The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) is the direct pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers sponsored by Australian employers. For international graduates on a Subclass 485 visa, the 186 represents the end goal: a permanent visa that allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely, work in any occupation, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship. The 186 is most commonly accessed via the Direct Entry pathway after 2 years on a Subclass 482 visa, but there are other entry routes as well.
What is Subclass 186?
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme is an Australian permanent residency visa. Once granted, you have:
- Permanent residency status: No visa expiry; you can stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Unrestricted work rights: You can work for any employer, in any occupation (unlike 482, where you are restricted to your sponsor).
- Pathway to citizenship: After holding PR for 4 years (with some residence conditions), you can apply for Australian citizenship.
- Family sponsorship: You can sponsor family members to join you in Australia.
- Social security access: You may be eligible for certain Centrelink payments and services.
The 186 is a permanent visa — there is no renewal requirement, and you do not need to leave and re-apply. Your visa status is fixed for life (unless you renounce it or commit serious crimes that trigger cancellation).
Two main pathways to 186
Pathway 1: Direct Entry from 482
This is the most common pathway for international graduates.
After working on a Subclass 482 visa for 2 years with the same employer in the same occupation, you are eligible to apply for a Subclass 186 (Direct Entry). Your employer nominates you, and you are granted permanent residency.
| Step | Timeframe | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 485 Temporary Graduate Visa | 2–4 years | Work, accumulate experience, build relationship with employer |
| Secure 482 sponsorship | 4–6 months | Employer initiates sponsorship; labour market testing; skills assessment |
| Work on 482 | 2 years | Continuous employment with sponsor in nominated occupation |
| Apply for 186 Direct Entry | 4–12 weeks | Employer nominates; Department assesses; 186 granted |
| Total to PR | ~5–7 years | From graduation to permanent residency |
Pathway 2: Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS)
Some temporary visa holders (e.g. 482 holders, or previous TSS holders now on 482) can transition directly to 186 without waiting the full 2 years, under specific conditions:
- Reduced waiting period (possibly 1.5 years in some circumstances).
- May have different salary or occupation requirements.
- Less common than Direct Entry; check with your sponsor and the Department for eligibility.
Direct Entry: The most common pathway
Eligibility for 186 Direct Entry
To apply for 186 Direct Entry, you must meet:
- 2 years on 482: You have been employed on a Subclass 482 visa for a minimum of 2 years (since 1 November 2023, reduced from 3 years).
- Same employer: All 2 years of 482 employment is with the same sponsoring employer.
- Same or related occupation: You have worked in the nominated occupation (or closely related occupations) throughout the 2 years.
- Salary at TSMIT: You have been paid at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for your occupation stream throughout the period.
- Health and character: You remain in satisfactory health and character (no new issues).
- Occupation on CSOL: Your occupation is listed on the Core Skills Occupation List.
- Employer sponsorship: Your employer continues to sponsor you for the 186.
The 482-to-186 timeline
- Start date of 482: The 2-year clock begins on the date your 482 visa is granted (not when you begin working).
- Eligible to apply: After 2 years from the 482 grant date.
- Application window: You can apply anytime after the 2-year mark. Most applicants apply immediately once eligible.
- Processing: Department assesses and grants 186 within 4–12 weeks (usually faster than initial 482 applications).
Example: Direct Entry pathway for a graduate
- April 2024: Graduate and apply for 485 (PHEW, 2 years).
- May 2024: 485 granted; begin work on temporary visa.
- May 2025 – May 2026: Work on 485 (1 year); secure employer willing to sponsor.
- June 2026: Begin 482 sponsorship process; complete labour market testing, skills assessment, visa application.
- October 2026: 482 visa granted.
- October 2028: Eligible for 186 Direct Entry (2 years after 482 grant).
- October 2028 – December 2028: 186 application processed.
- December 2028: Permanent residency granted.
Total time: ~4.5 years from graduation to PR. This is typical for the 485 → 482 → 186 pathway.
