Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

Employer-nominated permanent residence • Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition and Labour Agreement

The subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa offers permanent residence to eligible workers nominated by an Australian employer. The correct stream depends on the applicant’s visa history, nominated occupation, skills, work history and the employer’s nomination.

Australia-wide assistance, Adelaide based: A2MS — Aussie Academics and Migration Services. Registered migration agent Sunil Choudhary (MARN 2418425).

Book a free 10-minute initial phone call to discuss the next step. The initial call is not a full legal assessment or free detailed migration advice.

Compare the three subclass 186 streams

Direct Entry (DE)

Often considered by applicants who are not proceeding through a qualifying 457/482 employment transition. An eligible nominated occupation, suitable skills assessment unless exempt, competent English and age criteria ordinarily apply. Experience and other requirements must be assessed under the relevant stream rules.

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)

A possible route for qualifying holders of subclass 457, 482 or eligible bridging visas. Home Affairs states that the applicant generally needs two years of eligible full-time sponsored employment in the three years before the application, with an approved employer nomination. Work with more than one employer or 457/482 visa may count in some circumstances, but the precise history matters.

Labour Agreement

Available where an employer has an applicable agreement allowing nomination and the visa applicant satisfies the terms. Concessions cannot be presumed merely because an agreement exists.

Employer nomination considerations

Genuine skilled role and an employer lawfully operating in Australia.
Position expected to be available for at least two years following grant, where required by the stream.
Appropriate occupational classification, proposed duties, remuneration and current salary requirements.
Nomination fees and other applicable sponsor-side obligations, alongside workplace law compliance.
Accurate business and employment evidence to support the nomination.

Applicant eligibility considerations

Correct stream and current or previous qualifying visa status for TRT.
Relevant skills, qualifications, experience and professional registration, plus assessment where required.
Age requirement (generally under 45 unless an exemption applies) and competent English or relevant exemption.
Health, character and any previous compliance issues.
Family members’ eligibility and relevant documentation.

Step-by-step preparation

Choose the right stream after reviewing visa and employment history.
Confirm occupation, licensing, salary rules and employer eligibility.
Gather an evidence-backed position description, contract and nomination documents.
Check skills assessment, English evidence and experience conditions for the relevant stream.
Lodge nomination and visa applications in the permitted sequence and timeframe.
Respond to Department requests and keep employer, applicant and family details updated.

Documents to gather

Employer evidence

Business structure, registration, trading history and financial capacity.
Role description and organisational chart; contract and proposed annual salary.
Nomination and, where applicable, sponsorship or labour agreement information.

Applicant evidence

Passport, existing visa grants, employment contracts, payroll, PAYG or payslip records.
Skills assessment for eligible DE applicants, qualifications and professional registration.
English tests or evidence of exemption, employment references and detailed CV.
Family identity and relationship, health and character documents.

Permanent residence is meaningful, but not automatic

Successful subclass 186 applicants become permanent residents. The grant generally includes a five-year travel facility, after which Resident Return Visa rules may be relevant to travel. An employer nomination or two years in a sponsored job does not, by itself, guarantee that the applicant meets all criteria. Advice should be sought before changing jobs or assuming an existing 482 visa leads to 186.

Avoid these common errors

Applying under Direct Entry when an eligible TRT route may be more appropriate, or vice versa.
Counting employment that does not meet the precise TRT eligible sponsored employment rules.
Relying on an expired skills assessment, unsupported exemption or outdated salary threshold.
Assuming that employer nomination approval removes all visa requirements.
Advertising or promising a guaranteed ‘PR pathway’ for every sponsored worker.

Frequently asked questions

Does every 482 holder qualify for subclass 186 after two years?

No. The TRT stream has specific sponsored-employment, current visa, nomination and other criteria. Some applicants qualify for exceptions; others will not meet the requirements.

Is 186 permanent residence?

Yes, subclass 186 is a permanent visa when granted, subject to applicable laws and conditions.

Can an employer nominate someone who is outside Australia?

Potentially, particularly in the appropriate Direct Entry or Labour Agreement circumstances. Stream and applicant requirements must be checked individually.

Costs, timeframes and policy changes

Government visa application charges, employer nomination and sponsorship fees or levies where applicable, English tests, skills assessments, examinations and professional fees vary. Check the official Visa Pricing Estimator and processing-time guidance immediately before acting. Processing times are estimates, not guaranteed deadlines. A2MS provides professional fee information separately.

How A2MS can help

A2MS can identify relevant issues, assess documents and pathway options after engagement, help prepare eligible sponsorship/nomination and visa matters, and explain the next steps. We do not guarantee sponsorship approval, nomination, a visa grant, an invitation or permanent residence.

Ready to discuss your situation? Book the free 10-minute initial phone call with A2MS, or see our employer-sponsored visa overview.

Official government sources

Information reviewed against the linked official Department of Home Affairs guidance in October 2026. Individual eligibility, relevant legislative instruments and policy settings must be checked again before advice or an application. General information only. Ask for advice about your circumstances before acting.

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