Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186): Temporary Residence Transition Stream
The visa 186 Australia Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is your pathway from temporary worker to permanent resident. If you’ve been working in Australia on a 457 or 482 visa, this stream recognises your contribution and lets you stay 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 the Temporary Residence Transition Stream?
The TRT stream rewards loyalty. If you’ve worked for your Australian employer on a temporary skilled visa, you can transition to permanent residence without meeting all the Direct Entry requirements—no skills assessment needed, no CSOL restrictions.
Key requirements at a glance:
- Hold a subclass 457, 482, or eligible bridging visa
- Have worked in eligible sponsored employment for at least 2 years (full-time) in the last 3 years
- Be nominated by your current employer
This is the most common pathway for 457/482 visa holders seeking permanent residency through their employer.
What Can You Do With This Visa?
Once granted:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study without restrictions—any employer, anywhere
- Access Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Travel freely for 5 years from grant
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Newly arrived residents may need to wait before accessing certain government payments.
186 Visa Requirements and Eligibility
When you apply, you must currently hold:
- Subclass 457 visa (any stream), OR
- Subclass 482 visa (any stream), OR
- Eligible bridging visa (if your last substantive visa was a 457 or 482)
You must have worked in eligible sponsored employment for a total of at least 2 years (full-time) in the 3 years before you apply.
Eligible sponsored employment must be:
- Full-time
- Undertaken in Australia
- While holding a subclass 457, 482, or eligible bridging visa
- In an occupation you were granted that visa to perform
If you've held multiple 457/482 visas in the past 3 years, employment can be counted across any occupation you were approved to work in.
If you've changed employers in the past 3 years, sponsored employment can be counted from when an approved nomination was lodged, if you started working before approval.
Your nominating employer must be the one who last sponsored you on your 457 or 482 visa.
The nomination must be approved, and you must apply for the visa within 6 months of that approval.
We can't grant the visa if:
- There's adverse information about your nominator (unless reasonable to disregard)
- The nomination is withdrawn
- The position is no longer available
Important: We can't link a new nomination to an existing visa application. If circumstances change (new employer, new nomination), you may need to withdraw and reapply.
You must hold any mandatory licence, registration, or professional membership required for your occupation in your state/territory.
Usually, you must be under 45 years old when you apply.
Exemptions apply if:
- You're nominated as an academic by an Australian university
- You're nominated as a scientist, researcher, or technical specialist by an Australian government science agency or university
- You're nominated as a medical practitioner who worked in a designated regional area for at least 2 years in the last 3 years while on a 457/482 visa, and the nominated position is in a regional area
- You earned at least the Fair Work High Income Threshold in each year of your 2 years eligible employment
Transitional arrangement: If you held (or had applied for and were later granted) a subclass 457 visa on 18 April 2017, you can still apply if under 50.
You must have at least Competent English. There is no exemption to this requirement for the TRT stream (from 16 November 2019).
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 applying must meet health and character requirements.
If 18 or older, read (or have explained) the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement.
Any debts to the Australian Government must be paid or under formal arrangement.
Previous cancellations or refusals will be considered.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Before You Apply
Ensure your test results are current (not older than 3 years). Results must be received before lodging.
If using immigration assistance, ensure they're MARA-registered, a legal practitioner, or exempt.
Your employer submits their nomination first and receives a TRN. You need this to apply. You don't need to wait for nomination approval to lodge.
Criminal and civil penalties apply to anyone who asks for, receives, offers, or provides benefits in exchange for sponsorship.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
- Passport (photo page, details, issue/expiry dates)
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
- Evidence of mandatory licences, registrations, or memberships for your occupation
Provide verification of all periods of eligible sponsored employment:
- Employment period
- Paid leave taken
- Unpaid leave taken
- Overseas trips for training or work
Also provide:
- PAYG payment summaries
- Employment contracts
- Payslips
- Leave records
Evidence supporting your exemption claim.
Proof of Competent English (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, OET, etc.).
Note: There is NO exemption to English requirements for TRT stream.
- Australian Federal Police certificate (complete disclosure) if 12+ months in Australia since turning 16
- Overseas police certificates from countries where you spent 12+ months in the last 10 years since turning 16
- Military records (if applicable)
- Identity documents
- Character documents
- Marriage certificate OR 12+ months de facto evidence
- Proof of Functional English (or pay second instalment)
- Identity documents
- Birth certificate or relationship proof
- Character documents (if applicable)
- Form 1229 consent from non-travelling parent, or statutory declaration, or court orders
- Identity documents
- Form 47a
- Proof of financial dependency (12+ months)
- Relationship proof
- Character documents
- Proof of Functional English (or pay second instalment)
- Form 956A (authorised recipient)
- Form 956 (immigration assistance)
- Translate non-English documents (NAATI-accredited in Australia)
- Scan in colour, legibly
- No certification required
Step 3: Apply Online
Submit through ImmiAccount.
