186Permanent

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa

Visa Cost

AUD 4,910

Processing Time

Direct Entry stream about 6-9 months (50%) / 14-20 months (90%)

Last verified 2 June 2026View Official WebsiteApplication Wizard

Eligibility

  • Sponsored by an Australian employer
  • The occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List
  • At least 3 years of relevant work experience
  • English at IELTS 6 in all four bands or equivalent
  • Under 45 years of age (some exemptions)
  • Hold a 482 visa and have worked with the employer for 3 years (Temporary Residence Transition stream)

Key Information

Validity / Stay / Residence

Permanent residence; the first grant includes a 5-year travel facility period, after which a Resident Return visa (RRV), or citizenship and a passport, is required to return to Australia.

Eligible Dependants

You can bring the spouse/de facto partner and dependent children to obtain permanent residence together.

PR / Permanent Residence Pathway

This visa is permanent residence (PR); you are a permanent resident from grant, with no provisional stage; you can apply for citizenship once residence and other conditions are met.

View provisional-to-permanent transition overview →

Application Steps

1

Employer Nomination

Employer Nomination

The employer lodges the nomination application for you

  • The employer must be an approved sponsor
  • The position must be on the MLTSSL
  • The salary meets the requirement
2

Lodge Visa Application

Lodge Visa Application

Lodge the visa application after nomination is approved

  • Lodge the application online
  • Upload supporting documents
  • Pay the visa fee
  • Health examination and character check

Required Documents

Document NameEnglish NameRequiredDescriptionTips
PassportPassportValid passport-
Nomination ApprovalNomination ApprovalThe nomination approval letter-
Skills AssessmentSkills AssessmentRequired for some categories-
English Test ResultsEnglish Test ResultsEnglish score-
Employment EvidenceEmployment EvidenceEmployment evidence-
Health ExaminationHealth ExaminationHealth examination report-
Police ClearancePolice ClearancePolice clearance-

FAQ

How many application streams does 186 have?
Three: the Direct Entry stream, the Temporary Residence Transition stream (from 482), and the Labour Agreement stream.
How long does it take to move from 482 to 186?
You must hold a 482 visa and work for the same employer for 3 years.

Common Refusal Reasons

  • Over 45 and not eligible for an exemption
  • English below competent level (6.0 in each band) with no exemption
  • The nominated salary is below the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), causing the nomination to be refused
  • Failing the skills assessment under the Direct Entry (DE) stream, or insufficient work experience/skills
  • Insufficient (under 2 years) of eligible work with the approved sponsoring employer under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream
  • The genuineness/full-time-permanence of the employer-nominated position is in doubt, or health or character not met

Can you appeal after a refusal? See the Visa Refusal & Review (ART) Guide.

Next Steps

Related Visas

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Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (186) Application Guide | AusVisa