Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186): Direct Entry Stream
The 186 direct entry stream offers skilled workers a direct pathway to Australian permanent residency through employer sponsorship. If you have the skills Australia needs and an employer ready to nominate you, this visa lets you live and work in Australia permanently.
Key Facts
Stay
Permanently
Cost
From AUD4,910.00
Work Rights
Full work rights, anywhere in Australia
Family
Include your partner and dependent children
Citizenship
Pathway to Australian citizenship
What is 186 Visa in Australia?
The Subclass 186 visa under the Direct Entry stream is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. Unlike the Temporary Residence Transition stream, you don’t need to have worked for the employer previously.you can apply directly if you meet the skills, qualifications, and English requirements.
The 186 employer nomination scheme visa through Direct Entry is ideal for skilled professionals who have a job offer from an Australian employer but haven’t yet worked in Australia on a temporary visa.
What Are the Benefits of 186 Visa in Australia?
With the permanent residency visa 186, you can:
- Live in Australia indefinitely — no visa renewals, no uncertainty
- Work and study without restrictions
- Access Medicare — Australia’s public healthcare system
- Sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia
- Travel freely in and out of Australia for 5 years from grant
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Your permanent residency for citizenship purposes starts:
- On the day the visa is granted (if you’re in Australia)
- On the day you enter Australia on this visa (if granted offshore)
Who is Eligible for the 186 Visa? (Direct Entry Stream)
Let’s be direct about the 186 visa requirement checklist. You must meet ALL of these:
Your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Not every skilled job qualifies—check the list before proceeding.
You need at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation, unless exempt.
Most applicants need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before lodging. The assessment cannot be more than 3 years old at application.
- Nominated as an academic by an Australian university
- Nominated as a scientist, researcher or technical specialist by an Australian government science agency or university
- You hold a subclass 444 or 461 visa and worked for your nominating employer in the nominated position for at least 2 years in the last 3 years
You must be under 45 years old when you lodge your application.
Exemptions apply if:
- You're nominated as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head at Academic Level A, B, C, D or E) by an Australian university
- You're nominated as a scientist, researcher or technical specialist at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 by an Australian government science agency or university
- You hold a Special Category (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa and have worked for your nominating employer for at least 2 years in the last 3 years
You must have at least Competent English. This typically means:
- IELTS: 6.0 in each component, OR
- PTE Academic: 50 in each component, OR
- Other approved tests at equivalent scores
You must be nominated by an Australian employer whose nomination has been approved. You must apply for the visa within 6 months of nomination approval.
You and any family members must meet health and character requirements.
If 18 or older, you must:
- Have read (or had explained to you) the Life in Australia booklet
- Sign the Australian Values Statement
Any debts must be paid or under formal repayment arrangement.
Previous visa cancellations or refusals will be considered and may affect eligibility.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Before You Apply
Unless exempt, obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation. This must be done BEFORE you lodge your visa application and cannot be older than 3 years.
Note: Skills assessments obtained for a subclass 485 visa are NOT accepted.
Ensure your English test results are current (not older than 3 years at application). You must have results before lodging.
Your employer must submit their nomination application first. They'll receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN)—you need this to apply for your visa. You don't need to wait for nomination approval to lodge your visa application.
It is illegal to offer, request, or accept any payment or benefit in exchange for visa sponsorship. Both employers and employees involved in such arrangements can face severe criminal and civil penalties.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
- Passport (photo page, personal details, issue/expiry dates)
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, deed poll, etc.)
