Visa subclass 186 · Employer-sponsored · permanent
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (PR): 2026 eligibility, points and processing
The 186 is the permanent employer-sponsored visa. Three streams: Temporary Residence Transition (TRT, for 482 / Skills in Demand holders), Direct Entry (DE, for offshore or onshore applicants without 482 time) and Labour Agreement.
★Key takeaways
- ✓Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (PR) is a permanent visa for employer-sponsored applicants.
- ✓No points test – eligibility is sponsorship + skills assessment + work experience based.
- ✓Processing: 11 months median (source: Department of Home Affairs Global Visa Processing Times, January 2026).
- ✓Primary VAC1: $4,770. VAC2 (English): $4,885 where applicable.
- ✓Path to PR: PR granted on visa approval.
At a glance
Stream
permanent, open for new applications
Age limit
Under 45 years at application unless you qualify for one of the listed exemptions (regional medical practitioner, high-income earner above the Fair Work high-income threshold, senior academic, etc.).
Work rights
Unrestricted PR work rights from grant.
Path to PR
PR granted on visa approval. Citizenship eligible after 4 years’ lawful residence including 12 months as PR.
Eligibility
Eligibility checklist
Every box below must tick before lodgement. Missing any one of them either makes the visa impossible or pushes the applicant into a different subclass.
- Temporary Residence Transition stream: 2 years of full-time work with the nominating sponsor on a 482 / SID visa in the same nominated occupation
- Direct Entry stream: 3 years of relevant full-time work experience, positive skills assessment, and Competent English
- Labour Agreement stream: nomination under an industry or company-specific labour agreement (e.g. DAMA, On-hire Labour Agreement, Restaurant Industry LA)
- Under 45 years of age at time of application (multiple exemptions: high-income earners, senior academics, medical practitioners regional, etc.)
- Sponsored by an approved employer with a genuine permanent position
- Salary at or above the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and no less than TSMIT
- Meet health and character requirements
Processing time
How long does it take?
Published by Home Affairs as 25th, 50th and 90th percentile times. Individual processing can be faster or slower depending on documentation, country of passport and decision-ready status.
| 25% of applications | 50% (median) | 90% of applications |
|---|---|---|
| 4 months | 11 months | 20 months |
Department of Home Affairs Global Visa Processing Times, January 2026. See current processing times across all subclasses.
Cost
Visa Application Charge
| Applicant | VAC1 (lodgement) |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant | $4,770 |
| Partner (secondary) | $2,390 |
| Child (secondary) | $1,195 |
| VAC2 (non-functional English, primary) | $4,885 |
VAC1 from 1 July 2025. SAF levy paid by sponsor: $3,000 (small business) or $5,000 (larger employer), one-off for 186 nomination.
In depth
What you actually need to know
The 186 is the primary PR endpoint for skilled workers who came in via employer sponsorship. The TRT stream is the most common path: 2 years on a 482 / SID in the same nominated occupation with the same sponsor, employer agrees to nominate for permanent residence, you transition to 186. Many sponsors begin the 186 nomination at the 18-month mark to allow for processing time.
The Direct Entry stream is for applicants who do not have the 2-year 482 history. It needs a positive skills assessment, 3 years of relevant work experience and Competent English at IELTS 6 each band. DE is harder to satisfy than TRT for the same employee, which is why most employer-sponsored PR runs via the 482 → 186 TRT route.
Labour Agreement is the third stream and covers all the bespoke pathways: DAMA endorsements, on-hire labour agreements, restaurant industry agreements, religious worker agreements, etc. Each labour agreement specifies its own age, English, salary and skills concessions.
Visa conditions to know
- Standard PR conditions: maintain residence to qualify for a Resident Return Visa at 5 years
- No employer-tie conditions once PR is granted
Occupations covered
TRT: must match the 482 nominated occupation. DE: occupation on the relevant Direct Entry list. Labour Agreement: per the specific agreement.
Pathway to permanent residence
PR granted on visa approval. Citizenship eligible after 4 years’ lawful residence including 12 months as PR.
Common questions
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (PR) – common questions
How long do I need on 482 before I qualify for 186 TRT?
2 years full-time with the same nominating sponsor in the same nominated occupation. The 2 years is calculated from visa grant to 186 lodgement. Most 482 holders begin 186 conversation with the employer at the 18-month mark to allow for nomination and visa processing time.
What if I change jobs on 482? Do I lose 186 eligibility?
Yes, the TRT 2-year clock resets when you change sponsor. The 2 years must be with the nominating sponsor in the same occupation. If you change sponsor, you start a fresh 2-year clock with the new sponsor. Direct Entry remains available regardless of sponsor changes.
Is there an age cap on 186 TRT?
Yes, 45 at the time of application, with exemptions. The standard regional medical practitioner, senior academic, scientist and high-income (Fair Work threshold) exemptions apply. There is no age cap exemption for Specialist Skills 482 transition specifically as at January 2026; check current settings.
Will my partner work after 186 grant?
Yes – your partner is included as a secondary applicant on the 186 and receives the same PR work rights. They can work anywhere in Australia in any occupation from grant.
Source
Primary source for this page
Information on this page is summarised from the Department of Home Affairs visa listing for subclass 186. Always confirm details against the primary source before lodging.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/employer-nomination-scheme-186 →
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