Secure Permanent Residency in Australia

Through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

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Get Sponsored by an Australian Employer and Build a Permanent Future
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is a permanent resident visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. If you’re a skilled professional looking to live and work in Australia permanently, and have a job offer from an Australian employer, this visa is your gateway to long-term residency.

Whether you’re already living in Australia or applying from overseas, the subclass 186 visa offers a fast-track route to your Australian dream.

What is the Subclass 186 Visa?

The subclass 186 visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa under Australia’s skilled migration program. It enables skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently, provided they are nominated by an Australian employer.
This visa has three streams:

Direct Entry Stream

For applicants with at least 3 years of relevant work experience and a skills assessment (even if they haven’t worked in Australia before).

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

For 457/482 visa holders who’ve worked with their employer for at least 2 of the last 3 years.

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Labour Agreement Stream

For workers nominated under a labour agreement between the employer and the Australian Government.

Among these, the 186 visa direct entry stream is ideal for professionals applying from outside Australia or those not eligible under the temporary residence route.

Detailed Stream Breakdown

Direct Entry Stream

This stream is ideal for skilled professionals not currently working in Australia or with limited Australian experience.

Eligibility Highlights:

  • Be nominated for a job in an eligible occupation (MLTSSL list)
  • Hold at least 3 years of relevant work experience
  • Undergo a skills assessment
  • Provide IELTS 6 or equivalent in each band
  • Secondary applicants over 18 years must show Functional English (IELTS 4.5 overall)

Processing Time:

6 to 8 months (majority of applications)

Application Fee:

Starts from AUD 4,115

Residency Status: Grants permanent residency

  • Passport copy
  • Skills assessment report
  • English language test report in PTE or IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Skilled occupation documents
  • Documents of education qualification (including highest degree)
  • Skills of spouses or partners
  • Character certificates
  • Evidence of employment and Reference letters from employers.

Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is designed for candidates nominated by an employer under a labour agreement —a formal contract between the Australian Government and specific employers.

Eligibility & Guidelines:

  • Be nominated by an employer under a valid labour agreement
  • Meet English, age, and skills requirements mentioned in the agreement
  • Occupation must be listed in the Combined Skilled Occupation List (STSOL/MLTSSL)
  • Comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws

Processing Time:

Varies based on the complexity of the agreement

Application Fee:

Starts from AUD 4,115

Residency Status:

Grants permanent residency

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

Ideal for workers who are already employed in Australia on a 457 or TSS (subclass 482) visa and are being offered a permanent role by their sponsoring employer.

Eligibility & Guidelines:

  • Must have worked full-time for 3 years for the nominating employer
  • Employer must offer a permanent position and adhere to Australian workplace laws
  • Demonstrate genuine business need for the role
  • Hold necessary qualifications and skills

Processing Time:

6 to 8 months

Application Fee:

Starts from AUD 4,115

Residency Status:

Grants permanent residency
Get Yourself Evaluated

Who Can Apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme?

To apply for the employer nomination scheme, applicants must:

Be nominated by an approved Australian employer

Work in a nominated occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience

Be under 45 years of age (with some exemptions)

Meet the English language requirement (IELTS 6 or equivalent)

Agree to work full-time for at least 2 years for the nominating employer after visa grants.

Provide a positive skills assessment (for Direct Entry stream)

Meet health and character requirements

Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa

The 186 visa offers several advantages for skilled workers and their families:
Permanent Residency status from day oneInclude your partner and dependent children in your applicationTravel freely to and from Australia for 5 yearsLive and work anywhere in AustraliaAccess to education and healthcare benefitsPathway to Australian citizenshi Employer support makes the process cost-effective for applicants

Step-by-Step Application Process

Here’s how you apply for the employer sponsored PR Australia through the subclass 186 visa:

Step 1: Employer Nomination

Your Australian employer must submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 2: Skills Assessment

You must complete a skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority (for the direct entry stream).

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Step 3: Gather Documents

Compile required documentation: ID, proof of qualifications, work experience, English test scores, and health/character certifications.

Step 4: Lodge Visa Application

Apply for the subclass 186 visa within 6 months of the employer’s nomination approval.

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Step 5: Wait for Processing

Stay updated on the status of your application while the Department processes your file.

186 Visa Processing Time and Fees

Estimated Processing Times (Direct Entry Stream):

75% of applications:

6 – 10 months

90% of applications:

Within 12 months

Government Fees (as of 2025):

Main applicant:

AUD $4,640

Adult dependent:

AUD $2,320

Child dependent:

AUD $1,160
Additional fees for health exams, police clearance, or translations may apply

Why Choose TACHNAT?

At TACHNAT, we simplify your path to permanent residency through our proven visa assistance and end-to-end support.
With TACHNAT, You Get:
  • Free 186 Visa Eligibility Check
  • Assistance with employer nomination process
  • Support for skills assessment & documentation
  • Personalized coaching for IELTS/PTE tests
  • Step-by-step guidance from lodgement to PR grant
  • Post-landing support for settlement and job search
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Read our client comments :

Success
Stories

“I got my 186 visa approved in 8 months thanks to Tachnat’s expert team. They handled everything—from nomination to documentation.”
Anil M., Mechanical Engineer
“I was working on a 482 visa and transitioned to PR smoothly through the 186 route, all thanks to Tachnat’s guidance.”
Devika R., Software Engineer

FAQs – Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

1. Can I apply for subclass 186 visa while in Australia?
A: Yes, you can apply onshore or offshore, depending on your stream.
2. Is the subclass 186 visa permanent?
A: Yes. It grants permanent residency from the date it is granted.
3. Can I change employers after getting the 186 visa?
A: You are expected to work for the nominating employer for at least 2 years. Leaving early could raise concerns from immigration.
4. Do I need a skills assessment for subclass 186?
A:Yes, only for Direct Entry applicants. It’s not required for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
5. How many points do I need for this visa?
A:Unlike general skilled visas, 186 visa is not points-based—you need an employer nomination instead.

Ready to Apply for Your 186 Visa?

Your career deserves to go global. With the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), you can build your future in Australia with the backing of a trusted employer—and TACHNAT as your migration guide.
Start your journey today:
Book Free 186 Visa Consultation
Get Help with Employer Nomination

Have Questions? Get in Touch!

Speak with our consultants directly. Find us easily by searching for immigration agent near me or visit our local branch.