186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Australia•Oceania

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186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

6–12 months

Estimated Cost

AUD $6,140

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Australia

Cost of Living

2% more than United States

Avg SalaryA$73,000

Quality of Life

187/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams available.

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is an Australian permanent visa for skilled workers sponsored by an approved employer. Two streams exist: Direct Entry (3+ years experience, skills assessment) and Temporary Residence Transition (for Subclass 482 holders with 2 years at their sponsor).

It grants permanent residence with no points test. Employers must pay at least AUD 76,515 (CSIT). Applicants must be under 45, meet IELTS 6.0+, and pass health and character checks. The application fee is AUD 6,140 and processing typically takes 12–19 months.

This visa is ideal for skilled professionals with an Australian employer ready to sponsor permanent residence, who want a direct PR pathway without a points test.

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Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Annual Cap & Quota

No fixed annual cap

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)

Be nominated by an approved Australian employer

Have a relevant skills assessment (for Direct Entry stream)

Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience (unless exempt)

Meet minimum standards of English language proficiency

Meet health and character requirements

Have no debt to the Australian government

Sign the Australian values statement

KEY CRITERIA

Education

vocational or higher

Experience

3+ years

Min. Income

76,515 AUD/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Current passport

Skills assessment (for Direct Entry)

Evidence of English language ability

Employment contract and position description

Academic transcripts and qualification certificates

Work references/employment history

Police clearance certificates (Australia and overseas)

Health examination reports

Relationship evidence (if including family)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Permanent residency
No points test required
Employer sponsors the process
Pathway to citizenship

Worth Knowing

Tied to nominating employer initially
Skills assessment required (Direct Entry)
Employer must be approved

Application Process

Secure nomination from employer

Employer nominates you for a skilled position

Check occupation on skilled list

Verify position is on skilled occupation list

Get skills assessment

Obtain positive skills assessment if required

Create ImmiAccount

Lodge visa application

Submit complete visa application with all documents

Pay visa fee

Pay AUD 6,140 application fee

Await decision

Monitor application status

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Employer nomination Employer Nomination (online via ImmiAccount)	Fill online
Online visa application Visa Application — Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) (online via ImmiAccount)	Fill online

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