Commonwealth of Australia · work sponsored
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Permanent residence visa for workers nominated by Australian employers.
Last reviewed:
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.
Government fees
From AUD 4,770 principal.
Typical duration
Permanent residence.
Primary source
Department of Home Affairs — ENS (subclass 186) · Department of Home Affairs
Link last verified:
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
Step 1
Employer nominates
Through approved sponsor process.
Step 2
Applicant lodges visa
With skills, English, and other evidence.
Step 3
Grant as permanent resident
Subject to health and character checks.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
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