Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) — Visa2AU

Permanent residency through employer nomination. Category: Employer.

The subclass 186 grants permanent residency to skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer — via Direct Entry (skills assessment + 3 years experience) or Temporary Residence Transition after two years on a 482/494 with the nominating employer.

At a glance

• Government charge: From AUD 4,910 (main applicant)
• Indicative professional fee: $5,500 AUD (employee side) (SAF levy and nomination fees itemised at engagement)
• Typical processing: 6–12 months (typical)

Eligibility

• Nomination by an approved Australian employer
• Under 45 years (limited exemptions)
• TRT: 2 years with sponsor in last 3 on 482/494; DE: skills assessment + 3 years experience
• Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band)
• Occupation on the CSOL

Key documents

• Nomination application with genuine-position evidence
• Skills assessment (Direct Entry)
• Employment contract meeting market salary
• English test results
• Identity, health and character documents

Frequently asked questions

Direct Entry or TRT — which 186 stream fits me?

If you already work for your sponsor on a 482/494, TRT is usually simpler (no new skills assessment for most). Offshore or new-to-Australia applicants typically use Direct Entry with a skills assessment.

---

Source: https://visa2.au/visas/employer-nomination-186 · Visa2AU — MARN-registered migration agents (MARN 0534230, 2418663), North Sydney, Australia.