- Log in or create ImmiAccount
- Complete application accurately
- Attach all documents
- Pay the visa charge
- Note your TRN
Step 4: After You Apply
an't be provided within standard processing time for 186 visas. Check ImmiAccount.
You can travel during processing. Ensure you have a valid visa to return. Bridging visa may apply.
If required, check ImmiAccount for instructions.
May be requested.
Maintain valid visa status during processing.
If applicable, invoiced after other requirements met.
Possible before decision.
Tell the Department about contact, passport, relationship, or family changes.
Step 5: Visa Decision
You can be in or outside Australia when the decision is made.
Written notification with grant number, start date, conditions.
Reasons and review rights. Fee not refunded.
Visa Costs
- Component
- Amount
- Main applicant
- From AUD4,910.00
- Additional family members
- Additional charges apply
- Second instalment (family 18+ without Functional English)
- AUD4,890.00 per person
Your Obligations After Grant
- Obey Australian laws
- Tell the Department about changes to contact details, passport, relationship, or family
Travel Facility: Valid for 5 years. After that, you need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter as a permanent resident.
Sponsorship Visa Australia to Permanent Residency
The TRT stream is the classic sponsorship visa australia to permanent residency pathway. You’ve proven yourself as a valuable worker on a temporary visa—now you’re being rewarded with permanent settlement rights.
This pathway recognises that skilled workers who’ve contributed to Australia for 2+ years deserve the opportunity to stay permanently.
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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.
Employment Verification
We verify and document your full 2-year employment history accurately.
Gap Analysis
We identify and address any gaps in your work records before lodgement.
Employer Coordination
We work with your sponsor to align nomination and visa applications.
Employer Coordination
We organise payslips, contracts, and leave records into a complete package.
Application Lodgement
We submit thorough applications that demonstrate eligibility clearly.
Settlement Guidance
We advise on citizenship pathways and travel after your visa is granted.
Your Questions Answered
Do I need a skills assessment for the TRT stream?
Usually no. The TRT stream doesn’t require a skills assessment by default. However, the Department may request one during processing.
What if I've changed employers during my 457/482 visa?
You can still apply, but your current employer (who is nominating you) must be the one who last sponsored you. Employment with previous employers can count toward your 2 years if properly documented.
Can I include time on a bridging visa in my 2 years?
Only if you were working in eligible sponsored employment while on the bridging visa and it was associated with a 457/482/186/187 application.
What is the difference between 186 and 482 visa?
The 482 is temporary (2-4 years); the 186 is permanent. TRT stream lets you transition from 482 to 186 after 2 years of sponsored employment.
What happens if my employer can't nominate me?
Without an approved nomination from your current sponsor, you can’t apply for TRT stream. You may need to consider Direct Entry (if eligible) or other visa options.
Is there an age exemption for TRT stream?
Yes—multiple exemptions exist for academics, scientists, medical practitioners in regional areas, and high-income earners. Transitional arrangements also apply if you held a 457 visa on 18 April 2017.
What is the TRT Nomination Process?
As the current sponsor of a 457/482 visa holder, you can nominate them for permanent residence through the TRT stream. This rewards workers who’ve committed to your business and Australia.
Key facts:
- Nomination Cost: $0 if position is regional; AUD540.00 if not
- Skilling Australians Fund Levy: Required
- Position Requirement: Full-time, ongoing for at least 2 years
- Nomination Validity: Employee must apply within 6 months of approval
What the Applicant Gets
When you successfully nominate and their visa is granted:
- Live, work, study in Australia indefinitely
- Sponsor eligible family members
- Access Medicare
- Travel freely for 5 years
- Apply for Australian citizenship
Are You Eligible to Nominate?
Your business must:
- Have no adverse information known about it or associated persons (or reasonable to disregard)
- Actively and lawfully operate in Australia
- If hiring labour to other businesses, the position must be within YOUR activities—not for hire
- Have a genuine need for a paid employee in the skilled position
- Pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy
- Have complied with immigration and workplace laws
You must offer:
- A skilled position listed in ANZSCO
- The same occupation as your most recently approved nomination for this applicant
- Full-time, ongoing for at least 2 years (contract cannot limit to 2 years)
- At least the Annual Market Salary Rate if paying under $250,000/year
Note: Occupations are benchmarked to the 2022 ANZSCO release. If your previous nomination was for a 457/TSS visa, codes may have changed. You won't be disadvantaged if the code changed (subject to meeting other criteria).
