186 Visa - Employer Nomination Scheme

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) visa is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia. To qualify, you need to be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a skilled position.

The ENS has a two-step process: a nomination by your employer and a visa application by you (the skilled worker).

It also has three streams: Temporary Residence Transition (TRT), Direct Entry stream (DE), and Labour Agreement stream.

186 visa streams

Each stream under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa has different eligibility rules, but all lead to permanent residency in Australia.

1. Direct Entry stream

This stream is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer for an eligible occupation. Unlike the TRT stream, this does not require that you have worked on a specific period for your nominating employer. It is suitable if you:

• Have a valid skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your job.

• Have worked for at least three years at a skilled level in your occupation.

• Work in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

2. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream

This stream is for workers who are already in Australia on a Skills in Demand (SID) (subclass 482) visa or an eligible bridging visa. It is suitable if you:

• Have worked full-time for your nominating employer in the same occupation for 2 years.

• Have an occupation on either the short or medium-term skilled occupation lists.

3. Labour Agreement stream

This stream is for 482 SID visa holders who are sponsored by an employer under a labour agreement with the Australian Government. It is suitable if you:

• Have a job offer from an employer who has a labour agreement in place.

• Meet the specific requirements of that agreement, which may vary by industry or occupation.

What are the benefits of a 186 visa in Australia?

One of the biggest advantages of the 186 visa is that, unlike other skilled visas, you don’t need a state nomination or an invitation to apply. If you meet the requirements and have an eligible employer, the pathway is more direct and often faster.

As a 186 visa holder, you can enjoy:

• A minimum salary of $76,515 plus 11% superannuation contributions (from 1 July 2025).

• Full rights to work, study, and travel in Australia.

• The ability to leave and re-enter Australia freely.

• Access to Medicare and subsidised education.

• The option to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.

To apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, you must meet both the general requirements for an Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa and specific requirements for the stream that you are applying for. 

Here are the general requirements for a 186 visa. 

Applicant requirements

If you’re an applicant, you must: 

• Have been nominated by an approved Australian employer.
  Be under 45 years of age at the time of application.

• Meet the English language requirement (at least IELTS 6 in each component or an equivalent test).

• Meet the health and character criteria.

• Hold the relevant licensing, registration, or professional membership if required for your occupation.

• Have the necessary skills and work experience, depending on your stream.

Employer requirements

If you’re an employer nominating a worker, you must:

• Be an approved standard business sponsor.

• Actively and lawfully operate a business in Australia.

• Have a genuine need for a paid employee in a skilled position.

• Offer a full-time position that is available for at least two years.

• Pay a salary that meets the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and complies with Australian workplace laws.

• Meet training levy obligations by paying the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

• Show that the nominated role is on the relevant occupation list for the stream (Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition).

To qualify for the ENS 186 visa through the Direct Entry stream, you need to:

• Have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) (previously the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)). 

• Be nominated by your employer for a permanent role within the last 6 months.

• Have at least 3 years of skilled work experience in your nominated occupation.

• Have a positive skills assessment (less than 3 years old), unless exempt.

• Show competent English (or meet exemption criteria).

• Be under 45 years of age (unless you qualify for an exemption or fall under grandfathering rules).

• If your job requires a registration, a license, or membership in the state of employment, you must hold it at the time of applying.

• Meet health and character requirements.

To qualify for the ENS 186 visa through the Temporary Residence Transition stream, you need to:

• Hold a Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (Subclass 457) or a Skills in Demand (SID) visa (Subclass 482) visa. 

• Have worked for your employer for at least 2 years while holding a subclass 457 or 482 visa.

• Be nominated by your employer for a permanent position within the last 6 months.

• Show you have competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent). There are no exemptions for this stream.

• Be under 45 years of age, unless you meet an exemption or qualify under grandfathering rules.

• If your job requires a registration, licence, or membership in the state of employment, you must already hold it when applying.

• Meet health and character requirements.

To qualify for the ENS 186 visa through the Agreement Stream, you need to:

• Hold a Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) visa or a Skills in Demand (SID) (Subclass 482) visa that was issued under your employer’s Labour Agreement. 

• You must have worked full-time in the nominated role (or a very closely related one) for the period set out in the agreement.

• Have at least 3 years of work experience in that role.

• Show you have competent English, unless your Labour Agreement allows a concession.

• Be under 45 years of age, unless your Labour Agreement provides an age concession.

• Hold any required registration, licence, or professional membership for your occupation in the state of employment.

• Meet health and character requirements.

What factors affect the 186 visa processing time?

