What Is the Subclass 186?

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, Subclass 186, grants permanent residency to skilled overseas workers nominated by their Australian employer. It is one of the most significant employer-sponsored visa pathways in Australia.

Unlike temporary work visas (such as the 482), the 186 is permanent — it grants an Australian permanent resident visa upon approval.

The Two Main Streams

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

This is the most common pathway for workers who are already in Australia on a 482 or 457 visa.

Requirements:
  • Hold (or have held) a 482 or 457 visa
  • Worked for your nominating employer for at least 3 years in the nominated occupation
  • Your employer nominates you for permanent residency
  • Must be under 45 years of age (with exemptions for academics, scientists, and some other occupations)
  • English language: Competent level (IELTS 6.0 in each band) — note this is lower than the Direct Entry stream
Exemptions from the 3-year requirement exist for high-income earners above $250,000 and certain situations — speak to a migration agent about whether you qualify.

Direct Entry Stream

The Direct Entry stream is for workers who do not have 3 years of Australian employer experience — either because they are offshore, or have not yet accumulated the required time on a 482 visa.

Requirements:
  • Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list (currently the MLTSSL)
  • Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
  • At least 3 years of relevant overseas or Australian work experience
  • Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 in each band) — unless exempted
  • Under 45 years of age (same exemptions as TRT)
  • Employer nominates a genuine full-time position at market salary rates

The Role of Your Employer

The employer plays a central role in the 186. They must:

1. Be an approved standard business sponsor — or apply for sponsorship approval as part of the 186 nomination process. 2. Nominate the position — demonstrating it is a genuine full-time position, the salary meets the TSMIT and market rates, and (for Direct Entry) that they have attempted to recruit locally. 3. Pay nomination fees — including the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

The Labour Market Testing Requirement (Direct Entry)

For the Direct Entry stream, employers must demonstrate they have attempted to recruit Australian citizens or permanent residents for the position before sponsoring an overseas worker. This is called Labour Market Testing (LMT).

LMT typically involves advertising the position through major Australian job platforms (Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn) for at least 4 weeks within 4 months of lodging the nomination.

Exemptions to LMT exist in limited circumstances — an international trade obligation between Australia and the worker's country may remove the LMT requirement.

English Language Requirements

StreamEnglish Level Required
TRT StreamCompetent (IELTS 6.0 each band)
Direct Entry StreamProficient (IELTS 7.0 each band)
Note: Several exemptions apply to English requirements — passport holders of UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland are typically exempt.

Processing Times (2026)

  • TRT stream: typically 6–18 months after lodgement
  • Direct Entry stream: similar, but can vary based on skills assessment time

Age Exemptions

The under-45 age requirement has important exemptions:

  • Medical practitioners working in regional areas
  • Academic researchers and scientists
  • Income above $250,000 in some situations
  • Workers nominated under certain international trade agreements
If you are over 45, speak to a migration agent — exemptions exist that many applicants are unaware of.

Planning Your Pathway

If you are on a 482 visa and targeting the 186 TRT stream, track your 3-year eligibility date carefully. Gaps in employment or changes in duties can affect your eligibility.

Compare MARA-registered migration agents who specialise in employer sponsorship →