Subclass 186 · Employer-sponsored · Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186)
The subclass 186 is permanent residence sponsored by an employer. Most people reach it through the Temporary Residence Transition stream after two years on a 482 with the same employer. The Direct Entry stream is for people with a strong skills assessment and three years of experience who have not held a sponsored visa, and is much less commonly granted.
By Roman Lama
- Stay period
- Permanent
- Permanent residence
- Yes, PR or a pathway to it
- Points tested
- No
- Age limit
- Under 45 at application, with exemptions for high earners, academics, medical practitioners, and some long-term 457 and 482 holders
- Base application charge
- From AUD 6,140 for the primary applicant. A lower charge applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.
- Processing time
- Temporary Residence Transition often 6 to 12 months; Direct Entry can be longer
- English requirement
- Competent English (IELTS 6 equivalent), with exemptions
- Work experience
- Temporary Residence Transition: 2 years on a 482 or TSS with the sponsor. Direct Entry: 3 years of relevant experience plus a skills assessment
- Skilled occupation list
- Direct Entry uses the Core Skills Occupation List; Temporary Residence Transition does not check a list
Who it's for
For the common Temporary Residence Transition stream you need:
- 1
Two years of full-time work for your nominating employer on a 482, 457, or TSS visa in the last three years
- 2
The same nominated occupation as your sponsored visa
- 3
To be under 45 unless an exemption applies
- 4
Competent English
- 5
An employer willing to offer a permanent position at market salary
Visa streams
Temporary Residence Transition
For workers who have spent 2 years with their sponsor on a 482, 457, or TSS visa in the same occupation. No occupation list check. Most 186 grants are this stream.
Permanent
Direct Entry
For people with 3 years of relevant experience and a positive skills assessment who have not held a sponsored visa. Uses the Core Skills Occupation List. Much less commonly granted.
Permanent
Pathway to permanent residence
The 186 is permanent residence and leads to citizenship after the residence requirement is met.
Temporary Residence Transition versus Direct Entry
Most 186 grants are Temporary Residence Transition. The employer has already tested the labour market and sponsored you once, so the permanent nomination is more straightforward. Direct Entry has a harder skills assessment and occupation list check, and employers use it mainly for senior hires they cannot get onshore.
Age exemptions
Applicants earning above the Fair Work high income threshold for three years, certain academics nominated by universities, and medical practitioners in regional areas can be over 45. Some people who held a 457 on 18 April 2017 also keep the old age rules.
Timing your application
You can lodge as soon as you hit two years with the sponsor. Employers often start the nomination a few months earlier so the permanent visa is granted close to when the 482 would have needed renewing.
Visa conditions
As a permanent visa the 186 carries an obligation to make a genuine effort to commence work with the nominating employer, but no long-term condition tying you to that employer.
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): common questions
How much does the subclass 186 visa cost?
Base application charge for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): From AUD 6,140 for the primary applicant. A lower charge applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026. Family members you include each pay an additional charge, and there are separate costs for health checks, police certificates, and skills assessments.
How long does the subclass 186 visa take to process?
Typical processing time for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): Temporary Residence Transition often 6 to 12 months; Direct Entry can be longer. Times vary with your occupation, how complete your application is, and demand at the time.
Does the subclass 186 visa lead to permanent residence?
The 186 is permanent residence and leads to citizenship after the residence requirement is met.
What is the age limit for the subclass 186 visa?
Under 45 at application, with exemptions for high earners, academics, medical practitioners, and some long-term 457 and 482 holders. Age is assessed at a specific point in the process, usually the date of invitation or application, so check exactly when before you plan around it.
How long can I stay on the subclass 186 visa?
Stay period for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): Permanent. The exact period and any conditions are set on your grant notice, so confirm yours on the Department of Home Affairs website or in VEVO before you plan travel, study or work around it.
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This is general information, not immigration advice, and Where To Apply is not a registered migration agent. Visa criteria change often, so always confirm the current rules on the Department of Home Affairs website or with a registered migration agent (check their MARN on the OMARA website) before you apply.