186 Visa Australia
Permanent Residency Through Employer Sponsorship (2026)

Last updated: 11 Sep 2026 · RACC Migration & Education Services

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The 186 visa lets skilled workers live and work in Australia permanently through employer sponsorship. Unlike temporary work visas, the 186 visa grants permanent residency from the date it is approved, no further visa required.​

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Quick Summary of the 186 Visa

• Permanent employer-sponsored visa with three streams: TRT, Direct Entry and Labour Agreement

• 482 to 186 TRT pathway: usually requires two years of eligible sponsored work in the three years before applying

• Age limit: usually under 45 for TRT and Direct Entry; exemptions apply

• Minimum salary: generally AUD 79,423 for standard nominations lodged from 1 July 2026, plus applicable market salary requirements

• Occupation list: CSOL applies to Direct Entry, not TRT in the same way

• English requirement: generally Competent English

• 186 visa fee: from AUD 6,140 for the main applicant

• SAF levy: generally AUD 3,000 or AUD 5,000, paid by the employer

• 186 visa processing time: as fast as 28 days for the Labour Agreement stream, but 50% of Direct Entry and Transition applications take 13–14 months and 90% take up to 21–22 months

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What Is the 186 Visa?

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is Australia's primary employer-sponsored permanent residency visa. It is designed for skilled overseas workers who have a genuine job offer from an approved Australian business.

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The 186 visa is part of Australia's employer sponsored visa system, if you are new to employer sponsorship, see our Employer Sponsored Visas guide first.

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With the 186 visa, you can:

• Live and work anywhere in Australia permanently

• Include eligible family members in your application

• Enrol in Medicare

• Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from grant

• Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements

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No visa renewal required, permanent residency starts from grant date.

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186 Visa Streams

186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

The 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream provides a permanent residence pathway for eligible workers who have accumulated qualifying sponsored employment in Australia.

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Applicants generally need:

• An eligible subclass 457, subclass 482 or associated bridging visa history

• Have at least two years of eligible sponsored employment during the three years immediately before applying. Eligible sponsored employment may include qualifying employment with more than one employer where the applicable requirements are met.

• Qualifying employment generally undertaken full-time in Australia

• Employment in the occupation connected with the relevant sponsored visa

• To be under 45 at the time of application, unless an age exemption applies

• Competent English, unless exempt

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A formal skills assessment is not normally a standard TRT requirement, although the Department may require evidence that the applicant has the necessary skills. The TRT stream does not use the Core Skills Occupation List in the same way as the Direct Entry stream. Eligible sponsored employment may involve more than one approved work sponsor where the relevant requirements are satisfied.

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If you currently hold or previously held an eligible sponsored visa, read our detailed 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream guide.

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186 Direct Entry Stream

The Direct Entry stream is for skilled workers applying directly for permanent residency without first holding a temporary work visa. Most applicants need a skills assessment, at least 3 years work experience, and must be under 45.

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Key requirements:

• Occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

• At least 3 years relevant work experience (exemptions apply)

• Positive skills assessment (exemptions apply)

• Under 45 years old (exemptions apply)

• English: at least Competent English

• Skills assessment: Most Direct Entry applicants must have a positive skills assessment before applying, unless exempt. The assessment generally cannot have been issued more than three years before the visa application, or must remain within any shorter validity period specified by the assessing authority. A skills assessment obtained for a subclass 485 visa is not accepted for the subclass 186 Direct Entry stream.

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If you currently hold, or your last substantive visa was, a regional provisional visa, additional eligibility requirements may apply. You generally need to have held that visa for at least three years before applying, unless specified circumstances apply.

For detailed eligibility requirements, see the 186 Direct Entry stream guide.

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186 Labour Agreement Stream

The Labour Agreement stream is available where the nominated position is covered by a Labour Agreement in effect between the employer and the Australian Government. Labour Agreement requirements can differ from the standard TRT and Direct Entry requirements.

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Depending on the agreement, requirements may cover:

• Eligible occupations

• Age

• English

• Qualifications

• Skills

• Work experience

• Salary

• Employment conditions

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Applicants are generally required to be under 45 unless a different permitted age threshold applies under the relevant Labour Agreement.

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Additional requirements can also apply to applicants who currently hold, or most recently held, a regional provisional visa.

Because concessions and eligibility requirements vary between agreements, check the 186 Labour Agreement stream guide before relying on standard 186 requirements.