- Positive skills assessment (if required)
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Qualification certificates
- Employment references verifying work experience
- Evidence of academic nomination by Australian university, OR
- Evidence of nomination as scientist/researcher by government agency, OR
- Evidence of 2 years work with nominating employer while on subclass 444 or 461 visa
- IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, OET, or other approved test results showing Competent English
- Evidence of any mandatory licence, registration or professional membership required to work in your occupation in your intended state/territory
- Doctors: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency certificate showing unconditional/general registration or conditional specialist registration
- Lawyers: Proof of admission to practise in the relevant state/territory
- Australian Federal Police certificate (complete disclosure) if you've spent 12+ months in Australia in the last 10 years since turning 16
- Overseas police certificates from every country where you've spent 12+ months in the last 10 years since turning 16
- Military service records or discharge papers (if applicable)
- Identity documents
- Character documents
- Marriage certificate, OR
- Evidence of 12+ months de facto relationship (joint bank accounts, shared lease, utility bills, statutory declarations)
- Proof of Functional English (or be prepared to pay second instalment)
- Identity documents (children under 5 don't need a passport)
- Birth or adoption certificates proving relationship
- Character documents (if applicable)
- Form 1229 consent from any parent not travelling, OR statutory declaration, OR court orders
- Identity documents
- Form 47a (Details of dependent family member 18+)
- Proof of financial dependency for at least 12 months
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate, adoption papers)
- Character documents
- Proof of Functional English (or be prepared to pay second instalment)
- Form 956A (authorised recipient)
- Form 956 (immigration assistance)
- Translate all non-English documents (NAATI-accredited in Australia)
- Scan/photograph in colour, clearly legible
- Combine multi-page documents into single files
- You do NOT need to certify documents
Step 3: Apply Online
Submit through ImmiAccount. You can be in or outside Australia.
- Log in or create an ImmiAccount
- Complete the application accurately
- Attach ALL documents
- Pay the visa application charge
- Note your Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
Important: We cannot process your application until you pay. Incomplete applications may be refused without further requests for information.
Step 4: After You Apply
The Department cannot provide updates within standard processing times. Check ImmiAccount for requests.
If in Australia, you can travel while your application is processed. Ensure you have a valid visa to return. You may be granted a Bridging Visa if your current visa expires before a decision.
If not completed before applying, check ImmiAccount for instructions.
You may be asked for fingerprints and photos.
If in Australia, maintain a valid visa while processing continues.
If applicable (for family members without Functional English), we'll send an invoice after other requirements are met.
You can add family members before a decision is made. Newborn children should be notified immediately.
Tell the Department about changes to contact details, passport, relationship status, or family composition.
Step 5: Visa Decision
You can be in or outside Australia when the decision is made.
You'll receive written notification with:
- Visa grant number
- Visa start date
- Any conditions
You'll receive reasons and information about review rights. The application fee is not refunded.
Visa Costs
- Component
- Amount
- Main applicant
- From AUD4,910.00
- Additional family members
- Additional charges apply
- If family under 18
- AUD1,230.00 per person
- Second instalment (family 18+ without Functional English)
- AUD4,890.00 per person
What is the Difference Between 186 and 482 Visa?
- Feature
- Subclass 186 (Direct Entry)
- Subclass 482 (TSS)
- Visa Type
- Permanent
- Temporary
- Stay
- Indefinitely
- 2-4 years
- Work Rights
- Any employer after grant
- Tied to sponsoring employer
- Medicare
- Yes
- Limited
- Citizenship Pathway
- Direct
- Must transition to 186 first
- Skills Assessment
- Required (with exemptions)
- Depends on stream
Your Obligations After Grant
- Obey all Australian laws
- Begin employment within 6 months of:
- Entry to Australia (if granted offshore), OR
- Visa grant date (if granted onshore)
Travel Facility: Valid for 5 years from grant. After that, you’ll need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter as a permanent resident.
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Why Work With The Migration?
We’ve helped skilled workers navigate the employer nomination scheme subclass 186 for years. From complex skills assessments to employer nomination coordination, we understand what makes applications succeed—and what causes refusals.
Eligibility Assessment
We confirm you qualify before you invest in documents and fees.
Skills Assessment Guidance
We advise on timing, assessing authority, and documentation strategy.
Document Preparation
We review and organise your evidence to meet Department standards.
Employer Coordination
We liaise with your employer to align nomination and visa timelines.
Application Lodgement
We submit complete, compliant applications to avoid unnecessary delays.
Post-Grant Advice
We guide you on citizenship pathways and family sponsorship after approval.
Your Questions Answered
What is 186 visa in Australia?
