186 Visa: How to Get Permanent Residency Through Employer Sponsorship

If you're looking to gain permanent residency, your employer might be able to sponsor you through the 186 visa.

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is one of the most direct pathways to Australian permanent residency for skilled workers. But with three different streams, strict eligibility criteria and a two-stage application process, understanding the 186 visa requirements upfront is essential.

With a 186 visa, you can live and work in Australia permanently, access Medicare and eventually apply for citizenship. This guide covers everything you need to know: the three pathways, eligibility for employers and applicants, costs, processing times and how to avoid common mistakes.

At Matilda Migration, we've helped hundreds of employers and skilled workers secure permanent residency. Whether you're transitioning from a 482 visa or applying directly, our team can help.

What Is the 186 Visa?

The 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for permanent residency when they can't find suitable local candidates.

Unlike the temporary 482 visa, the 186 visa grants permanent residency from day one, meaning full work rights, Medicare access and a pathway to citizenship.

There are three pathways to securing a 186 visa:

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The 186 visa process involves two stages:

Stage 1 — Nomination: The employer submits a nomination to Home Affairs, receiving a Transaction Reference Number (TRN).

Stage 2 — Visa Application: The applicant lodges their visa application using the TRN.

For a broader overview of employer-sponsored options, see our complete guide to employer-sponsored visas.

186 Visa Cost

Employer-sponsored permanent visas have multiple cost components:

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Fees are indexed annually by the Department of Home Affairs. 

Matilda Migration Fees

Many migration agents charge $6,000–$10,000+ for 186 visa applications. Our fixed pricing means no surprises:

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See our full employer-sponsored visa pricing.

186 Visa Processing Times

Current processing times vary by stream and change frequently. Check the Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date times. 

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The Temporary Residence Transition stream often takes longer because Home Affairs verifies the full employment history with your sponsoring employer.

186 Visa Requirements

Both employers and applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria. Understanding the 186 visa requirements for each stream is essential before applying.

Employer Requirements (All Streams)

Employers must submit a nomination application demonstrating:

• A lawful business structure (i.e. a company, trust, partnership or franchise, not sole trader)
• Financial capacity (audited accounts, BAS statements, profit and loss)
• A genuine position (an organisational chart and evidence of business need)
• A full-time role with a minimum employment commitment of two years 
• A market salary, above $76,515 (excluding super) and at market rates, with salary survey evidence
• Salaried staff (evidence of employing permanent employees, not just contractors).

For detailed employer guidance, visit our employer services page.

Applicant Requirements by Stream

Direct Entry (DE) Stream

The DE stream suits applicants who haven't held a 482 visa but have the qualifications and experience to fill a skilled position.

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Skills Assessment (Direct Entry Stream)

For Direct Entry applicants, a positive skills assessment is mandatory. This assessment is conducted by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation (for example, Engineers Australia for engineers, or the Australian Computer Society for IT professionals).

To complete your skills assessment:

1. Identify the correct assessing authority for your ANZSCO occupation code.
2. Submit your qualifications, work references and other required documents.
3. Pay the assessment fee (this varies by authority but typically ranges from $500–$1,500).
4. Wait for the outcome (processing times vary from 4–12 weeks).

Your skills assessment must be completed within 3 years of lodging your visa application. You'll need to include the assessment reference number when submitting your 186 application.

Matilda Tip: Start your skills assessment early. If it expires before you lodge your visa application, you'll need to apply for a new one, which will add months to your timeline.

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

The TRT stream is for 482 or 457 visa holders transitioning to permanent residency with their current employer.

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Your employer must have been an Approved Work Sponsor for the entire duration of your claimed employment period.

If your employer only became approved partway through your employment, only time worked after their approval counts toward the 2-year requirement.

Check your employer's sponsorship approval date before planning your 186 application.

Labour Agreement Stream

The Labour Agreement stream suits workers whose employer has a formal agreement with the Australian government.

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Requirements for All Streams

All 186 visa applicants must also:

• Meet health requirements
• Meet character requirements (including police clearances from all countries lived in 12+ months)
• Sign the Australian Values Statement
• Not have paid (or agreed to pay) the employer for sponsorship.

The 186 Visa Application Process

The 186 visa involves two stages, both requiring detailed documentation:

Stage 1: Nomination (Employer)

The employer submits a nomination demonstrating the genuine need for the position, their financial capacity, and that the salary meets market rates. This includes organisational charts, genuine position statements, employment contracts, and salary evidence.

Stage 2 — Visa Application (Applicant)

The applicant lodges their visa application with skills evidence, work references, English test results, police clearances and identity documents. Health examinations are completed when requested by Home Affairs.