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Requirements by 186 Visa Stream

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT):

• Hold an eligible subclass 457, subclass 482 or associated bridging visa

• Usually have two years of eligible sponsored full-time employment in Australia during the three years before applying

• No CSOL requirement in the same way as Direct Entry

• Skills assessment is not normally required when applying, although the Department may request one

Direct Entry:

• Have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List

• Have at least three years of relevant work experience

• Obtain a positive skills assessment before applying

• Exemptions may apply to the skills assessment and work-experience requirements

Labour Agreement:

• Your employer must be covered by a relevant Labour Agreement

• Occupation, age, English, work experience and salary requirements depend on that agreement

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Formal Labour Market Testing is not generally required for standard TRT or Direct Entry nominations. However, the employer must still demonstrate that the position is genuine. Labour Agreement requirements may differ.

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186 Visa Age Limit

TRT and Direct Entry applicants must usually be under 45 years old when they apply.

Age exemptions may be available to certain:

• Academics

• Scientists, researchers and technical specialists

• Regional medical practitioners

• High-income subclass 457 or 482 workers

• Eligible transitional subclass 457 visa holders

• Eligible New Zealand citizens and family members applying through Direct Entry

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Each age exemption has specific requirements. Working in one of these occupations does not automatically make an applicant exempt from the 186 visa age limit.

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TRT applicants aged 45 or over can review the possible exemptions in our 186 TRT stream requirements guide.

Direct Entry applicants can find the relevant age and eligibility criteria in our 186 Direct Entry requirements guide.

Age requirements and concessions under the Labour Agreement stream depend on the relevant agreement.

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186 Visa Minimum Salary

For standard TRT and Direct Entry nominations lodged from 1 July 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD 79,423.

Meeting the CSIT alone does not guarantee that the salary requirement is satisfied. The nominee’s guaranteed annual earnings and employment conditions must also meet the applicable Australian market salary requirements.

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If the market salary for an equivalent Australian worker is higher than AUD 79,423, the employer must generally pay the higher market salary.

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Learn how the threshold is indexed and applied in our Core Skills Income Threshold guide.

Employers can also review how the CSIT and Annual Market Salary Rate are calculated.

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Salary requirements and concessions under the Labour Agreement stream depend on the relevant agreement.

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186 Visa English Requirements

TRT and Direct Entry applicants generally need Competent English.

For approved English tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the minimum scores include:

• IELTS: at least 6 in each component

• PTE Academic: at least 47 for listening, 48 for reading, 51 for writing and 54 for speaking

• TOEFL iBT: at least 16 for listening, 16 for reading, 19 for writing and 19 for speaking

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Other approved English tests and passport-based evidence may also be accepted.

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Different scores apply to some tests taken on or before 6 August 2025. English test results must also be valid when the subclass 186 application is lodged.

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See the complete list of accepted tests and scores in our English requirements for employer-sponsored visas.

An additional government charge may apply to an adult secondary applicant who cannot demonstrate Functional English. English requirements or concessions under the Labour Agreement stream depend on the relevant agreement.

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186 Visa Occupation List

Direct Entry applicants must be nominated for an occupation on the applicable Core Skills Occupation List.

You can search eligible occupations and assessing authorities on our Core Skills Occupation List for the 482 and 186 visas.

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The TRT stream is not subject to the same CSOL requirement. TRT eligibility is generally connected to the applicant’s eligible sponsored employment and the occupation they were authorised to perform while holding an eligible subclass 457 or subclass 482 visa.

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Applicants considering the 482-to-186 pathway can read our complete 482 visa to permanent residency guide.

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Occupation lists and assessing-authority requirements can change. Applicants should verify the current requirements before the employer lodges the nomination and before lodging the visa application.

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Is Labour Market Testing Required for a 186 Visa?

No. Labour Market Testing is not generally required for a Subclass 186 visa in the same formal way as it is for a Subclass 482 visa.

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However, employers still need to prove that the nominated position is genuine, needed by the business, and supported by the right nomination evidence. This can include evidence that the business is actively and lawfully operating, has a genuine need for the role, can pay the nominated worker, and is offering salary and employment conditions that meet the relevant requirements.

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For some 186 Direct Entry nominations, recruitment evidence or previous job advertising may still be useful, especially if the Department may question whether the role was created mainly for migration purposes. For the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the focus is usually different because the applicant has often already worked for the employer on a qualifying temporary visa.

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To understand the difference between formal LMT and genuine position evidence, read our full guide: Is Labour Market Testing Required for a 186 Visa?

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How to Apply for a 186 Visa

Applying for a 186 visa involves two linked applications: the employer nomination and your visa application. In most cases, these are lodged together.

