186 Visa: Employer Sponsored Permanent Residency

What Is the Subclass 186 Visa?

If you’ve got skills and you’re set on building a life in Australia, the Subclass 186 visa offers a straightforward way to become a permanent resident. Eligible Australian employers can sponsor skilled workers from overseas for ongoing positions, helping you secure your future in the country.

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The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa is a permanent visa. Once you get it, you can live and work in Australia indefinitely.

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You’re also able to include family members in your application if they qualify. Once you’re a permanent resident, you gain access to certain government benefits, and if you meet the criteria, you can eventually apply for Australian citizenship.

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Unlike temporary employer-sponsored visas, the 186 permanent residency pathway is designed to offer a lasting future in Australia. However, employers and employees must meet specific requirements.

186 Visa Streams: Direct Entry, TRT and Labour Agreement

There’s more than one way to get permanent residency through the 186 visa. Which path you take depends on your work history, how long you’ve been in Australia, and your employer’s situation.

The Direct Entry stream is for skilled workers who are not already working for the employer on a temporary sponsored visa. Unless an exemption applies, you will generally need at least three years of relevant work experience, a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation before lodgement, and an occupation that meets the applicable occupation list requirements.

The 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream may allow eligible temporary sponsored workers to transition to permanent residency. Generally, you need two years of eligible sponsored full-time employment within the three years immediately before you apply. Eligible sponsored employment may count across different employers and eligible 457 or 482 visas.

The Labour Agreement stream is used by employers that have an approved labour agreement with the Australian Government. The agreement sets out the occupations and conditions under which the employer can sponsor overseas workers, helping businesses recruit for specific roles where they cannot find suitable workers locally.

Choosing the right pathway is an important part of a successful 186 sponsorship visa application. Your occupation, work history, current visa and employer’s circumstances can all affect which stream is available to you.

186 Permanent Residency Eligibility and Age Limits

Eligibility for a 186 PR visa depends on the stream you apply through. In most cases, you will need an Australian employer willing to nominate you for a genuine, permanent position.
For many applicants, the general age limit is under 45 at the time of application. However, exemptions may apply in some circumstances.
Your employer must also meet nomination requirements. This means 186 sponsorship involves more than simply receiving a job offer. Both parts of the application must be carefully prepared.

186 Visa Costs, Processing Times and How to Apply

Getting the documentation right matters here — if you’re unsure what counts as strong enough evidence, ask before you submit, not after.

Applying for a Subclass 186 visa is a big step, so it is important to understand the costs and process before you begin. The total cost can vary depending on your circumstances, the visa stream you apply through and whether you include eligible family members in your application. You may also need to budget for additional expenses, such as skills assessments, health checks, police certificates and other supporting documents.
Processing times can also vary. They may change over time and depend on factors such as the visa stream, the complexity of your application and whether all required information has been provided.
The basic process is: your employer lodges a nomination for your position, then you submit your visa application. Details matter here, so you should make sure your paperwork is right and complete to keep things moving.
Need more advice? My Australian Career can help you understand your options and guide you through the process. Get in touch today to take the next step towards permanent residency in Australia.

Can I change employers after my 186 visa is granted?

The Subclass 186 visa gives you permanent residency, so you are not permanently tied to your sponsoring employer after the visa is granted. However, the position offered and the employer's intention to employ you must be genuine when the application is made and when the visa is decided.

What happens if my circumstances change after I apply?

You should report changes such as getting married, separating, having a child, changing employers or losing your job to the Department of Home Affairs. Some changes could also affect your application or the documents required.

Can I apply for another visa while my 186 application is being processed?

In some circumstances, yes. However, applying for another visa or allowing your current visa to expire can have important consequences for your immigration status and your 186 application. It is important to understand your options before making changes.