Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186): The 2026 Guide

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is a permanent visa that lets an Australian employer sponsor a skilled worker for permanent residence. For most employer-sponsored workers, it is the final step after a temporary Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa. It is also available directly to skilled workers who have not held a temporary sponsored visa.

Permanent residence means the worker and their family can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare and, in time, apply for citizenship.

The three streams

1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream

For workers already sponsored by their employer on a subclass 482 (or older 457) visa. In general:

• the worker must have worked full-time in the nominated occupation for at least two years in the three years before applying, while holding the sponsored visa,
• the employer must nominate the worker for a permanent position in the same occupation, and
• a formal skills assessment is usually not required.

2. Direct Entry stream

For workers who have not held a 482 visa, have held one for less than two years, or cannot meet the TRT requirements. In general:

• the occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List,
• the worker usually needs a positive skills assessment, and
• the worker usually needs at least three years of full-time relevant work experience.

3. Labour Agreement stream

For workers nominated under a labour agreement or DAMA, with requirements set by the agreement.

Requirements for the worker

In general, the worker must:

• be under 45 when applying, unless an exemption applies (for example, certain high-income earners, some academics and scientists, and some long-serving TRT applicants),
• have at least competent English,
• meet the skills and experience requirements for the stream,
• meet health and character requirements, and
• apply within six months of the nomination being approved.

Requirements for the employer

The employer must:

• be lawfully and actively operating in Australia,
• nominate a genuine, full-time position expected to last at least two years,
• pay at least the market salary rate, and at least the Core Skills Income Threshold ($79,423 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026),
• pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy when nominating, and
• have no adverse history of breaching workplace or immigration laws.

TRT or Direct Entry: which is better?

If you already work for your sponsor on a 482 visa, the TRT stream is usually simpler because a skills assessment is generally not required. If you are new to Australia, or your 482 history does not fit the TRT rules, Direct Entry may be the better or only option, but the skills assessment and experience requirements are stricter. The right choice depends on your age, occupation, salary and work history. Getting it wrong can cost months and add fees.

What does it cost?

From 1 July 2026, the base government visa application charge for the main applicant is $6,140, with additional charges for family members. The employer also pays the nomination fee and the SAF levy. Skills assessments, English tests, medicals and police checks are extra. We quote our professional fees after reviewing the matter.

How long does it take?

Processing times vary by stream and occupation and change often. TRT applications are often faster than Direct Entry. Accredited sponsors and complete applications are usually processed more quickly.

Common problems we see

• a job description or duties that do not match the nominated occupation,
• salaries below the market rate or the income threshold,
• gaps or part-time periods in the two-year TRT work history,
• age deadlines approaching before the application is ready,
• skills assessments that expire before lodgement, and
• the business's financial position or compliance history raising doubts about the position.

After the visa is granted

The Department expects the worker to start and stay in the nominated position. Leaving very soon after grant, or never starting, can raise questions about whether the position was genuine and, in some cases, lead to cancellation. Get advice before making major changes.

How we can help

Our immigration team includes two Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, and we advise in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We act for both employers and workers, including family-owned businesses that want to keep key staff long term. We can:

• choose the right stream and plan the timing, especially around the age limit,
• prepare the nomination and visa applications,
• advise on skills assessments and English requirements, and
• respond to refusals and Tribunal reviews.

Read our Skills in Demand (subclass 482) guide, learn more about our employer sponsored visa services, or order an Immigration Strategy Report.

Frequently asked questions

Is the subclass 186 visa permanent?

Yes. It is a permanent residence visa.

What is the age limit for the 186 visa?

Generally under 45 at the time of application, unless an exemption applies.

Do I need a skills assessment for the 186 visa?

Usually yes for the Direct Entry stream, and usually not for the TRT stream.

How long must I work for my sponsor before applying through TRT?

Generally at least two years full-time in the three years before applying, while holding the sponsored visa.

How much does the 186 visa cost in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the base application charge for the main applicant is $6,140, plus charges for family members and the employer's nomination costs.

This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Visa requirements, thresholds and fees change regularly. Updated October 2026.