Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) — eligibility, costs & how to apply

What is the subclass 186?

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is a permanent residence visa where an approved Australian employer nominates a skilled worker for an ongoing position. It has a Direct Entry stream and a Temporary Residence Transition stream.

Because the 186 is permanent, the evidence bar is higher than for a temporary visa — and which stream you use changes what you have to prove. Matching your history to the right stream is the key planning decision, and a frequent source of avoidable refusals when applicants go it alone.

Eligibility for the subclass 186

To be eligible for the subclass 186, you generally need to meet the following:

• Nomination by an approved employer for a genuine, ongoing position
• An eligible occupation for the chosen stream
• The required skills and work experience
• You are under the age limit (with limited exemptions)
• Competent English, plus health and character requirements
• Often a period of prior work for the sponsor (Temporary Residence Transition stream)

How to apply for the subclass 186

1. Confirm which stream fits — Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition
2. The employer lodges a nomination for the position
3. You lodge your permanent visa application with supporting evidence
4. The application is decided and, if approved, you become a permanent resident

Processing time and cost of the subclass 186

A 186 timeframe depends on the stream, the strength of the nomination and your evidence. As a permanent visa it carries a visa application charge for you and each family member. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is often smoother for existing 482 holders who have worked for the sponsor, while Direct Entry requires a skills assessment and more experience. A registered migration agent can confirm the right stream and current timeframes.

Subclass 186 vs 482 — and which 186 stream to use

The 186 is permanent; the 482 is temporary. If you already hold a 482 and have worked for your sponsor, the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the 186 is usually the natural next step. If you are applying fresh with strong experience and a skills assessment, Direct Entry may suit. The wrong stream choice is a common cause of delay.

Common subclass 186 mistakes to avoid

Many of these matters come down to avoidable mistakes. The most common issues include:

• Choosing a stream you do not actually meet
• A nominated position that is not genuine or ongoing
• Insufficient skills, experience or English evidence
• A skills assessment that does not match the nominated occupation

Do you need a migration agent for the subclass 186?

Using a registered migration agent is not compulsory, but the subclass 186 is detail-heavy and a single mistake, missing document or late response can lead to delay or refusal — and a refusal can affect future applications. A registered migration agent confirms your eligibility before you spend money, prepares your evidence, lodges your application correctly and manages any requests from the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. Through Immigration Expert you can be matched with up to three OMARA-registered agents who handle the subclass 186 every day, compare their advice, and choose who to work with — free and with no obligation.