When it comes to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, processing times are not the same for everyone. Your application may move faster or slower depending on several factors:

• Your occupation – Applications in healthcare and teaching are prioritised.

• Where the job is located – Roles based in designated regional areas are given higher priority.

• Your employer’s status – If your employer is an accredited sponsor, your application is placed ahead of others.

• Completeness of your application – Missing or incorrect documents can slow things down, regardless of your priority group.

This means two applicants lodging at the same time can experience very different timelines depending on their situation.

Processing times change constantly

Most of the factors affecting processing times are outside your control. But an incomplete or weak application can double your delay. That’s why it’s critical to get it right the first time.

If you’re still planning your pathway to permanent residency, we can also advise you on steps that may strengthen your chances, like taking a role in a regional area or aligning your skills with high-demand occupations. And when it’s time to apply, we help you prepare a complete, accurate application that can make your case stronger. Contact us today.

186 visa fees

All streams: From AUD4,910.00 (from July 1 2025) for the primary applicant 

Applying for the 186 visa involves two main steps: nomination by your employer and lodging your visa application. Both you and your employer have responsibilities in the process.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before starting, make sure you meet the requirements for the 186 visa and the specific stream you are applying for (Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, or Agreement).

Step 2: Employer Nomination

Your employer must lodge a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA). This is to confirm that:

• The business is operating lawfully and actively.

• The nominated role is genuine and needed.

• You will be paid at least the Australian market salary.

Employers also need to pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy for each nomination. The amount depends on their annual turnover. A separate nomination fee ($540) is also payable, unless your case falls under certain exemptions (for example, regional roles under the TRT or Labour Agreement streams).

Note: Once a nomination is approved, you must lodge your visa application within 6 months.

Step 3: Skills Assessment (if required)

For the Direct Entry stream, you usually need a positive skills assessment from the approved assessing authority for your occupation. This shows that your qualifications and work experience are at the required level.

• Each occupation has a designated authority.

• The assessment must be valid (usually no more than 3 years old) at the time you apply.

• Some exemptions may apply depending on your stream.

Step 4: Visa Application

Once the nomination is lodged (or approved), you can submit your visa application. This can be done at the same time as the nomination, or within 6 months of approval. You’ll need to provide:

• Identity documents.

• Evidence of skills, qualifications, and English proficiency.

• Health and character checks.

• Supporting documents for family members (if included).

You may apply from inside or outside Australia. Once both the nomination and visa are approved, you will be granted the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa, which is a permanent visa.

Do I need to have worked for my sponsor for 3 years or just have three years of work experience in my profession?

For the 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream, you don’t need to have worked for your sponsor. Instead, you need to show that you have at least three years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation

For the 186 Direct Entry (DE) visa, can an applicant claim work experience from a closely related occupation that falls under the same ANZSCO unit group?

Yes, your work experience in a closely related occupation within the same ANZSCO unit group may count, but it still depends on the assessing authority’s rules.

While this guide is in-depth, naturally, you’ll have questions like these (from above). Personal situations can affect your eligibility for a specific stream or for the 186 visa, in general. If you ever need help, you can speak to our migration experts at IDP. We’ll give you clarity and help you with every step of your 186 visa application. 

To apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, you generally need to be under 45 years of age at the time of application.

Exceptions apply if you are:

• A senior academic nominated by an Australian university.

• A scientist, researcher, or technical specialist nominated by an Australian government scientific agency.

• A medical practitioner who has worked in regional Australia for part of your employment.

• A holder of a Special Category visa (subclass 444) or a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461) who has worked for your employer for at least 2 of the last 3 years.

• A worker under a Labour Agreement that allows exemptions over 45.

• A high-income earner (meeting the Fair Work High Income Threshold) with long-term employment under a subclass 457 or 482 visa.

• Covered by transitional arrangements if you held, or applied for, a subclass 457 visa on 18 April 2017.

When applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, you’ll need to prepare a number of documents. Here’s a general checklist of what’s usually required:

• A valid passport and recent identity photographs.

• Employer nomination approval from an eligible Australian employer.

• Proof of skills and qualifications, such as degrees, diplomas, or trade certificates.

• Employment references or contracts to show relevant work experience.

• English language test results (such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent).

• Licensing, registration, or professional memberships (if required for your occupation).

• Health examination results from approved medical practitioners.

• Character documents, including police clearances from each country you’ve lived in.

• Relationship documents, if you’re including a partner or family members.

The exact documents you’ll need can vary depending on your stream and personal circumstances. We know how overwhelming it can be to pull everything together. That’s why our experts guide you through document preparation step by step. 

We’ll help you understand what’s relevant for your case, ensure your application is as complete as possible, and give you the best chance of a smooth process.

