186 Visa Australia (Employer Nomination Scheme): Complete 2026 Guide

What Is the 186 Visa and Who Is It For?

The 186 ENS visa grants permanent residence to skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. It replaced the earlier Subclass 856/857 visas and is designed for workers already in Australia on a 482 employer-sponsored visa who want to convert to permanent residence, as well as skilled workers offshore who have a job offer in hand. What you get: permanent residence from the day the visa is granted; permission to live and work in Australia indefinitely; ability to include your partner and dependent children; access to Medicare; and a pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting the residence requirements. The 186 is different from points-tested skilled visas — you do not compete against other applicants via a points score. Instead, eligibility turns on your relationship with a sponsoring employer and your occupation meeting Australian standards.

The Three Streams Explained

The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is the most commonly used pathway. If you are already working for a sponsoring employer on a Subclass 482 or former 457 visa, this is likely your route. You must have worked full-time for the nominating employer for at least two years in the nominated occupation while holding the 482 visa. A formal skills assessment is generally not required for TRT stream applicants, because the two-year employment history serves this function. The Direct Entry (DE) stream is for skilled workers who do not hold a 482 visa or have not accumulated two years with a sponsoring employer. Your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) — as of December 2024, the CSOL contains 456 eligible occupations. You need at least three years of relevant work experience, a positive skills assessment, and the employer must complete Labour Market Testing (LMT) demonstrating no suitable Australian worker was available. The Labour Agreement stream is available when an employer has negotiated a formal Labour Agreement with the Department — typically for specific industries or remote regions. Processing times for this stream are faster: approximately five months for 50% of applications.

Eligibility Requirements in Detail

Age: most 186 applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time the nomination is approved. Age exemptions exist for senior academics, scientists, medical practitioners, and some other categories — these are complex and fact-specific. English language: Competent English is required for most applicants, meaning IELTS minimum 6 in each of the four components, or equivalent in OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or CAE Cambridge. Some nationalities (UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland) are exempt. Occupation and skills assessment: for Direct Entry applicants, your occupation must match a CSOL role. Skills assessments are conducted by Engineers Australia (engineering), ACS (ICT), VETASSESS (many professions), TRA (trades), and various health profession councils. For TRT applicants, a formal skills assessment is usually not required. Employer requirements: your employer must be an approved standard business sponsor, demonstrate a genuine ongoing position, pay you the Annual Market Salary Rate or higher, and have completed Labour Market Testing for Direct Entry applications.

Costs and Fees Breakdown

The government application fee for the primary applicant is AUD $4,640 as at 2026. Secondary applicants: partner/spouse AUD $2,320, dependent child AUD $1,160. Additional costs include skills assessment (Direct Entry) AUD $500–$1,500; English test AUD $300–$400 per attempt; health examination AUD $300–$600 per person; police clearances AUD $50–$200 per country; and migration agent fees typically AUD $3,000–$6,000. Total typical cost range: TRT stream AUD $7,000–$12,000 per family unit including agent; Direct Entry stream AUD $8,500–$14,000 per family unit. Migration agent fees vary widely — budget for a mid-range agent, as errors in a permanent residence application can be very costly.

Processing Times for Each Stream

As at early 2026, processing times are: Direct Entry stream — 50% of applications approximately 12 months, 90% of applications approximately 18–20 months; TRT stream — 50% approximately 13 months, 90% approximately 17–18 months; Labour Agreement stream — 50% approximately 5 months, 90% approximately 9 months. Processing is slow because the Department prioritises Specialist Skills stream 482 applications and the humanitarian program. ENS 186 applications are processed in order of receipt. Once you have lodged your 186 application, if you are in Australia on a bridging visa you are lawfully able to remain and work. Your Bridging Visa A (BVA) activates automatically if your underlying visa expires during processing.

How a Migration Agent Can Help

The 186 application involves three distinct stages — employer sponsorship, nomination, and your visa application — each with its own forms, evidence requirements, and Department processing. A single error at any stage can lead to refusal or significant delays. An experienced migration agent can assess which stream you qualify for, advise on skills assessment preparation for Direct Entry, prepare the nomination documents to demonstrate the role is genuine, compile your personal application evidence, and manage correspondence with the Department. At Migratio, you describe your situation once. We send your case to matched, MARA-registered agents who specialise in employer-sponsored visas — and you pick the best fit without paying fees upfront. Start your free case brief at migratio.com.au.

Can I include my family in a 186 application?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants. They receive the same permanent residence as the primary applicant and can live, work, and study in Australia freely.

Do I need a skills assessment for the TRT stream?

Generally no. If you have worked full-time for your sponsoring employer for at least two years in the nominated occupation while on a 482 visa, a formal skills assessment is not required in most cases. Some occupations may still require assessment — your migration agent can confirm.

What happens if my employer goes out of business while my application is being processed?

If your employer ceases to exist or your employment is terminated during processing, your nomination may be withdrawn. Contact a migration agent immediately if your employment situation changes after lodging a 186 application.

Can I apply for the 186 visa from overseas?

Yes. The Direct Entry stream can be lodged onshore or offshore. Many offshore applicants lodge the application and continue working in their home country while the application is processed, then travel to Australia once the visa is granted.

What is the difference between the 186 and the 482 visa?

The 482 Skills in Demand visa is a temporary visa (up to four years) that is employer-sponsored. The 186 ENS visa is a permanent residence visa. Many applicants start on a 482 and transition to the 186 via the TRT stream after two years.

How do I check if my occupation is on the CSOL?

The Core Skills Occupation List is maintained by the Department of Home Affairs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Search for your ANZSCO occupation code to confirm eligibility. A migration agent can help map your actual job duties to the closest eligible occupation.