Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. It is the main way that employer-sponsored workers convert temporary work in Australia into permanent residence, and it is highly sought after because, once granted, it gives full PR with the right to live, work and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely. It suits both people already working in Australia on a temporary visa and skilled workers being recruited from overseas for permanent roles.

The visa has two main streams. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for workers who have held an eligible employer-sponsored visa, such as the subclass 482, and worked for their nominating employer for the required period. The Direct Entry stream is for those nominated without that prior work history but who have a suitable skills assessment and at least three years of relevant experience. Both generally require you to be under 45 at application (with some exemptions), have competent English, and be paid at least the relevant salary threshold.

The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is the natural next step for many 482 visa holders. To qualify, you generally must have worked full-time for your nominating employer in the nominated occupation for around two to three years on an eligible visa. Because you have already demonstrated your value to the employer, the TRT stream often involves a more streamlined skills requirement, making it the preferred route for those who entered Australia on a sponsored work visa.

The Direct Entry stream is designed for people who have not completed the required period of Australian sponsored work, including skilled workers applying from overseas. It requires a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation and at least three years of relevant work experience. Choosing the right stream depends on your work history: long-term sponsored employees usually use TRT, while new recruits and overseas applicants typically use Direct Entry, which has stricter skills-assessment requirements.

As with other employer-sponsored visas, the process involves the employer and you together. The employer must nominate a genuine, full-time, ongoing position in an eligible occupation and demonstrate they meet the salary and sponsorship requirements. You then lodge the visa application with evidence of your skills, qualifications, work history, English ability, identity, health and character. The nomination and visa applications are often lodged at the same time.

For the Direct Entry stream, a positive skills assessment is essential and should be obtained early, as it is a common bottleneck. For the TRT stream, careful records of your sponsored employment, payslips and position duties are vital to prove you completed the required period with your nominating employer. In both cases, a genuine ongoing position and a compliant, supportive employer are the most important factors in a successful permanent residence outcome.

The visa application charge for the primary applicant is several thousand Australian dollars, with additional charges for family members, plus the cost of skills assessment, English testing, health examinations and police certificates; the employer pays the nomination charge and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Processing times vary by stream and how decision-ready the application is.

Because the subclass 186 is a permanent visa, a successful grant gives you and your included family members the right to live, work and study anywhere in Australia, access Medicare, sponsor eligible relatives, and travel for the visa's travel facility. After meeting residence requirements you can apply for Australian citizenship. For skilled workers with a committed employer, the 186 is the clearest and most secure route from sponsored employment to permanent settlement in Australia.

Planning around the real numbers makes the Employer Nomination Scheme far less stressful. On cost, From AUD 4,770 for the main applicant. On timing, Varies by stream; often several months. Budget a little extra for document translation, certified or notarised copies, any required medical examination, photos to specification, and travel to a consulate or biometrics appointment. These smaller costs add up and are easy to overlook. Start gathering your documents early. Nomination by an approved Australian employer for a position on the eligible occupation list, relevant skills and experience, a skills assessment where required, and competent English. Beyond those specifics, almost every applicant needs a passport valid well beyond the intended stay, recent photographs, and proof of funds or income. Where papers are issued in another language, official translations and sometimes an apostille or legalisation are expected, so confirm the exact format before booking your appointment.

Permanent routes reward preparation. Double-check that your points claim is fully backed by evidence, qualifications assessed, language tests valid, and work experience documented with reference letters and payslips. Get police certificates from every country where you have lived long-term and complete the medical with an approved panel physician early, since these often gate the final decision. Keep proof of settlement funds ready, and make sure no current status lapses while you wait. Small inconsistencies between your profile and your documents are the most common reason for delays, so review everything for accuracy before you submit.