With IDP, you get:

• Expert guidance from MARA-registered agents who understand the 186 visa process and its different streams (Direct Entry, TRT, or Labour Agreement).

• Support with document preparation, including skills assessments, English test results, work references, and nomination paperwork, so everything meets government standards.

• Up-to-date advice on policy changes that may affect employer sponsorship rules, eligibility, or processing times.

• Step-by-step assistance from nomination to visa approval, making sure both you and your employer meet all requirements for a smooth pathway to permanent residency.

Read more visa success stories

Does the 186 visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes, the 186 visa leads to permanent residency (PR) in Australia. This means:

• Once granted, you and your family become permanent residents immediately.

• You can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

• You gain access to Medicare and other PR benefits.

What is the difference between a 186 and a 482 visa?

The 482 visa (Temporary Skill Shortage) is a temporary work visa that allows employers to sponsor overseas workers for up to 2–4 years. It’s often used as a stepping stone towards permanent residency.

The 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) is a permanent residency visa that requires employer nomination and can be applied for directly or after holding a 482 visa.

Key difference: The 482 is temporary, while the 186 gives you permanent residency.

How long does a 186 visa last?

The 186 visa is a permanent visa. You can stay in Australia indefinitely.

Can I leave my employer after getting a 186 visa?

Once your 186 visa is granted, you are a permanent resident of Australia. There is no official rule that forces you to stay with your employer for a set period.

However, because the visa is granted based on your employer’s nomination, you are generally expected to work with them for a reasonable time (often around 2 years). If you leave immediately, it may raise concerns about whether the visa was granted in good faith.

How long does it take to get 186 employer nomination approval?

Processing times for employer nominations vary depending on the Department of Home Affairs’ workload and the quality of the application.

Who is eligible for a 186 visa in Australia?

All skilled workers who meet the general and stream-specific requirements for the 186 visa are eligible to apply. 

How much is the employer nomination fee 186?

The nomination fee for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa is AUD 540. This fee must be paid by your employer, not you as the visa applicant.

What happens after a 186 visa is granted?

Once granted, you become a permanent resident of Australia. This gives you the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, enrol in Medicare, sponsor eligible family members, and apply for citizenship when eligible.

Can I leave my employer after getting a 186 direct entry visa?

The 186 visa grants permanent residency, so there is no legal requirement to stay with your employer for a set time. However, leaving your employer very soon after the visa grant may raise questions about whether the position was genuine at the time of application.

Can I apply for a 186 visa before nomination approval?

Yes. You can apply for the visa at the same time as your employer lodges the nomination, or within six months of the nomination being approved.

Can I apply for 186 by myself?

No. The visa requires employer sponsorship. You must have an approved nomination from an Australian employer before your application can be granted.

What is the age limit for ENS visa?

Generally, you must be under 45 years of age at the time of application. Certain exemptions apply, such as senior academics, researchers, high-income earners, medical practitioners in regional areas, and some New Zealand citizens.

MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) agents are officially licensed by the Australian government to give migration advice. 

That means they don’t just “know about visas,” they are legally qualified to guide you through the process.

Here’s why that matters for your 186 visa:

• Trust and credibility: Registered MARA agents are allowed to provide migration advice in Australia, so you know the guidance you receive is recognised and regulated.

• Up-to-date expertise: We stay current with student visa rules, policy changes, and processing requirements, so you get accurate, reliable advice.

• Tailored solutions: We can assess your situation — from your employer nomination and work history to English test results and skills recognition — and explain how it impacts your eligibility.

• Peace of mind: Instead of worrying if you or your employer has prepared everything correctly, you can be confident your application meets government standards.

Melbourne

Liping Helen Shan (MARN 0961842)

Fluent in English and Mandarin
Helen has been a registered Migration Agent since 2009. With a background in both migration and education consulting, she has helped countless clients with Student, Skilled, Visitor, Family Sponsored, and State Nomination visas.

Book an appointment with Helen

Perth

Jihang Michael Li (MARN 1802068)

Fluent in English and Mandarin

Michael has been a registered Migration Agent since 2018. Originally trained as a Nuclear Engineer, he now specialises in helping clients with a wide range of visas. He combines his technical skills with a strong legal foundation as he completes his Juris Doctor at UWA.

Book an appointment with Michael

Brisbane

Jitendra Gautam (MARN 2518722)

Fluent in Nepalese and English

Jitendra came to Australia as an international student in 2009 and now uses his first-hand experience to guide others.

With a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law and a background in IT and education counselling, he specialises in supporting students and skilled professionals.

Book an appointment with Jitendra