – 14 months clock start?+
The clock starts when Home Affairs — Global visa processing times receives a complete, valid application — not when you begin collecting documents. Gathering evidence, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the window starts.
Is there a way to speed up the decision?+
Australia doesn’t sell a paid fast-track for the 186, so every application sits in the same queue. The cases that drift toward the slow end are usually the ones missing a skills assessment, waiting on a health or character check that has been referred for a closer look, or answering a request for more information mid-assessment. The single biggest lever you control is lodging a complete, decision-ready application the first time.
What makes an application take longer than expected?+
The most common reasons for delays beyond the published window are: missing or incorrect documents, a request for more information (which pauses the clock until you reply), background or medical checks, and consular appointment backlogs in your country. Submitting a complete, well-organised application on day one is the single biggest thing you can do to stay inside the published window.
When should I treat my Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) application as delayed?+
Wait until you have passed the upper end of the published window (6 months – 14 months) before treating it as delayed. At that point, a single polite status enquiry through the official channel is reasonable. Do not chase repeatedly, as this tends to slow a case rather than speed it up.
Next steps
Full visa guide
Eligibility, application steps, fees, and FAQs for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
All Australia processing times
Compare decision windows across every Australia visa route.
Government fees breakdown
Full itemised fee schedule for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.