You must be the applicant's most recently approved sponsor (as a standard business sponsor or labour agreement party).
If your business restructured (new ABN/ACN) and the applicant now works for the new entity, you must ensure their temporary visa sponsorship reflects this BEFORE lodging this nomination.
If business ownership changed (sale, takeover, restructure) since you were approved to sponsor the applicant, you might still nominate them if you can show you and the previous sponsor are considered the same employer.
Warning: If your business has been subject to ASIC action (administration, etc.), your nomination may not meet requirements.
When you nominate, the applicant must currently hold:
- Subclass 457 visa (any stream), OR
- Subclass 482 visa (any stream), OR
- Bridging visa (granted when they applied for 457, 482, 186, or 187)
Your Obligations as a Nominator
You must:
- Employ under fair conditions — no less favourable than Australian workers
- Pay the Annual Market Salary Rate
- Comply with immigration and workplace law
- Agree to employ full-time for at least 2 years
How to Nominate: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Before You Apply
Check Employee Eligibility Confirm they meet TRT requirements—including 2 years eligible employment and holding the right visa.
Check Visa Status Use VEVO to verify your employee’s current visa status and entitlements.
They must provide evidence of at least 2 years eligible sponsored employment in the 3 years before their visa application.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You need to prove two things: your status and your relationship.
Must show:
- Base salary meeting AMSR (if under $250,000/year)
- Total remuneration and conditions no less favourable than Australian workers
- Full-time, ongoing for at least 2 years
- Trust deed (if applicable)
- Current lease agreement
- Audited balance sheet and profit/loss (most recent financial year with comparatives), OR
- Business tax returns and assessment notices (most recent year)
- BAS for each complete quarter since
- BAS from operations start
- Business bank statements from operations start
If your business restructured (new ABN/ACN) and the applicant now works for the new entity, ensure their temporary visa sponsorship reflects this BEFORE lodging.
Associated Business Documents (if applicable)
If the nominee worked for an associated business, show:
- They worked for the same employer in same role/location
- Documents showing association between businesses
- Contracts, PAYG summaries, reporting line evidence
If paying under $250,000/year, document how you determined the rate. Clearly explain any difference between AMSR and proposed salary.
If using an award or agreement, provide a copy.
Provide:
- Detailed organisational chart
- Detailed position description with tasks/duties
- Statement explaining how the position continues to fit business activities
Step 3: Apply for the visa
- Complete nomination in ImmiAccount (select Temporary Residence Transition stream)
- Attach documents
- Pay nomination fee (if not regional): AUD540.00
- Pay Skilling Australians Fund levy
- Note the TRN — your employee needs this
Step 4: After You Apply
Provide Additional Documents Attach anything missing immediately. The Department may decide without further requests.
Report Changes Contact the processing office. Include:
- Business name
- ABN or ACN
- TRN
Withdrawing You can withdraw before the employee’s visa decision. Email the processing area.
Note: Removing from ImmiAccount doesn’t withdraw. Fees generally not refunded.
Step 5: Nomination Outcome
Letter with nomination approval number.
Letter with reasons and review rights (if any).
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Nomination Costs
- Position Location
- Nomination Fee
- SAF Levy
- Regional Australia
- $0
- Required
- Non-regional
- AUD540.00
- Required
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
Restructure Navigation
We guide you through nominations after business sales, mergers, or ABN changes.
Continuity Documentation
We prove your employee has worked for the "same employer" despite changes.
AMSR Evidence
We prepare clear salary documentation meeting market rate requirements.
Genuine Need Proof
We demonstrate your ongoing business need for this position.
Nomination Lodgement
We submit complete nominations aligned with TRT-specific requirements.
Visa Coordination
We align your nomination with your employee's application timeline.
FAQs for Sponsors
Can I nominate someone who worked for a previous owner of my business?
Possibly, if you can demonstrate you and the previous sponsor are the same employer. This requires careful documentation.
What if my business structure changed?
If you now have a new ABN/ACN, ensure the employee’s temporary visa sponsorship reflects the new entity BEFORE lodging the 186 nomination.
Is there a fee reduction for regional positions?
Yes—there’s no nomination fee for positions in regional Australia. You still pay the SAF levy.
What if the employee hasn't completed 2 years yet?
They can’t apply for the visa until they meet the 2-year requirement. Time your nomination accordingly.
Can I nominate for a different occupation than their 482 visa?
For TRT stream, the occupation must be the same as your most recently approved nomination. If you need a different occupation, consider the Direct Entry stream.
You've Earned Your Place in Australia
Two years of contribution deserves permanent recognition. Let’s make your TRT application count. Get MARA-registered guidance.
