What is the subclass 186 visa?
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. It lets you live and work in Australia permanently, and eligible members of your family can be included in the application.
There are two stages: the employer nominates the position, and the worker applies for the visa.
The three streams
Temporary Residence Transition
For workers who hold, or have held, a subclass 482 visa (or an earlier subclass 457 or Temporary Skill Shortage visa). Generally, in the 3 years before you apply, you must have held one of these visas for at least 2 years in total, and worked full-time in Australia for an approved sponsor in the occupation for which your visa was granted for at least 2 years.
The nominating employer must be the sponsor that last nominated you for your 482 visa, but the 2 years can include time with other approved sponsors. Periods of unpaid leave do not count.
Direct Entry
For workers who have not been on a 482 visa, or do not meet the Temporary Residence Transition requirements. Generally, you need a positive skills assessment for your occupation and at least 3 years of full-time work experience at the required skill level, unless an exemption applies.
Labour Agreement
For workers nominated by an employer that has a labour agreement with the Australian Government. Some requirements, such as the age limit, can be set by the agreement.
In all streams you generally must be under 45 and have competent English when you apply, unless an exemption applies, and meet health, character and other criteria, including PIC 4020.
The nomination
The employer must nominate the position. Among other things, the employer must be actively and lawfully operating a business in Australia, have a genuine need for you to work in the position under its direct control, offer full-time employment for at least 2 years, and pay at least the annual market salary rate and the Core Skills Income Threshold.
The income thresholds are indexed each year on 1 July. Check the current figures on the Department of Home Affairs website, or ask us.
From subclass 482 to permanent residence
Many workers reach permanent residence through the Temporary Residence Transition stream after 2 years on a subclass 482 visa. Planning early helps: keep your occupation, duties and salary consistent with your nomination, and keep records of your employment. Time your application before your 482 visa expires and before you turn 45.
Common issues
- time on a 482 visa that falls short of 2 years of full-time work with an approved sponsor;
- turning 45 before the application is lodged;
- a position that is not genuine, or a salary below the market rate or the threshold; and
- skills or work experience that cannot be verified, which can also raise PIC 4020 concerns.
How we help
- Employers: nominations, salary and market rate evidence, and advice on your obligations as a sponsor.
- Workers: checking your eligibility, choosing the right stream, timing your application, and preparing your visa application.
- Ongoing support: we manage correspondence with the Department, including s56 and s57 letters, and review at the ART where available.
Frequently asked questions
Is the subclass 186 visa permanent?
Yes. It is a permanent visa, and eligible family members included in the application also receive permanent residence.
Does my time on a 482 visa have to be with the employer nominating me?
No. The 2 years can include time with other approved sponsors, but the nominating employer must be the sponsor that last nominated you for your 482 visa.
Can I apply if I am 45 or older?
Generally not, unless you fall within an exemption specified by the Minister or, in the Labour Agreement stream, the agreement allows it. Get advice well before you turn 45.
Can my family be included?
Yes. Eligible members of your family unit can be included as secondary applicants. They must also meet the health and character requirements.
Talk to a Registered Migration Agent
An employer sponsorship consultation with Tatsiana Pustavoit (MARN 1800880) gives employers and workers a clear pathway, the risks to address and the next steps. Consultations are held online via Microsoft Teams or by phone. Only the Department of Home Affairs can decide a visa application, and no registered migration agent or lawyer can guarantee an outcome.