Direct Entry 01
Direct Entry stream
For applicants nominated by an Australian employer with a positive skills assessment and at least three years of relevant work experience.
Details
Visa Employer Nomination Visa
Employer Nomination Visa
Subclass 186.
Permanent residence for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. Three streams, one PR outcome.
- Registered migration agents
- 150+ CRICOS partner institutions
- Offices in Adelaide & Perth
A Permanent Pathway Through Employer Sponsorship.
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is a permanent residence visa granted to skilled workers who have been nominated by an approved Australian employer for a position on the relevant occupation list.
Successful applicants can live and work in Australia permanently, sponsor eligible family members and access Medicare and citizenship pathways after meeting the residency requirement.
Included in this visa
- Permanent residence for the primary applicant and family members included in the application.
- Work rights with no restriction on employer or role after grant.
- Access to Medicare, education and social services on the same basis as other permanent residents.
- Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship once residency requirements are met.
Three Ways to Qualify.
The 186 visa has three streams. The right one depends on your current visa status and time worked in Australia.
Temporary Transition 02
Temporary Residence Transition
For 482 or 457 visa holders who have worked with the nominating employer for at least two years in the nominated occupation.
Details
Agreement 03
Labour Agreement stream
For workers nominated by an employer operating under a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government.
Details
Core criteria 04
Age, English and health
Applicants must generally be under 45, meet competent English, and satisfy standard health and character requirements.
Details
Employer, Nomination and Visa Handled Together.
We work on both sides of the 186. For employers we prepare the nomination, position evidence and business documentation. For applicants we assemble the skills assessment, work references and identity file.
Every submission is checked against Home Affairs policy and the current occupation lists before lodgement, so decisions are based on complete evidence rather than requests for further information.
By the Numbers.
- Visa type
- Permanent
- Age limit
- Under 45
- English level
- Competent
- Processing (median)
- 6 to 12 months
Get Advice Before Your Employer Lodges.
Employer nominations must match a genuine, ongoing full-time position on the current occupation list. Confirming stream eligibility and evidence at the start avoids nomination refusal and wasted fees.
Sky Consultants, MARA-registered team
Frequently Asked Questions.
Who is eligible for the subclass 186 visa?
Skilled workers under 45 who are nominated by an approved Australian employer for a role on the relevant occupation list, hold a positive skills assessment where required, and meet competent English, health and character standards. Age and skills-assessment exemptions apply under some streams.
How long does the 186 take to process?
Median global processing sits between 6 and 12 months for both Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams. Complete evidence from both employer and applicant is the most important factor in shortening the timeline.
How much does the 186 visa cost?
The base visa application charge is AUD 4,770 for the primary applicant. Secondary applicant fees, the Skilling Australians Fund levy paid by the employer, and health, English and translation costs are separate. A full quote is provided at engagement.
Can I include my family?
Yes. A spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included at lodgement or added as subsequent entrants. All included applicants receive permanent residence with matching work and study rights on grant.
Can 482 holders transition directly to the 186?
Yes, through the Temporary Residence Transition stream, once the applicant has worked with the nominating employer in the nominated occupation for at least two years on a 482 or 457. English and health thresholds still apply.
Do you provide MARA-registered assistance to both employer and applicant?
Yes. Our MARA-registered team prepares the sponsor documentation, nomination and applicant file together so evidence is aligned across all three stages before lodgement.
Start Your Australian
Chapter With Confidence.
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