What the Subclass 186 Can Offer

Build a Permanent Future in Australia With Your Employer

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) gives eligible skilled workers the opportunity to secure permanent residency through an approved Australian employer. With full work and study rights, you can continue your career in Australia while enjoying the greater stability that comes with permanent residency.

You may also be able to include eligible family members in your application, giving your partner and dependent children the opportunity to live, work and study in Australia. As a permanent resident, you may also have access to Medicare and, if you meet the relevant requirements, a future pathway to Australian citizenship.

Subclass 186 Visa Streams

Which Employer Nomination Stream Applies to You?

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

For eligible workers who have held a qualifying temporary employer-sponsored visa and have worked for their sponsoring employer for the required period.

Direct Entry Stream

For skilled workers who meet the Direct Entry requirements, including applicants who may be applying from outside Australia or those who do not qualify through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

Labour Agreement Stream

For skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer operating under an approved Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. Eligibility and nomination requirements depend on the specific agreement.

Subclass 186 Eligibility Criteria

What You Need to Meet for a Subclass 186 Visa

Your requirements come first

To qualify for a Subclass 186 visa, you must meet the criteria of the relevant stream and demonstrate that you are suitably qualified for the nominated position.

  • Be nominated by an eligible Australian employer
  • Meet the requirements of the applicable Subclass 186 stream
  • Have the required qualifications, skills and employment experience
  • Meet the relevant English language requirements
  • Complete a skills assessment where required
  • Hold any necessary occupational licence or professional registration
  • Meet applicable age requirements or qualify for an exemption where available
  • Meet Australia’s health and character requirements
  • Satisfy all relevant legislative requirements when the Department makes its decision

The exact criteria can vary depending on your stream and individual circumstances. We assess your background before preparing the application so that potential eligibility issues can be identified early.

Your role must meet the rules

Your nominated occupation, position and employment history are important parts of your application. The evidence provided should demonstrate that your experience and skills genuinely support the position for which you are being nominated.

  • Your nominated position must meet the requirements of the relevant stream
  • Your qualifications and experience should support your nominated occupation
  • Your employment history may need to demonstrate the required level and type of experience
  • A skills assessment may be required depending on your occupation and stream
  • Any mandatory professional licence or registration must be held where applicable
  • The nominated position must be genuine
  • Employment terms and conditions must comply with applicable Australian workplace requirements
  • Supporting employment evidence must be consistent across your application

We review your occupation, qualifications and employment history to determine what evidence is needed and whether your proposed pathway is appropriate.

Your employer must qualify too

The Subclass 186 process depends on an eligible employer nomination. The business must meet the relevant nomination requirements and demonstrate that the position and employment arrangement satisfy the applicable rules.

  • Operate a genuine and lawfully operating Australian business
  • Be eligible to nominate a skilled worker
  • Nominate an eligible skilled position
  • Demonstrate a genuine and ongoing need for the position
  • Provide employment on terms and conditions that meet Australian workplace requirements
  • Provide evidence that supports the genuine nature of the nominated position
  • Meet applicable nomination and sponsorship obligations
  • Provide accurate business and financial information where required

Depending on the circumstances, employer evidence may include business registration records, financial information, organisational structure, position descriptions, employment contracts, salary information and business activity documentation.

We work with the employer to prepare the nomination and ensure the information provided supports the proposed position and nomination.

Your evidence needs to be complete

A Subclass 186 application relies on documents that demonstrate your identity, qualifications, employment history, English ability and compliance with the relevant requirements. The documents required will depend on your stream and circumstances.

Applicant documents may include:
  • Current passport
  • Qualifications and academic transcripts
  • Employment reference letters
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Employment contract
  • English language test results
  • Skills assessment, where required
  • Professional licences or registrations
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Health examination results
  • Evidence relating to your employment history
  • Additional documents requested by the Department
Employer documents may include:
  • Business registration documents
  • Financial records
  • Position description
  • Employment contract
  • Organisational structure
  • Salary information
  • Business activity documentation
  • Evidence supporting the genuine need for the position
  • Additional documents requested by the Department

We provide a personalised document checklist based on your circumstances and review the supporting evidence before lodgement to help ensure the application is accurate, consistent and properly prepared.

Planning Your Permanent Move

Know What Comes Next for Your Employer-Sponsored Visa

The Subclass 186 process involves decisions for both the employer and employee. Get professional guidance on your pathway, documentation and application requirements before you move forward.

Send an Enquiry Discuss Your Options

FAQs

Answers to Common Employer Nomination Questions

Yes. The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is a permanent visa. Successful applicants can live, work and study in Australia permanently, subject to the visa conditions and applicable laws.
Yes. An eligible Australian employer must nominate you for an eligible position before you can apply for the Subclass 186 visa. The employer and nominated position must also meet the requirements that apply to your chosen stream.
Yes. Eligible family members, including a partner and dependent children, may be included in the application if they meet the applicable requirements. Their eligibility and supporting documentation will need to be assessed as part of the application.
It depends on your stream, occupation and circumstances. A skills assessment may be required for some applicants, particularly under the Direct Entry stream. Where required, you will generally need to obtain the appropriate assessment before proceeding with your application.
Yes. Eligible applicants may be able to apply from either inside or outside Australia. The requirements and available pathway can depend on the stream you are applying under and your individual circumstances.
Yes. The Subclass 186 provides permanent residency, which may allow you to pursue Australian citizenship in the future. You must first meet the applicable citizenship requirements, including the relevant residence requirements and other eligibility criteria.
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Every Subclass 186 application is different. If you're ready to discuss your circumstances, our migration team can help you understand what comes next and how to approach your application.

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  • Ongoing support
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