The Subclass 186 is a permanent residence visa allowing skilled workers nominated by Australian employers to live, work, and study indefinitely in Australia. The Direct Entry stream is for applicants who haven’t worked for the employer on a temporary visa but meet skills assessment, English, and experience requirements.
Who is eligible for the 186 visa?
You need: an occupation on the CSOL, positive skills assessment (unless exempt), at least 3 years work experience (unless exempt), Competent English, employer nomination, age under 45 (unless exempt), and clear health/character checks.
What is the 186 visa cost?
From AUD4,910.00 for the main applicant. Additional charges apply for family members. A second instalment of AUD4,890.00 applies for adult family members without Functional English.
What is the processing time for 186 visa?
Processing times vary based on application completeness and individual circumstances. Check the Department’s processing time guide for current estimates. Complete applications typically process faster.
How to be nominated by an employer in Australia?
Your employer must be an approved business sponsor, have a genuine need for your skills, offer a position on the CSOL, and submit a nomination application with the required levy. They’ll receive a TRN for you to use in your visa application.
What is the new rule for a 186 visa?
Skilled visa income thresholds are increasing annually in line with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings changes. From 1 July 2025, new thresholds apply. The CSOL has also replaced previous occupation lists for the Direct Entry stream.
Can I change employers after getting the 186 visa?
Yes. Once granted, the 186 visa gives you unrestricted work rights. You’re expected to work for your nominating employer initially, but you’re not permanently tied to them.
What happens if my nomination is refused?
If nomination is refused, we cannot grant your visa. You may be eligible for a visa application charge refund depending on circumstances. We can assess your situation and advise on next steps.
What is the Employer Nomination Process?
As a sponsor, you’re nominating a skilled worker for the Subclass 186 visa. Your role is to demonstrate that your business genuinely needs this employee and that you’ll employ them under fair conditions.
The 186 employer nomination scheme visa through Direct Entry doesn’t require the worker to have previously worked for you. You’re sponsoring them directly based on their skills and your business need.
What the Applicant Gets With This Visa
When you successfully nominate someone and their visa is granted, they can:
- Live, work and study in Australia indefinitely
- Include eligible family members in their application
- Access Medicare
- Travel freely for 5 years from grant
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Are You Eligible to Nominate?
Your business must:
- Actively and lawfully operate in Australia
- Have no adverse information known about it or associated persons (or it's reasonable to disregard such information)
- Have complied with Australian immigration and workplace relations laws
- If you hire labour to unrelated businesses, the position must be within YOUR business activities—not for hire to others
You must demonstrate a genuine need for a paid employee to fill the skilled position. This isn't about convenience—you need to show the role is essential to your operations.
The position must be:
- Full-time (at least 35 hours per week)
- Ongoing for at least 2 years — the employment contract cannot limit the position to just 2 years
- On the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
If the worker will earn less than AUD250,000 per year, you must pay them at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for their occupation.
You must demonstrate the applicant is eligible for any licence, registration or professional membership needed to perform the role in your state/territory at the time you submit the nomination.
You must pay the SAF levy when you submit your nomination application. The amount depends on your business turnover.
Your Obligations as a Nominator
If the nomination is approved and the visa is granted, you must:
- Employ the worker under fair terms — conditions no less favourable than an Australian citizen or permanent resident doing the same work in the same place
- Pay the agreed salary meeting AMSR requirements
- Comply with Australian immigration and workplace relations law
Terms and conditions include (but aren’t limited to):
- Salary for the nominated position
- Hours of work
- Leave entitlements
How to Nominate: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Before You Apply
Check Applicant Eligibility Confirm the worker you want to nominate meets Direct Entry stream requirements. If they’re ineligible, your nomination will likely be refused.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You need to prove two things: your status and your relationship.