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Step 1: Employer Nomination

The nomination must remain approved and must not have been withdrawn, and the nominated position must remain available to the applicant.

More Detail:

• The employer must be eligible to nominate the position under the applicable subclass 186 employer nomination requirements.

• Nominate you for a genuine full-time permanent position

• Offer a salary that meets:

  • Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), and

  • Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)

• Ensure the position aligns with an eligible occupation

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Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You must prepare documents based on your stream:

TRT stream:

• Evidence of qualifying sponsored employment

• Eligible visa history, including relevant subclass 457 or subclass 482 evidence

• English evidence, if required

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Direct Entry stream:

• Positive skills assessment (if required)

• Minimum 3 years relevant work experience

• English test results

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All applicants:

• Passport and identity documents

• Employment references

• Health examinations

• Police clearance certificates

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Step 3: Lodge the Visa Application

For the Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry streams, the visa application must be lodged no more than six months after the nomination is approved.

You can:

• Lodge at the same time as the nomination, or

• Lodge after the nomination is submitted

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Step 4: Wait for Processing

During processing, the Department may request:

• Additional documents

• Clarification on employment history

• Updated health or character checks

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Processing time depends on your stream, occupation, and application completeness.

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Eligible Occupations for 186 Visa

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) applies to the subclass 186 Direct Entry stream and covers occupations across industries including healthcare, technology, engineering, trades, business, education and research.

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The TRT stream is not subject to the CSOL in the same way. TRT eligibility is generally connected to the applicant's eligible sponsored visa and qualifying employment history.

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industries:

• Healthcare — doctors, nurses, allied health

• IT and technology — developers, analysts, cybersecurity

• Engineering — civil, mechanical, electrical

• Trades — electricians, plumbers, carpenters

• Business and finance — accountants, managers

• Education — teachers, university lecturers

• Sciences and research

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Some occupations have specific caveats — conditions on business size, work setting, or role type that must be met before your employer lodges a nomination. Always verify your occupation's caveats before applying.

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482 to 186 Visa Pathway

The 482 to 186 visa pathway commonly refers to moving from a 482 Skills in Demand visa to permanent residence through the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream.

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Applicants generally need at least two years of eligible sponsored full-time employment in Australia during the three years immediately before applying.

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Eligible employment must generally have been:

• Full-time

• Undertaken in Australia

• Completed while holding an eligible subclass 457, subclass 482 or associated bridging visa

• Performed in an occupation the applicant was authorised to work in under the relevant sponsored visa

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Completing two years of eligible employment does not automatically result in permanent residency. The employer and applicant must still meet all applicable nomination and visa requirements, including:

• Employer eligibility

• A genuine full-time position

• Salary and employment requirements

• The 186 visa age limit

• Competent English

• Required skills and qualifications

• Occupational licensing or registration

• Health and character requirements

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If the applicant has changed employers, eligible sponsored employment with more than one employer may count in certain circumstances. Read our guide to changing employers while planning a 482 to 186 TRT application.

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The two-year period must be calculated carefully because unpaid leave and other ineligible employment periods may not count.

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For a complete pathway explanation, see our 482 visa to permanent residency guide.

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186 Visa Processing Time

The Department of Home Affairs processes Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) applications at very different speeds depending on the stream. The Labour Agreement stream is fastest — 25% of applications clear in 28 days.

 

Direct Entry and the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream take much longer: 50% of Direct Entry applications are decided within 13 months and 90% within 21 months, while 50% of TRT applications clear within 14 months and 90% within 22 months.

 

These figures come from the Department's Global Visa Processing Times tool, correct as at 8 September 2026, and reflect recently finalised applications. They don't guarantee how long any individual application will take.

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What the percentages mean

"50% processed within 13 months" means half of recently decided applications in that stream were finalised within 13 months. It doesn't mean every applicant in that stream gets a decision at exactly the 13-month mark — some are faster, some slower, and the 90th-percentile figure shows how long the slower half can stretch.

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Processing time by stream

• Direct Entry Pathway. 25% of applications: 10 months. 50%: 13 months. 75%: 16 months. 90%: 21 months. Longest recorded case: 695 days (around 23 months).

• Labour Agreement Pathway. 25% of applications: 28 days. 50%: 58 days. 75%: 8 months. 90%: 12 months. Longest recorded case: 374 days (around 12 months).

• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Pathway. 25% of applications: 11 months. 50%: 14 months. 75%: 18 months. 90%: 22 months. Longest recorded case: 715 days (around 23 months).

Processing times change regularly. Check our 186 visa processing time guide and the Department's Global Visa Processing Times tool for the latest figures.

