Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186 Visa)
Your Employer-Sponsored Route to Permanent Residency in Australia
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186 Visa) gives skilled workers a chance to live in Australia for good. This permanent residency visa is for skilled workers who get backing from an approved Australian employer. If you’re good at your job, whether you’re already in Australia or overseas, and an Australian business wants to hire you, this visa opens the door for you to settle in Australia.
At Ezy Immigration, we help people and companies handle the tricky parts of the 186 visa. If you’re applying through the Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, or Labour Agreement stream, our skilled Registered Migration Agents support you from start to finish.
What Is the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa?
The subclass 186 employer nomination scheme visa gives skilled workers the chance to live and work in Australia for good after an employer nominates them. It supports both temporary visa holders moving to PR and skilled workers applying straight from overseas. It’s part of Australia’s plan to fill long-term skills gaps and keep experienced talent.
There are three main streams:
1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
Perfect for folks with a 482 Visa or 457 Visa, this option lets you switch to permanent residency after sticking with the same employer for at least two years (or three years, based on when you got your 482).
2. Direct Entry Stream
This suits skilled workers who don’t have a 482 visa right now or haven’t worked for the sponsoring employer for two years yet. You need to show three years of work experience and get your skills officially evaluated.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
If your employer has worked out a labour agreement with the Australian Government, this stream is for you. Companies often use this for specialized industries or jobs that aren’t on the regular skilled occupation list.
Who Can Apply for the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa?
To get the 186 visa, you need to:
- Have an Australian employer with an active business nominate you
- Be younger than 45 (some jobs might have different age limits)
- Speak English well enough
- Have a job that’s on the right skilled occupation list
- Have the skills, qualifications, and work experience the job needs
- Pass health and character checks
Each stream has different rules for who can apply. At Ezy Immigration, we look at your specific case and suggest the best path for you.
Why Pick the 186 Visa?
- You and your eligible family members can live in Australia
- You can work anywhere in Australia
- You get access to Medicare, Australia’s public health system
- You can help your relatives get other visas
- You have a clear way to become an Australian citizen
The 186 visa can be your long-term answer to living and succeeding in Australia, whether you’re already working there or applying from another country.
Common Occupations Under the 186 Visa
The 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa covers many skilled jobs such as:
- Registered Nurses
- Software Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Electricians
- Chefs
- ICT Business Analysts
- Accountants
- Mechanics
To know if your job qualifies talk to us . We’ll check if you’re eligible based on the current Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
How Long Does the 186 Visa Take?
Processing times can change based on your stream and whether your application is ready for a decision. On average:
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream: 6 to 9 months
- Direct Entry Stream: 7 to 11 months
- Labour Agreement Stream: Case-by-case
Our help aims to make your application complete and ready for a decision cutting down on needless holdups.
How Much Does It Cost?
The basic government visa application fee for the 186 visa stands at AUD $4,640, not counting extra charges for dependents or health checks. You’ll also need to think about the nomination fee your employer pays, and possible skills assessment costs if needed.
Ezy Immigration – We'll Help You Get Your 186 Visa
The 186 visa process has several steps—nomination by the employer, visa application, and often a skills assessment. Errors at any stage can result in setbacks or denials. This is where we step in.
As Registered Migration Agents, we handle:
- Employer eligibility and nomination approval
- Communication with Home Affairs and skills assessing bodies
- Compilation of all supporting documents
- Guidance on bridging visa choices while your application undergoes processing
- Help with including family members
We also provide full support if you’re switching from a 482 Skills in Demand Visa or another temporary visa. Find out more about our 482 Visa services.
What Our Clients Are Saying
NZ Licensed Immigration Adviser and AU Registered Migration Agents
Begin Your Journey with Ezy Immigration
The 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa can open doors to permanent residency in Australia—but you need skilled handling. At Ezy Immigration, we’ve helped hundreds of skilled workers and businesses get good results through employer-sponsored visas.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this visa type allows one legal guardian to come with the child. The other parent can apply for a different visa.
You can’t work . But you may apply to change your conditions to work part-time if you need to.
You can, but you’ll have to meet all the rules for the new visa type. Many parents try to get an Accredited Employer Work Visa later if they find a job.
When your child’s student visa runs out, your guardian visa will end too. You’ll then need to leave the country or apply for a different visa.
You can study up to 3 months in any 12-month period without needing a separate student visa.
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