The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is one of Australia’s most sought-after permanent visas. It allows skilled professionals and tradespeople to live and work in Australia permanently, provided they are nominated by an eligible Australian employer. Designed for skilled workers already in Australia on temporary visas or those applying directly from overseas, this visa is a critical pathway for long-term settlement.
Securing permanent residency is an important milestone—it brings stability, access to healthcare and education, and the ability to plan a future in Australia with confidence. The 186 visa offers three main pathways, tailored to different circumstances. To learn more, visit our Employer Nomination Scheme (186) visa services page.
The 186 Visa Application Streams
The 186 visa can be obtained through three different pathways, depending on your background and work situation: the Transitional Stream, Labour Agreement Stream and the Direct Entry Stream. Understanding which stream applies to you is key to a successful application.
Direct Entry Stream
The Direct Entry Stream is for skilled workers who may not have long-term work experience in Australia but want to apply directly for a visa. Applicants must be under 45 years of age, have a nomination for an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), meet any caveats that apply, and provide both a formal skills assessment and at least three years of relevant full-time work experience. Competent English is required (with secondary applicants over 18 showing Functional English), along with meeting health and character requirements.
Transitional Stream
The Transitional Stream is designed for temporary skilled workers who are already contributing to the Australian workforce. Applicants must be under 45 years old (unless exempt) and have worked in their nominated occupation for at least two years while holding a Subclass 482 TSS or SID visa. Unlike previous requirements, the two years of work no longer need to be with the same employer. Nomination for an occupation in the ANZSCO is required, along with Competent English, and applicants must also satisfy health and character checks, with the option for a health waiver in some cases.
Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement Stream is available to applicants whose employer has a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government. This pathway is typically used for workers in highly specialised or in-demand roles not covered under standard occupation lists. Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age (unless concessions apply), hold a nomination for an occupation listed in the labour agreement, and provide evidence of the required qualifications or work experience. Competent English is needed unless concessions apply, and applicants must meet health and character standards. Not all labour agreements lead to permanent residency, but some can be negotiated to include this option at the outset or via a labour agreement variation request.
How Long Does the 186 Visa Take to Process?
The processing time for a 186 visa varies depending on the application stream and individual circumstances. For the Direct Entry stream, 50% of applications are processed within 12 months, and 90% are finalised within 18 months. For the Transitional Stream, processing takes slightly longer, with 50% completed in 14 months and 90% within 18 months. Finally, the Labour Agreement Stream is generally quite quick, with 50% of applications processed within 5 months and 90% within 9 months.
Delays can occur due to incomplete applications, high demand, or additional checks by the Department of Home Affairs. Working with an experienced migration agent can help streamline the process and ensure documents are submitted correctly the first time.
Is Visa 186 Permanent Residency?
Yes—the Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa. Like the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visas, it grants the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Permanent residents also gain access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, and can sponsor eligible family members for migration.
Importantly, permanent residency is often a stepping stone to Australian citizenship. After meeting residency requirements, 186 visa holders may apply to become citizens, further securing their future in Australia.
How Much Does the 186 Visa Cost?
As of July 2025, the application charge for the Subclass 186 visa is:
- AUD $4,910 for the primary applicant
- AUD $2,455 for each dependent over 18 years
- AUD $1,230 for each child under 18 years
In addition to these government fees, applicants may face additional costs such as English language testing, skills assessments, health examinations, and police clearance certificates. These expenses can add up, making it important to budget accordingly before applying.
Does the 186 Visa Require a Skill Assessment?
A skills assessment is an official evaluation of whether your qualifications and work experience match the requirements of your nominated occupation in Australia. For the Direct Entry Stream, a skills assessment is mandatory. The assessment must be obtained from the relevant assessing authority before applying.
For the Transitional Stream, a skills assessment is usually not required, since applicants already have a proven work history with their sponsoring employer in Australia. However, strong evidence of employment and skills is still essential.
Can You Change Your Employer on the 186 Visa?
Once your 186 visa is granted, you can technically change employers. However, during the application process, you cannot switch employers as your nomination is tied to a specific sponsoring business.
After the visa grant, changing employers should be done carefully. The Department of Home Affairs may review whether your application was genuine. If they believe you applied with no intention of staying with your nominating employer, they could cancel your visa. It’s critical to seek professional advice before making this decision.
FAQs
-
Can I leave my employer after getting the 186 visa?
Yes, but you should remain with your employer for a reasonable period after the grant to show that your application was genuine. Leaving too soon could raise questions.
-
Can I include my family in my 186 visa application?
Yes, you can include eligible family members, such as your partner and dependent children, in your visa application. They will also receive permanent residency if your visa is approved.
-
Do I need to be in Australia to apply for the 186 visa?
No, you can apply for the 186 visa whether you are inside or outside Australia. However, different criteria may apply depending on your location at the time of application.
-
How many years of experience in my nominated field do I need to have to apply for the 186 visa?
For the Direct Entry stream, you generally need at least three years of relevant work experience. For the Transitional Stream, you must have worked full-time for your nominating employer for at least two years while holding a qualifying temporary visa.
The Subclass 186 visa is one of the most valuable pathways to permanent residency in Australia for skilled professionals and tradespeople. Whether you are already working for an Australian employer or applying directly from overseas, it provides a secure foundation for building a life in Australia. At AVIE, we specialise in helping skilled workers navigate the 186 visa process with expert advice and tailored support, ensuring your application is accurate, complete, and successful. Book a call with us today to get started.