Find a 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) Agent

186 Visa Streams

The 186 has three streams. The Transition stream is for 482/457 holders who have worked for their employer for the required period — usually two to three years of full-time employment. This is the most common and straightforward path to employer-sponsored PR. The Direct Entry stream is for applicants who have not held a 482 but meet skills assessment and qualification requirements. The Labour Agreement stream is for workers whose employer has a labour agreement with the Australian Government. Your agent advises which stream fits and manages the timing.

Permanent Residency — What It Means

The 186 grants permanent residency from the date of grant. This means access to Medicare, ability to sponsor family members for their own visas, eligibility for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements, and no restrictions on changing employers. For many applicants, the 186 is the final step in a multi-year migration journey that began with a 482. The right agent has been planning this transition from the start.

Transition Stream — Timing and Requirements

For the Transition stream, you generally need to have worked full-time for your nominating employer for at least two to three years while holding a 482 or former 457 visa. The nomination must be for the same occupation and at market salary rate. Timing is critical — lodging too early means the application cannot be finalised, while waiting too long after becoming eligible creates unnecessary risk. An agent monitors your eligibility timeline and lodges at the optimal moment.

Direct Entry Stream

The Direct Entry stream suits applicants who have not held a temporary employer-sponsored visa but have a positive skills assessment and meet qualification requirements. This stream often appeals to applicants already in Australia on other visa types (such as student or graduate visas) who have an employer willing to nominate them directly for permanent residency. The evidence requirements are different from the Transition stream — your agent ensures the application is built for the right stream.

Employer Nomination Requirements

Your employer must lodge a nomination demonstrating the role is genuine, ongoing, and at market salary rate. For the Transition stream, they must have employed you for the required period. For Direct Entry, they must meet training benchmark requirements. An agent who handles both sides prevents the common situation where the employer's nomination and your visa application are out of sync — a timing mismatch that can delay both.

Costs and Processing Times

The 186 visa application charge is approximately $4,240. The Transition stream currently takes 6 to 15 months from lodgement to grant. Direct Entry processing times are similar. Agent fees range from $3,000 to $6,000 depending on stream and complexity. Some agents bill the employer and applicant separately.

Get Matched with 186 Visa Specialists

Tell Migratio your current visa, employer situation, and timeline. You will be matched with 3 agents who specialise in 186 applications and can coordinate both sides. Free for applicants.

How long does the 186 take?

Transition stream: 6 to 15 months. Direct Entry: similar. Individual circumstances can extend processing.

Can I leave my employer after getting the 186?

Yes. The 186 grants permanent residency with no employer restriction. You can change jobs freely from the date of grant.

Do I need a skills assessment?

For Transition stream, generally no. For Direct Entry, yes — a positive assessment from the relevant authority.

What if my employer withdraws the nomination?

If withdrawn before the visa is decided, your application will likely be refused. An agent can advise on options including finding a new sponsor.

Can I include my family?

Yes. Your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included and receive permanent residency with you.