Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Subclass 186
Permanent employer nomination planning through Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry or a Labour Agreement stream where available.
186 at a glance
Subclass 186 is permanent, but each stream has different eligibility and evidence requirements.
Age exemptions and stream-specific rules may apply. The income threshold figure shown is for relevant nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Subclass 186 streams
The stream determines the worker history, skills and nomination evidence that must be established.
Temporary Residence Transition
For eligible 457, 482 or associated bridging visa holders with the required sponsored employment history and an employer nomination.
TRT2 years in 3
Direct Entry
For eligible workers nominated directly for permanent residence, generally requiring a suitable skills assessment and relevant work experience unless exempt.
PermanentSkills evidence
Labour Agreement
For workers nominated under an approved labour agreement with the agreement and legislative criteria satisfied.
Agreement termsEmployer-specific
TRT employment history
Current settings generally require at least two years of eligible sponsored full-time employment in Australia during the three years immediately before application.
- Map the qualifying employment dates and visa history.
- Reconcile payslips, PAYG summaries, tax records, super and leave.
- Confirm work was in eligible sponsored employment and the relevant occupation.
- Review earnings and salary history for each relevant period.
Employer nomination evidence
The employer must support a genuine permanent position and meet the nomination requirements for the chosen stream.
- Active and lawfully operating business evidence.
- Organisation structure, workforce and genuine position need.
- Detailed duties, reporting line and employment terms.
- AMSR, guaranteed earnings and Core Skills Income Threshold evidence.
- Nomination and sponsorship compliance history.
Applicant readiness
Permanent residence brings additional checks that should be reviewed before the employer commits to nomination.
Visa history
Confirm the current visa, conditions and any previous refusal or cancellation.
Age
Check the usual under-45 setting and any available exemption.
Skills
Review qualifications, experience and skills assessment requirements.
English
Confirm the required English level and test validity.
Health and character
Prepare complete declarations and supporting evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for 186 without holding a 482 visa?
Direct Entry or a Labour Agreement stream may be available in some cases. Each stream has separate occupation, nomination, skills, work experience, age and English requirements.
Does two years on a 482 guarantee 186 approval?
No. The work history is only one part of a TRT assessment. The employer nomination, occupation, salary, age, English, health, character and other criteria must also be met.
Does the salary need to meet AMSR?
Yes, where the salary rules apply. The income threshold does not permit an employer to pay less than the annual market salary rate for an equivalent Australian worker.
Need a 186 pathway review?
Send the employer, stream, occupation, salary and sponsored employment history.