Subclass 186
Permanent visa for eligible skilled workers who are nominated by their employer.
The 186 Employer Nomination Scheme
The Subclass 186 (ENS) visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer. It allows businesses to retain critical staff and provides professionals with the certainty of a lifelong home in Australia. Whether you are transitioning from a temporary visa or recruiting directly from overseas, the 186 visa represents the highest level of commitment between a business and its talent.
At Immilex, we focus on the facts. We assess your eligibility and handle the technical details of the application so that you have a clear roadmap from the very beginning.
Direct Entry (DE) Stream
Best for: New recruits or those who haven't worked for their sponsor for two years.
What it is for: Hiring skilled workers directly for permanent residency, even if they have never worked in Australia before.
What it allows: Immediate Permanent Residency for the applicant and eligible family members.
Key Requirements:
- Occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- A Positive Skills Assessment in the nominated occupation.
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
Income Threshold: Salary must meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and the Core Skills Income Threshold (currently $76,515, rising to $79,499 on 1 July 2026).
Labour Market Testing (LMT): Generally required to prove no suitable Australian worker was available.
Nomination & Sponsorship: Requires a formal nomination from a business that is an approved Standard Business Sponsor.
Length of Stay: Permanent.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
Best for: Current 482 (Skills in Demand) visa holders.
What it is for: Transitioning existing sponsored employees to permanent residency after a period of proven service.
What it allows: A streamlined path to PR for those already integrated into the Australian workforce.
Key Requirements:
- Must have worked for the nominating employer for at least 2 years while holding a 482 visa.
- The employer must offer a permanent position in the same occupation.
- Must be under 45 years of age unless an exemption applies.
- Competent English is required, but a formal skills assessment is generally not necessary.
Income Threshold: Must meet the market salary rate and the current Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT).
Labour Market Testing (LMT): Not required for the TRT stream.
Nomination & Sponsorship: Requires a nomination from the current sponsor who previously supported the temporary visa.
Length of Stay: Permanent.
Labour Agreement Stream
Best for: Specialized industries or regional needs with unique requirements.
What it is for: Employers who have a specific, formal Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.
What it allows: Access to PR for occupations not found on standard lists or with specific age/English concessions.
Key Requirements:
- Must be currently working for an employer who has an active Labour Agreement.
- Must meet the age, skills, and English requirements as specified in the unique Labour Agreement.
- Occupation and role must be covered by the existing agreement.
Income Threshold: As specified in the Labour Agreement (which may allow for concessions below the standard CSIT).
Labour Market Testing (LMT): Must be performed as per the requirements set out in the individual Labour Agreement.
Nomination & Sponsorship: Nomination must be lodged under the specific Labour Agreement code held by the employer.
Length of Stay: Permanent.
Maintaining compliance
While the 186 is a permanent visa, its integrity is based on the Genuine Intention of both parties.
- Two-Year Commitment: Both the employer and employee are expected to have a genuine intent for the employment to continue for at least two years post-grant.
- Operational Accuracy: The business must remain active and continue to pay the worker at least the nominated market salary rate.
The 186 Application Process
Nomination
The business submits an application to the Department, proving the role is genuine, full-time, and required for at least two years.
Visa Application
The worker submits their application, linking it to the business nomination and providing proof of skills, age, health, and character.
For 186 Visa Applicants
Understanding your eligibility before lodging an application is the best way to avoid a refusal that could impact your future migration options. At Immilex, we provide detailed assessment to ensure that the salary, experience, and occupation align perfectly with the chosen stream's criteria.
We also assist in planning your long-term roadmap, ensuring your 186 visa serves as the permanent foundation for your life in Australia. Our team can also provide strategic guidance on the journey toward Australian Citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may still be eligible if you fall under specific exemptions, such as high-income earners (Fair Work High Income Threshold) or specific academic and research roles. Immilex can conduct a technical review to determine whether you qualify for an age waiver.
Because the 186 is a permanent visa, it is not tied to the employer in the same way a 482 visa is. However, you must have a genuine intention to work in the role for two years. Leaving immediately after the grant without a valid reason could, in rare cases, raise questions about the genuineness of the original application.
The CSIT is the minimum salary threshold. For a 186 nomination to be successful, the offered salary must be at least the current TSMIT and must also align with what an Australian would be paid in the same role (Market Rate).
Generally, no. A formal skills assessment is usually not required if you have already been working in the role on a 482 visa under the TRT stream.
Secure Your Strategic Advantage
Whether you are scaling a business or building a life in Australia, a permanent visa requires a flawless strategy. Contact Immilex for a consultation and a 186 roadmap you can rely on.