The contract must show:
- Base salary — if earning less than AUD250,000/year, must meet AMSR
- Total remuneration and conditions — no less favourable than Australian workers
- Position is full-time, ongoing for at least 2 years
Provide:
- Trust deed (if you're a trust/trustee)
- Current lease agreement
- Audited balance sheet and profit/loss statement for the most recent financial year with comparative figures, OR
- Business tax returns and associated assessment notices for the most recent financial year
- Business Activity Statements (BAS) for each complete quarter since the financial period ended
- BAS for each complete quarter since operations started
- Business bank account statements from operations start to lodgement
Provide:
- Detailed organisational structure chart
- Occupation name and ANZSCO code
- Detailed position description with tasks and duties
- Evidence the position was previously occupied and became vacant through attrition
- Evidence the position is currently held by a temporary resident
- Evidence of increased business activity (new contracts) requiring workers in this occupation
- Evidence of overtime or increased overtime for current employees in the occupation
- If diversifying: market research, business plans, financial budgets, evidence of funding
If the worker will earn less than AUD250,000/year, clearly identify and explain your evidence for the Annual Market Salary Rate.
Important: Unlabelled salary surveys or vague explanations may result in refusal. If there's a difference between the determined AMSR and the proposed salary, explain why.
Some occupations have caveats that may exclude them from eligibility in certain circumstances. If a caveat might apply, provide evidence showing it doesn't apply to your position.
Example (Chef caveat): If nominating a chef, provide evidence the position isn't in fast food or takeaway, such as:
- Detailed position description
- Statement describing core business activities
- Menu copy
- Website link
- Floor plan
- Photographs showing establishment size/type
- Details of food preparation on premises
- Details of table service and in-restaurant dining volume
Step 3: Apply
- Complete nomination application in ImmiAccount
- Attach all documents
- Pay the AUD540.00 nomination fee
- Pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy
- Note the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) — your employee needs this for their visa application
Step 4: After You Apply
Provide Additional Documents If you didn’t attach everything, do so immediately. The Department may request more information, but can also decide without further requests.
Report Changes Contact the relevant visa processing office if anything changes that could affect your nomination. Include your:
- Business name
- ABN or ACN
- Nomination TRN
Withdrawing Your Nomination You can withdraw any time before a decision on the employee’s visa. Email the processing area directly.
Note: Removing the application from ImmiAccount does NOT withdraw the nomination. Fees are generally not refunded.
Step 5: Nomination Outcome
You'll receive a letter with your nomination approval number.
You'll receive a letter explaining why and whether you have review rights.
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Nomination Costs
- Component
- Amount
- Nomination application fee
- AUD540.00
How Long Does a Nomination Last?
The employee you nominate must apply for their visa within 6 months of the nomination being approved. After that, the nomination lapses.
What Happens If Things Go Wrong?
We can’t grant the visa if:
- There’s adverse information about your business or associated persons (unless reasonable to disregard)
- The nomination is withdrawn
- The position is no longer available
If the nomination is refused or withdrawn, the applicant may be eligible for a visa application charge refund depending on circumstances.
Why Businesses Work With The Migration
Business Eligibility Check
We assess whether your business meets sponsorship requirements upfront.
AMSR Documentation
We prepare and justify your Annual Market Salary Rate evidence clearly.
Genuine Need Evidence
We build compelling proof that the position is essential to your operations.
Caveat Navigation
We handle complex occupations with caveats that need additional evidence.
Nomination Lodgement
We submit complete nominations to avoid processing delays and refusals.
Visa Coordination
We align your nomination with your employee's visa application timeline.
FAQs for Sponsors
How much does it cost to nominate someone for a 186 visa?
The nomination fee is AUD540.00. You must also pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy for larger businesses).
What positions can I nominate for?
The occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The position must be full-time, ongoing for at least 2 years, and meet AMSR salary requirements if paying less than $250,000/year.
How long does nomination approval take?
Processing times vary. Check the Department’s processing time guide for current estimates. Complete applications with strong evidence typically process faster.
Can I nominate someone who hasn't worked for me before?
Yes—that’s exactly what the Direct Entry stream is for. The worker doesn’t need prior employment with you, but they must meet skills assessment, English, and experience requirements.
What if I need to withdraw the nomination?
Email the relevant processing area directly. Note that removing it from ImmiAccount doesn’t withdraw the nomination, and fees are generally not refunded.
Your Skills Deserve Permanent Recognition
Australia needs what you offer. Let’s make sure your application reflects that.
