Overview
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 is Australia's primary employer-sponsored permanent residence visa. Unlike the temporary subclass 482, the 186 grants permanent residence immediately upon approval. There is no further PR step after the visa is granted.
Most applicants reach the 186 through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, having worked on a 482 visa for at least 2–3 years with the same employer. A Direct Entry stream also exists for workers who meet skills assessment and English requirements without prior Australian work.
Processing is typically 8–15 months depending on the stream and case complexity.
Who it's for
- Skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer for a genuine full-time role
- Professionals transitioning from a 482 temporary visa to permanent residence with the same employer
- Offshore applicants who meet Direct Entry stream requirements without prior Australian work
Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Employer nomination | Nomination by an actively operating Australian business for a full-time eligible occupation |
| Skills assessment | Formal skills assessment in the nominated occupation (required for most Direct Entry applicants) |
| English language | At least Competent English (e.g. IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent) |
| Salary | Must meet or exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), recently set at AUD 73,150 |
| Age | Generally under 45 at time of application (some exemptions apply) |
| Health and character | Standard Australian health and character requirements |
| TRT stream | At least 2 years (previously 3) full-time work in the nominated role with the nominating employer |
Two streams explained
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT): The most common path. You must have worked for the nominating employer on a 482 (or predecessor 457) visa for at least 2 years in the same role and occupation. The employer nominates you for permanent residence in that role.
Direct Entry: For workers who have not held a 482 visa or who are offshore. Requires a formal skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority and stricter English evidence.
Steps
- Employer applies for nomination, submitting the formal nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs
- Lodge the visa application simultaneously or after nomination approval
- Skills assessment completed (if required for your stream)
- Biometrics and medicals requested by the department during processing
- Visa granted: permanent residence from the date of grant (no further bridging required)
Key notes
- The 186 grants permanent residence immediately. Holders can work for any employer after grant, unlike the 482 which ties you to the sponsor.
- Salary must meet the TSMIT (currently AUD 73,150) AND the Annual Market Salary Rate for the role. Whichever is higher applies.
- Occupation must be on an eligible list; not all roles qualify regardless of employer willingness
- The employer's compliance history and business size can affect nomination approval timelines
- Age limit of 45 has exemptions for some high-skill occupations and academic researchers. Verify your specific situation.
This content is for informational purposes only.