Both stages require precise documentation. A missing reference detail, an expired skills assessment or incomplete salary evidence can delay processing by months or result in refusal.

Why work with Matilda Migration?

We handle both stages end-to-end: preparing nomination documents for employers and compiling decision-ready visa applications for applicants.

What Happens After You Apply

Once your visa application is submitted: 

You’ll Be Granted a Bridging Visa (If You’re an Onshore Applicant)

If you're in Australia on another visa, you and any family members included in the application will be granted a Bridging Visa A. This allows you to remain in Australia lawfully while your application is processed.

Health Examinations Take Place

An e-medical referral will be generated in your ImmiAccount. Use this to book health checks at a Bupa Medical Visa Services clinic (or approved panel physician). Complete these promptly, as delays in health checks delay your visa.

You May Need to Provide More Information

Home Affairs may contact you or your employer for additional documents during processing. Respond within the timeframe given (usually 28 days) to avoid delays.

You’ll Receive a Decision Notification

You'll receive the outcome via your ImmiAccount. If approved, your visa grant letter will confirm your work rights, visa conditions and duration.

What Happens After Approval

Once your 186 visa is granted, you become a permanent resident of Australia with:

• Full work rights (work for any employer in any occupation)
• Access to Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system
• Study rights (access to domestic fees at Australian institutions)
• 5 years of unlimited travel in and out of Australia
• Eligibility for citizenship after 4 years in Australia (including 1 year as a permanent resident)

Travelling After Your 186 Visa

Your 186 visa includes a 5-year travel facility from the date of grant. After this expires, you'll need either a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident, or Australian citizenship (which removes travel restrictions entirely).

For more on citizenship, see our guide to Australian citizenship requirements.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

These mistakes cause the most delays and refusals. 

Expired skills assessment (DE stream) 

Your skills assessment must be dated within 3 years of your visa application. If it's expired, you'll need a new one, which can take months.

TRT employment gaps 

You need 2 years of full-time work with your sponsoring employer in the past 3 years. Unpaid leave, part-time periods or gaps can affect eligibility.

Salary below thresholds 

The salary must meet market rates and exceed the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), which is currently $76,515 (excluding super). Home Affairs compares your salary against industry benchmarks. Note: The CSIT is indexed each July, so verify the current threshold before lodging.

Weak genuine position evidence 

Employers must show a real business need for the role. An organisational chart alone isn't enough. Include growth plans, client contracts, or increased demand evidence.

Missing police clearances 

You need clearances from every country you've lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years. These can take weeks to obtain, so start early.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the 186 and 482 visa?
The 482 is a temporary visa (up to 4 years). The 186 is a permanent visa granting immediate permanent residency. Many people start on a 482 then transition to a 186 via the TRT stream.

Can I change employers on a 186 visa?
Yes. Once your 186 is granted, you're a permanent resident with full work rights. You can work for any employer.

Do I need a skills assessment for the TRT stream?
No, the TRT stream doesn't require a skills assessment. Your 2+ years of work experience with your sponsoring employer demonstrates your skills.

Is there an age limit?
Yes. Applicants must generally be under 45. Exceptions apply for certain circumstances (academic researchers, high-income earners, long-term 457/482 holders).

How long until I can apply for citizenship?
You can apply after 4 years of lawful residence in Australia, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident.

Can I include my family?
Yes. Include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your application. They'll receive permanent residency too.

What if my 186 is refused?
You may have review rights through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Contact a migration agent immediately to assess your options.

Key Takeaways

The 186 visa offers permanent residency through three pathways, each with distinct 186 visa requirements:

• Direct Entry (for skilled workers with 3+ years experience and a positive skills assessment)
• TRT (for 482/457 holders who've worked 2+ years with their sponsoring employer)
• Labour Agreement (for workers under formal government-employer agreements)

How Matilda Migration Can Help

The 186 visa process involves detailed documentation, strict eligibility criteria and coordination between employer and applicant. Many applications are delayed or refused due to incomplete evidence or missed requirements.

At Matilda Migration, we handle employer-sponsored permanent visas end-to-end. 

For employers

We prepare nomination documents including genuine position statements and salary evidence and advise on eligibility across all three streams. We also track deadlines and manage the entire nomination process.

For applicants

We assess which stream is right for you and prepare your application with compliant references and supporting evidence. Additionally, we liaise with Home Affairs on your behalf and keep you updated at every step.

Ready to Get Started?

For Applicants: Check your eligibility in 2 minutes with our free assessment.

For Employers: Book an obligation-free consultation to discuss your sponsorship needs.