What does the subclass 186 visa guide cover?
This guide covers the key information you need to know about the subclass 186 visa, including eligibility requirements, visa streams, required documents, visa costs, processing times and the application process. It also explains how Turner-Rowe Migration can assist you throughout your entire visa application, with support available in both English and Spanish.
What do you need to know about the subclass 186 visa?
What is the official visa name → Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
Who can apply to this visa → Skilled workers nominated by an eligible employer
How long can you stay in Australia with this visa → It allows applicants to live and work in Australia permanently while helping businesses retain and attract skilled talent
Can applicants work under this visa → Yes, applicants are allowed to work indefinitely Australia
Can applicants study under this visa → Yes, applicants are allowed to study indefinitely in Australia
Can I include family members in the visa application → Yes, applicants can include eligible family members in their application
Does this visa lead to Permanent Residency → Yes, this visa leads to Permanent Residency
Does this visa lead to Australian Citizenship → Yes, this visa leads to Australian Citizenship if eligible
Are you eligible for a subclass 186 visa?
To be eligible, applicants generally must meet the following requirements:
Have an eligible occupation
Have relevant work experience
Have any required licence, registration, or membership
Have a relevant skills assessment
Be nominated by an eligible employer
Meet the age requirement
Meet health requirements
Meet character requirements
Meet English language requirements
Have no outstanding debt to the Australian Government
Have no previous visa cancellations or refusals
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on your personal circumstances.
For detailed information on eligibility requirements, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa eligibility page.
What are the subclass 186 visa streams?
The Employer Nomination Scheme offers three main pathways, depending on the applicant's employment history and visa status.
A) Direct Entry Stream:
This pathway is intended for skilled professionals who do not qualify for the TRT route, including overseas applicants and certain temporary visa holders.
Key advantages:
Open to eligible candidates applying from within or outside Australia
Suitable for permanent positions requiring specialised skills
B) Labour Agreement Stream:
This pathway is for skilled workers who currently work, or will work, for an employer who is party to a labour agreement.
Key advantages:
Designed for skilled workers nominated by their employer
Available where the employer is party to a labour agreement
Provides a pathway to live and work in Australia permanently
C) Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:
This pathway is designed for workers already employed in Australia by their sponsoring employer. It is commonly used by individuals transitioning from a skilled temporary work visa into permanent residence.
Key advantages:
Generally, no skills assessment is required
Streamlined eligibility requirements
Suitable for employees with an established work history with their employer
Determining the most suitable pathway depends on factors such as work experience, visa history, occupation, and employer requirements.
What documents do you need to apply?
The common documents required for a subclass 186 visa application include:
Passport
Licensing, registration or membership
Skills and qualifications documents
Age exemption documents (if applicable)
English language documents
Health and character documents
Partner documents (if applicable)
Dependant documents (if applicable)
For detailed information on documents required, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa step by step page.
How much will the subclass 186 visa cost you?
The cost depends on the number of applicants included in the visa application.
Primary Applicant: $6,140 AUD
Additional Applicant Charge 18+: $3,070 AUD
Additional Applicant Charge U18: $1,535 AUD
Costs are subject to change and may vary depending on your individual circumstances and any additional charges, such as our Registered Migration Agent Fees.
For detailed information on visa costs, please visit the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator page.
How do you apply for a subclass 186 visa?
The process generally includes the following steps:
Meet eligibility criteria
Gather your documents
Lodge the visa application online
Attach more information (if asked)
Department of Home Affairs decision
For detailed information on how to apply, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa step by step page.
How long will you wait for the visa to be processed?
Labour Agreement Pathway current processing times:
50% of applications are processed within 8 months
90% of applications are processed within 10 months
Direct Entry Pathway current processing times:
50% of applications are processed within 10 months
90% of applications are processed within 14 months
Transition Pathway current processing times:
50% of applications are processed within 11 months
90% of applications are processed within 15 months
Processing times are subject to change and may vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application.
For the latest information on Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) processing times, please visit the Department of Home Affairs visa processing times page.
What happens after your visa is lodged?
After your subclass 186 visa is lodged, the Department of Home Affairs assesses your application and may request additional information before making a decision.
The final step is the Department's decision on your application.
If your visa has been approved, the Department will provide you with:
Grant visa number
Date your visa starts
Visa conditions (if applicable)
If your visa has not been approved, the Department will provide you with:
Reason why it was refused
Rights to a decision’s review
Important: The Department will not refund you the application fee if your visa is refused.
How can Turner-Rowe Migration help you?
At Turner-Rowe Migration, we provide Australian migration and visa services in English and Spanish, with personalised support tailored to your goals and individual circumstances, backed by over 8 years of professional experience.
Our Registered Migration Agent helps you with:
Professional advice & personalised guidance
Eligibility assessment, visa options and migration pathway
Documentation support & avoiding application mistakes
Improving the quality of your application
Preparing and lodging your visa application
Post-lodgement support & application updates
Responding to Department of Home Affairs additional requests
Notify you the Department's decision on your application
Contact us today whether you're exploring your visa options, seeking guidance or advice, or ready to begin your Australian visa application.
Ready to start your Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) application?
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only and is based on information published by the Australian Government and the Department of Home Affairs. Australian visa requirements, policies, fees, processing times and eligibility criteria may change. For the latest and most accurate information, applicants should refer to the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant visa subclass requirements.