Salary and income requirements for 186
The salary requirements for 186 Direct Entry mirror those of 482:
TSMIT thresholds for 186
| Stream | TSMIT (2025–26) | Occupation category |
|---|---|---|
| Core Skills | AUD $73,150+ | Standard skilled occupations on CSOL |
| Specialist Skills | AUD $135,000+ | Highly specialised occupations |
Your salary must have been at or above the relevant TSMIT for your entire 2-year 482 employment period.
Income required for family sponsorship
Once you hold a 186 (PR), if you wish to sponsor family members (partner, children, parents), you may need to meet additional income thresholds. Check the Sponsorship Requirements for family sponsorship.
186 application process
Step 1: Employer initiates nomination
Your employer (the sponsor) lodges a Nomination Application with the Department. This is a separate application from your visa application, and the employer bears responsibility for accuracy and compliance.
The employer provides:
- Evidence of your 2 years of employment on 482 (payslips, employment contracts, references).
- Current job description and duties.
- Confirmation of continued sponsorship.
- Any updated business information.
Processing: 2–4 weeks.
Step 2: You lodge your visa application
Once the employer’s nomination is approved, you lodge your 186 Visa Application via ImmiAccount. You provide:
- Your passport and personal details.
- Evidence of your 2-year 482 employment (payslips, employment letters).
- Police clearance certificate (update from your 482, if applicable).
- Health examination (if required; usually already completed for 482).
- Statement of your continued employment and role.
Processing: 2–8 weeks from lodging.
Step 3: 186 granted
Once the Department approves your application, your 186 visa is granted. You are now a permanent resident of Australia.
Total processing time from application to decision: 4–12 weeks (usually 6–8 weeks).
Life as a permanent resident
Once you hold a Subclass 186 (PR), you have significant advantages:
Work rights
- Unrestricted: You can work for any employer, in any occupation, in any industry.
- No sponsorship required: You do not need employer nomination or visa approval to change jobs.
- Self-employment: You can run a business or work as a contractor.
Residency and travel
- Indefinite stay: You can remain in Australia permanently (unless you renounce the visa).
- Travel in/out: You can travel overseas and return to Australia freely (as long as you hold a valid PR visa).
- No renewal: Your visa does not expire and does not need to be renewed.
Social security and benefits
- Centrelink eligibility: You may be eligible for unemployment benefits, disability support, parenting payments (after certain residency periods).
- Medicare: Full access to Australia’s public health system (Medicare).
- Education: Your children can access Australian school education at the same rates as citizens.
Pathway to citizenship
- After 4 years of PR: You can apply for Australian citizenship (with some residence requirements).
- Australian citizenship benefits: Passport, voting rights, jury duty, and access to all public sector employment.
Family sponsorship
- Sponsor family members: Once you are a PR, you can sponsor family members (partner, children, parents, siblings) to join you in Australia.
- Family visa processing: Your sponsors and their dependents would go through their own visa pathways (Partner visas, Child visas, Parent visas, etc.).
Costs associated with 186
Visa fees
The Subclass 186 visa application fee (2025–26) is approximately AUD $4,000–$5,000 for the main applicant (check the Visa Pricing Estimator for exact charges). Dependants are charged separately.
Employer sponsorship nomination fee
Your employer pays a nomination fee for the 186 nomination application (typically AUD $1,000–$2,000, depending on business size). This is in addition to the visa fee you pay.
Common challenges and considerations
Employer relationship risks
The 186 is entirely dependent on your employer’s willingness to sponsor you. If your employer withdraws sponsorship during your 482 period (before you reach 2 years), you cannot transition to 186.
Risk mitigation:
- Choose a stable, sponsorship-friendly employer.
- Maintain a strong working relationship; avoid conflicts.
- Discuss sponsorship plans early and get informal commitment before the 2-year mark.
- Have backup plans (e.g. alternative sponsorship from another employer, or points-based visa pathway).
Salary stagnation
Your salary must remain at or above TSMIT throughout your 482 period. If your employer reduces your salary below TSMIT, you become ineligible for 186.
Risk mitigation:
- Negotiate a salary commitment in your employment contract that guarantees TSMIT compliance.
- Monitor salary annually and discuss any increases.
- Document all salary payments and tax records.