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186 Visa Processing Priorities

Since 19 September 2026, the Department assesses subclass 186 nomination and visa applications under Ministerial Direction 122, in this order:

1. Priority occupation (construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, resources, law enforcement or defence), applicant in or outside Australia

2. Any other occupation, applicant in Australia

3. Any other occupation, applicant outside Australia, applying alone

4. Any other occupation, applicant outside Australia, with a partner or child included in the same application

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Which applications are being processed right now

Ministerial Direction 122 only commenced on 19 September 2026, so the Department has not yet published lodgement-date benchmarks for each tier under this Direction.

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As a general rule:

• Tier 1 applications, from applicants in a priority occupation such as construction, healthcare or teaching, are processed first regardless of when they were lodged or where the applicant was located.

• Tier 2, 3 and 4 applications are worked through in that order. Within each tier, the Department still processes broadly in the order applications were received, subject to completeness and the usual character, health and security checks.

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Applications lodged before 19 September 2026 that had not been finalised are also assessed under this same order, not under the previous Ministerial Direction 119 tiers.

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186 Visa Fee and Application Costs

For most subclass 186 applications lodged from 1 July 2026, the government visa fees are:

• Main applicant: AUD 6,140

• Additional applicant aged 18 or over: AUD 3,070

• Additional applicant under 18: AUD 1,535

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Lower concessional fees apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders and eligible family members.

An additional second instalment of AUD 4,890 may apply to an adult secondary applicant who cannot demonstrate Functional English.

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Other possible 186 visa costs include:

• Skills assessment

• English-language test

• Health examinations

• Police certificates

• Biometrics

• Document translations

• Professional fees

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Government fees can change. See our Australian visa fee increase for 2026 and confirm the current amount using the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before applying.

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186 Visa SAF Levy

The Skilling Australians Fund levy generally applies to subclass 186 employer nominations.

The employer usually pays a one-off SAF levy of:

• AUD 3,000 if the business’s annual turnover is below AUD 10 million

• AUD 5,000 if the business’s annual turnover is AUD 10 million or more

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The SAF levy is an employer cost and must not be transferred to or recovered from the visa applicant.

Limited exemptions apply, including certain Labour Agreement nominations for a minister of religion or religious assistant.

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The SAF levy is separate from the applicant’s 186 visa fee. Employers who are new to the nomination process can review our complete guide to employer-sponsored visas in Australia.

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Your Rights on the 186 Visa

Once granted, the 186 visa gives you:

✓ Live permanently in Australia

✓ Permanent work rights in Australia

✓ Study without restrictions

✓ Enrol in Medicare

✓ Access social security benefits (after applicable waiting period)

✓ Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency

✓ Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years

✓ Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting requirements

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186 Visa Conditions After Grant

The subclass 186 visa is a permanent visa. After the visa is granted, you must begin your nominated employment within:

• 6 months of entering Australia if the visa was granted while you were outside Australia, or

• 6 months of the visa grant date if the visa was granted while you were in Australia.

The nominated position is expected to provide employment for at least two years after the visa is granted.

The subclass 186 visa also provides a five-year travel facility from the date of grant. After this period, you will generally need a Resident Return visa (RRV) or another valid travel facility to return to Australia as a permanent resident.

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Benefits of the 186 Visa (Employer & Applicant)

For the Applicant

The 186 visa provides immediate permanent residency, which comes with long-term stability.

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Key benefits:

• Permanent residency from grant

• Work for any employer (no sponsorship restriction after grant)

• Access to Medicare

• Include eligible family members

• Travel freely for 5 years

• Pathway to Australian citizenship​

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For the Employer

The 186 visa allows businesses to retain skilled workers permanently, reducing turnover and sponsorship burden.

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Key benefits:

• Secure long-term employees already trained in the role

• No need to renew temporary visas (like 482)

• Stronger workforce stability

• Reduced future visa costs and administration

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For employers, it is often a natural progression after the 482 visa.

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Can You Change Employer After a 186 Visa Is Granted?

A subclass 186 visa holder is a permanent resident. The visa does not ordinarily impose an ongoing condition requiring the holder to remain with the nominating employer.

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However, the nomination and visa application must have been based on a genuine intention that:

• The employer would employ the applicant in the nominated position

• The position would be available for at least two years

• The applicant would work in the nominated position

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The Department states that it expects a subclass 186 holder to work for the nominating employer for at least two years.

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Leaving the employer after visa grant does not automatically cancel the visa. However, concerns may arise if the circumstances indicate that the original employment arrangement was not genuine or that false or misleading information was provided.

