Apply for

Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186

Secure permanent residency in Australia through employer sponsorship.

Types of

Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186

Direct Entry Stream
Labour Agreement Stream
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
Main purpose

For skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer.

For workers nominated under an approved Labour Agreement.

For holders of Subclass 457 or Subclass 482 who have worked with their employer for at least 2 years and are transitioning to permanent residence.

Linked to Skilled Occupation List / Agreement

The nominated occupation must be an eligible skilled occupation for the Direct Entry stream on the relevant skilled occupation list.

Yes, the nominated occupation must be one that is specifically listed and approved under your employer’s Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.

The occupation must align with the position held under the Subclass 457 or 482 visa with the nominating employer.

Positive Skills Assessment

Required prior to application.

May be required, depending on the occupation and the terms of the Labour Agreement.

May be waived, as applicant is already working in the position.

Regional Study Requirement

Not required.

Not required.

Not required.

Stay Period

Permanent residence upon approval.

Permanent residence upon approval.

Permanent residence upon approval of the visa.

Work Rights

Full-time, unlimited work rights in Australia.

Full-time, unlimited work rights in Australia.

Full-time, unlimited work rights in Australia.

Study

Allowed.

Allowed

Allowed

Age Requirement

Must generally be under 45 years of age; however, exemptions or higher age limits may apply where specified in a labour agreement, in line with the conditions approved by the Australian Government for that agreement.

Must generally be under 45 years of age; however, exemptions or higher age limits may apply where specified in a labour agreement, in line with the conditions approved by the Australian Government for that agreement.

Must generally be under 45 years of age; however, exemptions or higher age limits may apply where specified in a labour agreement, in line with the conditions approved by the Australian Government for that particular agreement.

English Requirement

Competent English required (for example, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent), unless an exemption applies.

Competent English is generally required (for example, an IELTS score of 6.0 in each component or equivalent), but if you are sponsored under a labour agreement, English language concessions may apply and the exact requirement will be whatever is specified in that particular labour agreement.

Competent English required (for example, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent), unless an exemption applies.

Health & Character

Health and police checks required.

Health and police checks required.

Health and police checks required.

Family Members

Can include spouse, children, and dependent relatives.

Can include spouse, children, and dependent relatives.

Can include spouse, children, and dependent relatives.

Nomination

Required from an Australian employer.

Required from an Australian employer that holds an approved labour agreement.

Must be nominated by an Australian employer.

Work Experience

Generally requires at least 3 years of relevant skilled work experience in the nominated occupation.

Work experience requirements vary depending on the occupation and the Labour Agreement; they are not always a fixed 2-year requirement.

At least 2 years of full-time work with the nominating employer in the nominated occupation on a Subclass 457 or 482 visa (typically within the last 3 years).

Visa Grant Location

In or outside Australia.

In or outside Australia.

In or outside Australia.

Health Insurance

Must hold private health insurance while in Australia.

Must hold private health insurance while in Australia.

Must hold private health insurance while in Australia.

Testimonials

We’re in Our Clients’ Hearts

Excellence speaks for itself—our clients’ emotions tell the story.

Knowbal Migration once again delivered excellent results — assisting with a 482 visa previously and now a successful JRP positive skill assessment. The expertise of Nilesh, Mani Raj, Rishav, and Trushen truly stands out. Finding such dedicated and knowledgeable professionals is rare. Wholeheartedly recommended.

Luther Navleen
Chef

Rishavbhai and the Knowbal Group provided exemplary support throughout the 186 PR visa process. Professional, knowledgeable, and patient, Rishav explained every step clearly, ensured accurate documentation, and made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended for dependable and honest migration assistance.

Parth Patel
Mechanical Engineer

Highly recommend Knowbal Migration for visa services. Nileshbhai and Niravbhai provided excellent guidance and support for my 482 visa. The team was responsive, patient, and helped me through every step successfully.

Smit Patel

Kunalbhai and Niravbhai at Knowbal Migration provided exceptional support throughout the 482 visa process. They communicated clearly, handled everything professionally, and were consistently available to help with any concerns. Their guidance made what could have been a stressful experience genuinely smooth and manageable. Highly recommended.

Pareshkumar Dixit
Field Technician

The 482 visa was granted thanks to the outstanding support of Sushanti and Shweta at Knowbal Migration. They were professional, approachable, and consistently available to address queries. Their guidance made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended for anyone needing migration assistance.

Jay Patel
Chef
How to apply

The Knowbal Visa Application Process

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between the three streams of the Subclass 186 visa?

The Direct Entry Stream is for skilled workers who meet qualification, skills, and experience requirements without having worked in Australia under a temporary visa. The Labour Agreement Stream applies to workers nominated by employers with an approved labour agreement, while the Temporary Residence Transition Stream is for those who have worked with the same employer on a temporary visa and now wish to transition to permanent residency.

Who can apply for the Direct Entry Stream under the Subclass 186 visa?

The Direct Entry Stream is for skilled workers who have a valid job offer from an approved Australian employer. Applicants must meet occupation-specific skills and experience criteria, typically without the need for prior temporary work experience in Australia.

What is a Labour Agreement, and who can apply under the Labour Agreement Stream?

A Labour Agreement is a formal arrangement between an Australian employer and the government, allowing the employer to nominate workers for specific roles not covered by standard skilled migration pathways. The Labour Agreement Stream is for applicants who have a job offer from an employer operating under such an agreement and can meet the agreement’s terms, including occupation and salary requirements

Can I apply for the Subclass 186 visa if I’ve been working in Australia on a temporary visa?

Yes, the Temporary Residence Transition Stream is designed for workers who have been employed in Australia under an eligible temporary visa (such as Subclass 457 or Subclass 482) with the same employer. After meeting the required work experience, you can transition to permanent residency through this stream. In addition, you may be able to move directly to a Subclass 186 visa from another temporary visa (such as a Subclass 485, Visitor Visa or Student Visa) through the Direct Entry stream or a labour agreement, provided you meet all the relevant eligibility criteria.

How long does it take to process a Subclass 186 visa application?

Processing times for Subclass 186 visas vary depending on the stream and the completeness of your application. Generally, applications under the Direct Entry Stream and Labour Agreement Stream can take several months, while applications under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream may take less time if the applicant has a solid employment history with the nominating employer.

What are the requirements for applying under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream?

To apply under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, you must have worked for the same employer in your nominated occupation for at least two years within the last three years while holding an eligible temporary visa. Your employer must also nominate you for permanent residency and demonstrate a genuine, ongoing need for your role in the business.

Can I include my family members in my Subclass 186 application?

Yes, eligible family members (partner, dependent children, and sometimes other family members) can be included in your Subclass 186 visa application, allowing them to join you as permanent residents of Australia.

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