Occupation changes
If you change to a different occupation during your 482 period, you may become ineligible for 186 (unless the new occupation is “closely related”).
Risk mitigation:
- Stay in the nominated occupation (or closely related roles within the same employer).
- Discuss any role changes with your employer and the Department (via ImmiAccount) to confirm eligibility.
Long processing times
While 186 applications are typically faster than 482 applications, unexpected delays can occur if the Department requests additional information.
Risk mitigation:
- Provide comprehensive, accurate documentation.
- Respond promptly to any Department requests (usually 28 days).
- Consider engaging a registered migration agent if you are uncertain about requirements.
Subclass 186 vs. other PR pathways
| Visa | Route to PR | Sponsor required? | Time to PR | Salary threshold | Occupation restricted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 186 (Direct Entry) | Employer sponsorship via 482 | Yes | ~4–5 years (485 + 482 + 186) | TSMIT (AUD $73,150+) | Yes (occupation matters) |
| 189 (Skilled Independent) | Points-based | No | 3–7 years (depends on points accumulation) | None | No (occupation for points only) |
| 190 (State Nominated) | Points-based + state nomination | No | 3–7 years | None | No (state priorities vary) |
| 491 (Skilled Work Regional) | Points-based + regional work, leads to 191 | No | 5–7 years (5 years on 491 + potential 191) | None | No (occupation for points) |
The 186 is the fastest pathway to PR for those with employer sponsorship. However, it carries the risk of employer dependency. Points-based visas (189, 190, 491) are slower but do not require an employer sponsor.
Key points to remember
- Permanent residency: The 186 is a permanent visa; no renewal required.
- Direct Entry is most common: Apply after 2 years on 482 with the same employer.
- Employer sponsorship essential: Your employer must nominate you; you cannot apply independently.
- Salary at TSMIT: Must be maintained throughout your 482 period.
- Same occupation: You must work in the nominated (or closely related) occupation.
- Fast processing: Typically 4–12 weeks to approval.
- Unrestricted work rights: Once granted, you can work anywhere.
- Pathway to citizenship: After 4 years, apply for Australian citizenship.
FAQ
Q: Can I apply for 186 Direct Entry before completing 2 years on 482? A: No. The 2-year employment period on a 482 is a hard requirement (as of November 2023). You must wait until your 2 years have elapsed. Some occupations or circumstances may have modified timelines — check with the Department or your migration agent.
Q: What if I change employers during my 482? A: Your 2-year employment period must be with the same employer. If you change employers mid-482, you lose your progress toward Direct Entry. You would need to complete a new 482 with the new employer (or pursue a different visa pathway like 189/190/491). Avoid changing employers if you are planning Direct Entry.
Q: Can I include my family on the 186 visa? A: Your spouse and dependent children can be included on your 186 application (they are processed together with your visa). Once granted, all family members are permanent residents. You can also sponsor additional family members later (parents, siblings) once you hold PR.
Q: How long can I stay in Australia on a 186? A: Indefinitely. The 186 is permanent; there is no expiry date. You can stay for life as long as you do not renounce the visa. You do not need to renew it.
Q: What if my employer’s business fails after I get the 186? A: Your 186 remains valid. Unlike the 482 (which may be affected if your sponsor ceases operations), the 186 is independent of your employer’s sponsorship. Once granted, you are a permanent resident regardless of employment.
Q: Can I apply for Australian citizenship immediately after receiving the 186? A: No. You must hold the PR visa for at least 4 years before applying for citizenship. Additionally, you must meet residence requirements (usually spending at least 3 of the 4 years in Australia as a PR). Some applicants with special circumstances may apply after 12 months, but this is rare.
Q: What happens if my employer wants to sponsor me for 186 before I complete 2 years on 482? A: As of November 2023, you must complete 2 years on the 482 visa before Direct Entry eligibility. Some alternative pathways (Temporary Residence Transition Stream) may have shorter timelines — consult your employer and a migration agent on whether you are eligible.
Sources
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa
- Visa Pricing Estimator
- Australian Citizenship
Last reviewed: April 2026. Migration rules and occupation lists change frequently — always verify on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and the relevant assessing body before acting.