The Subclass 186 visa allows skilled professionals, nominated by an approved Australian employer, to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis.

There are three streams under the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme:

  • Direct Entry Stream
  • Labour Agreement Stream
  • Temporary Residence Transition Stream

🔹 Direct Entry Stream

This stream is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer and meet the required qualifications and work experience. Successful applicants can:

  • Live, work, and study in Australia permanently
  • Include eligible family members in their application
  • Enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare)
  • Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
  • Travel in and out of Australia for five years

Visa Cost: AUD 4,115 (main applicant). Additional fees apply for dependents.

✅ Key Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be under 45 years old at the time of application (some exemptions apply)
  • Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
  • At least 3 years of relevant work experience (unless exempt)
  • A positive skills assessment (unless exempt)
  • Nomination by an Australian employer
  • Meet health and character criteria
  • Competent English language skills

Estimated Processing Time: 5 to 8 months, depending on the completeness and accuracy of your application.

is stream is for skilled workers nominated by an employer operating under a formal Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. It provides a permanent residency pathway.

Applicants can:

  • Live and work in Australia permanently
  • Access Medicare and other public services
  • Apply for citizenship (if eligible)
  • Travel freely for five years from the date the visa is granted

Visa Cost: AUD 4,115 (main applicant). Additional fees for dependents.

✅ Key Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be under 45 years old (unless the labour agreement specifies otherwise)
  • Be employed (or have a job offer) with an employer under a Labour Agreement
  • Meet skill, age, and English language requirements stated in the agreement
  • Hold a substantive visa (such as subclass 457 or TSS under a Labour Agreement) if applying from within Australia
  • Meet health and character standards

Estimated Processing Time: 15 to 24 months

🔹 Temporary Residence Transition Stream

This stream is suitable for temporary skilled workers who have been working for their nominating employer in Australia and are now eligible to transition to permanent residency.

Visa holders can:

  • Remain in Australia permanently
  • Include their family in the application
  • Enrol in Medicare
  • Apply for citizenship when eligible
  • Travel in and out of Australia for five years

Visa Cost: AUD 4,115 (main applicant). Extra charges for additional applicants.

✅ Key Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be under 45 years old (exemptions available)
  • Must hold a subclass 457, TSS, or eligible bridging visa (A, B, or C)
  • Must have worked full-time for the nominating employer for at least 3 years
  • Nomination must have been approved within the past 6 months
  • Meet English language, health, and character requirements

Estimated Processing Time: 9 to 16 months

eady to Apply or Need Advice?

Get in touch with Opera Education & Migration today for expert guidance on the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme and find out which stream suits your situation best.