The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is a permanent visa. An Australian employer nominates you for a skilled job, and you get permanent residence from the day the visa is granted. You can live, work and study anywhere in Australia, enrol in Medicare, sponsor relatives and, once eligible, apply for citizenship.
The 186 visa charge is A$6,140 for the main applicant (from 1 July 2026).
There are three streams:
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT): for people already working for their sponsor on a 457 or 482 visa. This is the most common route.
- Direct Entry: for people who have not worked for the employer on a 482, or who come straight from overseas.
- Labour Agreement: for employers with a negotiated labour agreement.
At a Glance
| Temporary Residence Transition | Direct Entry | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Current 457/482 holders staying with their sponsor | New hires, including from overseas |
| Work experience | 2 years' full-time sponsored work in the last 3 years | Usually 3 years in the occupation |
| Occupation | The occupation on your 457/482 | Must be on the Core Skills Occupation List |
| Skills assessment | Only if Home Affairs asks | Usually required before you apply |
| English | At least Competent | At least Competent |
| Age | Under 45 when you apply (some exemptions) | Under 45 when you apply (some exemptions) |
| Visa charge | A$6,140 | A$6,140 |
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
Home Affairs says you must:
- hold a 457 or 482 visa, or a bridging visa linked to one of these or to a 186/187 application
- have worked full time for 2 years in the 3 years before you apply in eligible sponsored employment, in the occupation on your 457 or 482 visa
- be nominated by the employer who last sponsored you on your temporary visa
- apply within 6 months of the nomination being approved
- be under 45 when you apply, unless an exemption applies (for example some academics, scientists, and regional medical practitioners)
- have at least Competent English. There is no exemption from this requirement in the TRT stream.
If you changed employers in that period, sponsored work can still count from the date a new nomination was approved.
Direct Entry Stream
You must:
- be nominated for an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
- have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, unless you are exempt
- have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before you lodge, unless you are exempt
- be under 45 when you apply, unless an exemption applies
- have at least Competent English
- hold any licence, registration or membership that your occupation requires in the state where you'll work
The employer must be actively and lawfully operating in Australia, and the position must still be available when the visa is decided.
What the 186 Visa Costs
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Each additional applicant 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | A$1,535 |
A second instalment is charged for each family member aged 18 or over who does not have Functional English. Home Affairs asks for it only when it is ready to grant the visa. The employer pays the nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund levy separately.
How to Apply for a 186 Visa
1. Check you meet the age, English and experience rules
Most refusals come from missing one of these. Count your sponsored employment carefully: periods on a bridging visa, part-time work or a different occupation may not count.
2. Your employer lodges the nomination
The employer must show the position is genuine and pays at least the market rate and the applicable income threshold.
3. Lodge your visa application
You apply online in ImmiAccount, within 6 months of the nomination being approved. You can be in or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance.
4. Health, character and biometrics
You and your family members complete health examinations and provide police certificates.
5. Visa decision
You become a permanent resident on the day the visa is granted (or the day you enter Australia, if granted offshore).
Processing times change often. Check the Home Affairs processing time guide for recently decided applications.
186 vs Other Permanent Skilled Visas
| Visa | Needs an employer? | Needs points? |
|---|---|---|
| 186 Employer Nomination Scheme | Yes | No |
| 189 Skilled Independent | No | Yes (65+) |
| 190 Skilled Nominated | No (needs a state nomination) | Yes (65+) |
If your employer is in a regional area, the 494 visa is a provisional alternative that leads to permanent residence after 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 186 visa cost?
The main applicant charge is A$6,140 from 1 July 2026. Each additional applicant 18 or over pays A$3,070 and each child under 18 pays A$1,535. A second instalment applies to adult family members without Functional English.
How long do I need to work on a 482 before applying for the 186?
Usually 2 years of full-time sponsored work in the 3 years before you apply, in the occupation on your 457 or 482 visa, through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Is there an age limit for the 186 visa?
Yes. You usually must be under 45 when you apply. Exemptions exist for some academics, scientists and researchers, regional medical practitioners and certain long-term employees.
Can I change employers after getting the 186?
The 186 is a permanent visa with no condition tying you to the employer. Home Affairs does expect the nomination to be genuine, so plan to take up the position.
Get Help With a 186 Visa
The 186 depends on both your employer's nomination and your own eligibility, and the age and experience rules leave little room for error. A registered migration agent can check your sponsored employment and plan the timing. Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to registered migration agents near you. It's free to ask.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Source: Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), Department of Home Affairs.