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Applicants considering leaving shortly after the visa is granted should obtain professional advice based on their circumstances.

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Common Issues That Can Lead to a 186 Visa Refusal

Issues that may affect a subclass 186 nomination or visa application include:

• The nominated position is not genuine

• The business cannot demonstrate a genuine need for the position

• The position will not be available for at least two years

• Salary does not meet the CSIT or applicable market salary requirements

• Employment conditions are less favourable than those offered to an equivalent Australian worker

• Job duties do not match the nominated occupation

• Direct Entry work experience is insufficient

• A required skills assessment is missing, expired or unsuitable

• TRT employment does not satisfy the two-year eligibility requirement

• The applicant does not qualify for a claimed age exemption

• Mandatory registration or licensing has not been obtained

• English requirements are not met

• Health or character requirements are not met

• The employer nomination is withdrawn or refused

• The nominated position is no longer available

• Documents contain missing, inconsistent or inaccurate information

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A complete application cannot guarantee approval, but accurate and consistent evidence can reduce avoidable delays and refusal risks.

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Frequently Asked Questions of 186 Visa

Does the 186 visa grant permanent residency immediately?

Yes. The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is a permanent visa. If the visa is granted while you are outside Australia, you must make your first entry before the date specified by the Department.

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Is there an age limit for the 186 visa?

Yes. Applicants in the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) and Direct Entry streams must generally be under 45 at the time of application, unless an applicable age exemption applies.

Age requirements under the Labour Agreement stream depend on the terms of the relevant Labour Agreement.

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What is the minimum salary for a 186 visa?

For standard Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry nominations lodged from 1 July 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is AUD 79,423. The nominated salary must also meet the applicable Annual Market Salary Rate requirements. If the market salary for the position is higher than the CSIT, meeting the AUD 79,423 threshold alone will not be sufficient. Different salary requirements or concessions may apply under a Labour Agreement.

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Does the 186 visa require Labour Market Testing?

Formal Labour Market Testing is not generally required for standard 186 Temporary Residence Transition or Direct Entry nominations in the same way as certain temporary sponsored visa nominations.

Labour Agreements may have separate recruitment or labour market requirements under the terms of the relevant agreement.

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How long does 186 visa processing take?

Processing times vary significantly by stream and processing priority. Check our latest 186 visa processing time guide for current Department processing figures and information about the applications currently being processed.

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Can I change employer after getting a 186 visa?

Yes. The 186 visa provides permanent residency with no employment restrictions — you can work for any employer anywhere in Australia once the visa is granted. once the visa is granted.

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Can I go from a 407 training visa to a 186 visa?

A subclass 407 visa does not itself provide a direct pathway to the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream but its via the 407 → 482 → 186 pathway. Depending on your circumstances, you may later become eligible for another employer-sponsored visa, such as a subclass 482 visa, and subsequently qualify for the 186 visa if you meet the applicable requirements at that time.

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How long does the 186 visa take in 2026?

It depends on the stream. The Labour Agreement stream is fastest, with 25% of applications decided in 28 days. Direct Entry and the Temporary Residence Transition stream take longer — 50% of applications in each clear in 13–14 months, and 90% take up to 21–22 months, based on the Department's Global Visa Processing Times tool.

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Which 186 visa stream is fastest?

The Labour Agreement pathway is consistently the fastest of the three 186 streams. Half of Labour Agreement applications are decided within 58 days, compared with 13–14 months for Direct Entry and Transition applications in the same reporting period.

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Does Ministerial Direction 119 affect my 186 visa processing time?

No, not anymore. Ministerial Direction 119 was replaced on 19 September 2026 by Ministerial Direction 122, which now sets the processing order for subclass 186 applications.

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Does Ministerial Direction 122 affect my 186 visa processing time?

​Yes. Since 19 September 2026, the Department prioritises subclass 186 applications under Ministerial Direction 122. Applicants in a priority occupation, such as construction, healthcare or teaching, are processed first, regardless of location. Other applications are ordered by whether the applicant is in Australia and whether the application includes family members.

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Can I check my own 186 visa's processing time?

Yes. The Department's Global Visa Processing Times tool shows current percentile-based processing times by stream. It won't predict your exact decision date, but it shows the range most applicants in your stream are experiencing.

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Why is my 186 visa taking longer than the published average?

Processing time varies with the completeness of your application, your nominated occupation, your location when you applied, health and character checks, employment verification, and the Department's overall caseload. The published percentiles show a range, not a guarantee, for any single application.

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