Employer Sponsored
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186)
The Subclass 186 is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for an ongoing position. It is the main employer-sponsored route to permanent residence, whether you are transitioning from a 482 or applying directly with the right skills and experience.
Visa type
Permanent residence
Sponsor
Australian employer
Streams
Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry
Skills assessment
Often required (Direct Entry)
How this works
- Us:We get your documents application-ready, match you with a registered migration agent we have vetted, and stay on the matter until it is lodged.
- Registered agent:A registered migration agent gives the migration advice and lodges your application.
- The Department:The Department of Home Affairs decides. No outcome is guaranteed.
Who it is for
- 482 or legacy 457 holders who have worked for their sponsor long enough to transition.
- Skilled workers with an employer ready to nominate them for a permanent role.
- People who want permanent residence on grant rather than a temporary visa first.
What this pathway involves
An employer nomination
An approved Australian employer must nominate you for a genuine, ongoing position.
The right stream
The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for those who have worked for the sponsor on a 482 or 457 for the required period. The Direct Entry stream is for those applying without that temporary history.
Skills and experience
Direct Entry generally requires a positive skills assessment and several years of relevant experience. The occupation must be on the applicable list.
Under 45 at application
An age limit applies, with exemptions for some high earners, academics, researchers, and long-term temporary-visa holders.
English, health, and character
Standard English, health, and character requirements apply to you and any family included.
How the process works
- 1
Confirm your stream
A registered migration agent works out whether Temporary Residence Transition or Direct Entry is your path, and what each needs. We organise the documents behind it.
- 2
Skills assessment if needed
For Direct Entry, we help you assemble and prepare the evidence for a positive skills assessment for your occupation.
- 3
Prepare the employer nomination
We help the employer organise the nomination paperwork, and a registered migration agent advises on their obligations.
- 4
Lodge the visa application
We prepare a thorough file. A registered migration agent lodges the application and deals with the Department.
- 5
Decision
The Department decides. If granted, the 186 is permanent residence from the start.
Questions about the Employer Nomination Scheme
Related visas
Employer Sponsored
Skills in Demand (482)
Employer-sponsored skilled work visa (replaced the TSS).
Learn moreEmployer Sponsored
Skilled Employer Regional (494)
Regional employer-sponsored provisional visa.
Learn moreSkilled Migration
Skills Assessment
The mandatory first step for most skilled visas.
Learn moreNot sure where to start?
Tell us about your situation. We get your file application-ready and match you with a registered migration agent for the advice and lodgement, and we stay on it the whole way. No obligation.