Overview
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa lets an approved Australian employer sponsor a skilled worker for permanent residence. It has two main streams: the Temporary Residence Transition stream (for eligible 482/TSS holders who have worked for the employer) and the Direct Entry stream (for those nominated directly with a suitable skills assessment).
The 186 is the main employer-sponsored permanent visa — the destination most 482 (Skills in Demand) sponsorships are aiming at. There are two streams:
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) — for a worker already employed by the sponsoring business on an eligible 482/TSS visa. Since November 2025 the required work period was reduced from 3 years to 2 years, so many sponsored employees now reach permanent residence sooner. The TRT stream usually does not require a formal skills assessment.
- Direct Entry — for a permanent nomination without that work history; it usually needs a suitable skills assessment and relevant experience.
For most employers the pattern is simple: sponsor on the 482, then nominate the same proven employee for the 186 TRT after two years — turning a temporary hire into a permanent one. Applicants generally must be under 45 (with some exemptions) and meet English, health and character requirements.
Who is eligible
- Be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a permanent position
- Temporary Residence Transition: hold an eligible 482/TSS visa and meet the work period with the employer
- Direct Entry: have a suitable skills assessment and relevant work experience
- Generally be under 45 (with exemptions) and meet English, health and character requirements
Costs
The base application charge is A$4,770 . A separate employer nomination charge and Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy also apply. Fees are indexed each year — see the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the current figure.
Processing times
Around 75% of applications are finalised within 5 months, and 90% within 8 months. Source: Department of Home Affairs — Global visa processing times .
How to apply
- Employer nomination. The approved employer nominates the permanent position.
- Choose your stream. Temporary Residence Transition (from a 482) or Direct Entry.
- Lodge the visa. Provide skills, experience, English, health and character evidence.
- Permanent residence. On grant you hold permanent residence with a pathway to citizenship.
How it compares
| Stream | Best for | Skills assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Residence Transition | Existing 482 employees | Often not required |
| Direct Entry | Direct PR nomination | Usually required |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 482 and 186 visas?
The 482 (Skills in Demand) is a temporary employer-sponsored work visa; the 186 (ENS) is permanent. Many people move from a 482 to a 186 via the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Do I need a skills assessment for the 186?
Usually yes for the Direct Entry stream; often not for the Temporary Residence Transition stream. Requirements depend on your occupation and history.
Is there an age limit?
Generally you must be under 45 at application, with some exemptions (for example certain high-income earners and specified occupations).
How long must an employee work for us before the 186 Temporary Residence Transition?
For the TRT stream the employee generally needs to have worked for your business on an eligible 482/TSS visa for at least 2 years. This was reduced from 3 years in November 2025, so many sponsored workers now reach permanent residence sooner.
Does the SAF levy apply to a 186 nomination, and who pays?
The employer pays the nomination costs, and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy also applies to a 186 nomination (a one-off amount that depends on your business size). By law the SAF levy and sponsorship costs cannot be recovered from the worker; the visa application charge is generally paid by the applicant.
Can my nominee include their family?
Yes. Eligible family members can be included in the 186 application and, on grant, also receive permanent residence with full work and study rights and Medicare access.
Related visas
Related guides
- How to Sponsor an Overseas Worker in Australia (482 Skills in Demand)
- The medical examination for your Australian visa