Skilled Subclass
Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 186
Permanent employer-sponsored visa with stream-specific settings (including TRT and Direct Entry).
- Who can apply
- Applicants who can meet skilled subclass criteria including: Approved employer nomination and role alignment to visa stream.; Applicant meets stream criteria for skills, experience, and English where required.; Health and character requirements for grant..
- Bring family
- depends
- Apply from
- Inside or outside Australia depending on subclass settings
- Type
- Permanent
- How long
- Permanent residence with sponsor obligations and stream-specific conditions.
- Leads to PR
- Direct PR
- Work rights
- Refer to visa conditions and stream rules at grant.
What you need to know
Permanent employer-sponsored visa with stream-specific settings (including TRT and Direct Entry).
Key requirements: - Approved employer nomination and role alignment to visa stream. - Applicant meets stream criteria for skills, experience, and English where required. - Health and character requirements for grant.
Who can apply (detailed)
To qualify, applicants must satisfy subclass criteria including: - Approved employer nomination and role alignment to visa stream. - Applicant meets stream criteria for skills, experience, and English where required. - Health and character requirements for grant.
What you need to do
1. Confirm stream suitability with employer. 2. Prepare nomination and applicant evidence. 3. Lodge nomination and visa in correct sequence.
How long it takes and what it costs
Processing times and fees vary by profile, stream, and decision workload. Check official fee estimator and processing updates before lodging.
What you can and can't do
Rights and restrictions depend on visa conditions attached to this subclass and stream at grant.
Bringing your family along
Family inclusion depends on the stream and subclass criteria.
More information
/australia/skilled/subclass-186-employer-nomination-scheme
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for Subclass 186?
Applicants who can meet skilled subclass criteria including: Approved employer nomination and role alignment to visa stream.; Applicant meets stream criteria for skills, experience, and English where required.; Health and character requirements for grant..
How long is Subclass 186?
Permanent residence with sponsor obligations and stream-specific conditions.
Does Subclass 186 lead to PR?
PR pathway depends on the specific stream and eligibility profile.
Can I include family on Subclass 186?
Family inclusion depends on stream rules and applicant circumstances.
Where do I find updated rules for Subclass 186?
Check current Department of Home Affairs policy and official visa guidance before lodging.
More Skilled Visas
View AllSubclass 189
Skilled Independent Visa
Permanent points-tested visa for invited skilled workers without state nomination.
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated Visa
Permanent points-tested skilled visa requiring state or territory nomination.
Subclass 482
Skills in Demand Visa
Employer-sponsored temporary skilled visa with stream and occupation settings.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
A provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a State or Territory government agency to live and work in regional Australia.
Subclass 494
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Regional employer-sponsored provisional visa for skilled workers in designated regional areas.
Need help planning Subclass 186 correctly?
Book Consultation