Visa Overview
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers. It allows Australian employers to sponsor high-calibre overseas professionals to fill vacancies that cannot be met by the local labour market. Once granted, the Subclass 186 visa provides the holder and their included family members with the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
Available Streams
There are three primary pathways under the Subclass 186 program, each tailored to the applicant's current visa status and professional background:
- Direct Entry Stream: For applicants who do not meet the requirements of the TRT stream (e.g., they have not worked for their employer on a 482 visa for the required duration) but possess at least three years of relevant work experience and a positive skills assessment.
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: For holders of a Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa who have worked full-time for their nominating employer for at least two years and are now being sponsored for permanent residency.
- Labour Agreement Stream: For applicants sponsored by an employer who has entered into a specific labour agreement with the Australian Government.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Subclass 186 visa in 2026, applicants must meet the following core criteria:
- Nomination: You must be nominated by an approved Australian employer whose business is actively and lawfully operating.
- Age: Generally, you must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, unless specific exemptions apply (such as for high-income earners or specific academic roles).
- Skills and Qualifications: Applicants in the Direct Entry stream must provide a valid skills assessment. All applicants must demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience.
- English Proficiency: You must demonstrate "Competent English" (e.g., an IELTS score of at least 6 in each component or a PTE Academic score of at least 50 in each component).
- Salary Threshold: The position must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), which is AUD 76,515 (increasing to AUD 79,499 from 1 July 2026).
- Health and Character: You and any family members included in the application must meet stringent health and police clearance requirements.
2026 Costs and Fees
The following base application charges apply as of April 2026. Please note that these fees do not include costs for medical examinations, police certificates, or professional migration advice.
| Fee Category | Amount (AUD) |
| Primary Applicant | $4,910 |
| Additional Applicant (18+ years) | $2,455 |
| Additional Applicant (under 18 years) | $1,230 |
Note: A second instalment fee of AUD 4,890 may apply for any dependent aged 18 or over who does not have functional English.
Current Processing Times
Processing times are subject to the Department of Home Affairs' current caseload and priority processing sectors (such as healthcare and teaching). As of April 2026, the following benchmarks apply:
Direct Entry Stream
- 50% of applications: 4 Months
- 90% of applications: 12 Months
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
- 50% of applications: 13 Months
- 90% of applications: 19 Months
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for this visa if I am over 45?
Generally, no. However, exemptions exist for certain researchers, scientists, and high-income earners who have worked for their nominating employer for at least two years.
Do I need to stay with my employer after the visa is granted?
While the 186 is a permanent visa, the Department expects a genuine intention to remain with the nominating employer for at least two years. Leaving shortly after grant may, in extreme cases, lead to scrutiny regarding the "genuine position" requirement.
Can I include my partner and children?
Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in your application. They will also receive permanent residency if the visa is granted.
What is the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy?
This is a mandatory fee paid by the employer at the nomination stage. The cost depends on the business's annual turnover and the stream being used.
