Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa – Permanent Residency for Skilled Workers

The Subclass 186 visa allows skilled workers—both inside and outside Australia—to live and work in Australia permanently.

What This Visa Offers:

• Live and work in Australia indefinitely
• Access to Medicare (Australia’s public health system)
• Study rights without time limits
• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship
• Travel freely in and out of Australia for 5 years
• Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
• Flexibility to work in your nominated occupation or any job once visa is granted

Duration of Stay:

• Permanent visa – stay in Australia indefinitely

Streams of Subclass 186 Visa

1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:
   For holders of Subclass 457 or 482 visas who have worked with their sponsoring employer for 2-3 years. Age limits and occupation lists apply.
2. Direct Entry (DE) Stream:
   For skilled workers nominated directly by employers without prior temporary visas. Applicants can apply from inside or outside Australia.
3. Labour Agreement Stream:
   For workers sponsored by employers through specific labor agreements. Employers must meet strict eligibility criteria, including financial stability.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be nominated by an Australian employer
• Occupation must be on the official Subclass 186 Occupation List
• Meet health and character requirements for yourself and family members
• No outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have formal repayment arrangements
• Must sign the Australian Values Statement confirming commitment to Australian laws and values
• Expected to work for your nominating employer for at least 2 years
• Must start employment within 6 months of visa grant or entry to Australia
• Demonstrate Competent English (no exemptions after Nov 2019, except Functional English under specific conditions)

Family Members Included:

• Partner
• Dependent children (including stepchildren)
• Eligible family members holding certain visas (457 or 482) can also be included

Visa Costs:

• Main applicant: AUD 4,045
• Additional fees for family members
• Possible second installment fee (AUD 4,890) if family members over 18 have less than functional English
• Extra costs for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics

Application Details:

• Apply from inside or outside Australia
• If onshore, must hold a substantive or bridging visa without “No Further Stay” restrictions, or meet certain exceptions
• Processing times vary and depend on document completeness and payment of fees
• Visa granted digitally—no physical label in passport

Important Condition:

• Must not marry or enter a de facto relationship before entering Australia (Condition 8515)