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Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)

EMK Global Education & Migration   →  Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)

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Benefits of the visa 186

  • Live, work and study in Australia permanently
  • Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public health care scheme
  • Include eligible family members in your application
  • Sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia
  • Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the date of grant
  • Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residence requirements (generally 4 years’ residence, including 1 year as a permanent resident)

Requirements

  • Temporary Residence Transition stream:
    - You hold a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, or an earlier TSS or 457 visa
    - You have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years while holding that visa
    - Your employer nominates you in the same occupation – all occupations are eligible
    - Under 45 when you apply, unless exempt
    - Competent English (generally IELTS 6.0 in each band, or an equivalent score in another accepted test), unless exempt
  • Direct Entry stream:
    - Your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
    - At least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience and a positive skills assessment, unless exempt
    - Under 45 when you apply, unless exempt
    - Competent English (generally IELTS 6.0 in each band, or an equivalent score in another accepted test), unless exempt
  • Labour Agreement stream:
    - Your employer has a labour agreement that allows permanent nominations for your occupation
    - Age, English, skills and work experience requirements follow the terms of that agreement
  • All streams:
    - Your employer must lodge a nomination, and you apply within 6 months of it being approved
    - The salary must be at least the annual market salary rate and the Core Skills Income Threshold (AUD 79,423 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026)
    - You must meet health and character requirements
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Visa Application Charge

  • Main applicant: AUD 6,140 (Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition and Labour Agreement streams)
  • Each additional applicant aged 18 or over: AUD 3,070
  • Each additional applicant under 18: AUD 1,535
  • Your employer separately pays the nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy – these sponsorship costs cannot be passed on to you
  • Charges as at 1 July 2026. Check the Home Affairs visa pricing page before lodging

Processing Time

  • Agreement Pathway: 50% of applications are processed within 58 days. 90% of applications are processed within 12 months.
  • Direct Entry Pathway: 50% of applications are processed within 13 months. 90% of applications are processed within 21 months.
  • Transition Pathway: 50% of applications are processed within 14 months. 90% of applications are processed within 22 months.
  • Important Information
  • A high volume of applications has affected the time required to allocate and assess applications.
  • Processing times are indicative only and may vary depending on individual circumstances.
  • Applicants can check their application status and submitted documents through ImmiAccount.
  • The Department of Home Affairs will contact applicants when a decision has been made.
  • For current assessment dates, refer to the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).

Your Obligations

  • 8515: Must not marry or enter into a de facto relationship before entering Australia.
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How to Apply for an Australian visa?

  • Step 1: Check if the applicant meet the all the requirements to work in Australia
  • Step 2: Employer lodge their nomination
  • Step 3: Submit your skill assessment and get a positive outcome (Direct entry stream only)
  • Step 4: Gather your documents (identity, Skills assessment documents, etc)
  • Step 5: Complete the Visa Application Form
  • Step 6: Pay the Visa Application Fee
  • Step 7: Complete the biometrics collection and health examination

Not sure if you qualify? Talk to our registered migration agent.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find an answer to your question below, feel free to get in touch with one of our agents, they will be more than happy to share their wisdom.

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Can visa 186 lead to PR?

The visa 186 is a permanent resident visa. It allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely. It may lead to citizenship.

Can I leave my job after getting a visa 186?

Once your visa 186 is granted, this gives you full residency rights. You have no obligation to stay in your employment for the full two years if you can prove your application was made in good faith, and the employment relationship has broken down.

Can a visa 186 be cancelled?

Your visa can be revoked by the Australian government if you break any of the terms and conditions of your visa.

Which occupations are eligible for the 186 visa?

For the Direct Entry stream, your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The Temporary Residence Transition stream is open to all occupations, provided you have worked for your sponsor for at least 2 years while holding a subclass 482 visa and are nominated in the same occupation.

Do I need to undertake Labour Market testing for the 186 visa?

No. Labour market testing is not required for a subclass 186 nomination. However, your employer must show a genuine need for the position, pay at least the market salary rate and the income threshold, and offer the role for at least 2 years.

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