Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Subclass
186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa
The 186 employer nomination visa – officially known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa – provides a direct permanent residency pathway for skilled workers nominated by Australian employers.
Whether you’re someone aiming to settle in Australia, or an employer keen to fill vital roles, this visa may offer a seamless solution.
This guide covers eligibility, application streams, processing time, common challenges, alternative visa options, and how Oli & Associates can support your journey.
What the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa offers
The 186 employer nomination scheme visa allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia, provided they are nominated by an eligible employer.
It features three different streams to suit varying circumstances – direct entry, temporary residence transition (TRT) and labour agreement – each with distinct requirements and benefits.
The three streams of the 186 employer nomination visa
Direct entry stream
Under the direct entry stream, applicants must be nominated by an employer, possess relevant skills (typically verified via a skills assessment), and meet health and character requirements.
Temporary residence transition (TRT) stream
This stream is designed for those who already hold a subclass 482 visa and have worked for the nominating employer for at least two years. It allows a smoother transition to permanent residency, without needing to meet current occupation list requirements.
Labour agreement stream
If a business has entered into a labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs, it can nominate workers under more flexible terms. The labour agreement stream is particularly useful for roles not on standard occupation lists and can include regional or company-specific agreements.
Comparing other skilled visa options
Subclass 189 visa (skilled independent visa)
Assessed by points, no sponsorship required.
Subclass 190 visa (skilled nominated visa)
Requires state or territory nomination.
Temporary skilled visas
Temporary visas such as subclass 485 visa (temporary graduate visa)
or (subclass) 407 training visa may serve as interim pathways
before applying for permanent residency.
Eligibility and requirements for the 186 employer nomination visa
Applicant requirements
For direct entry, applicants must be nominated, demonstrate required skills (including a relevant skill assessment), have at least three years of full–time relevant experience, have competent English and meet health and character checks. Temporary residence transition (TRT) applicants must have already held a subclass 482 visa and worked continuously for the nominating employer for at least two years. Labour agreement stream applicants must meet criteria defined within the specific agreement.
Occupation eligibilitys
Only occupations listed on the relevant Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) lists are eligible for direct entry. TRT does not require an updated occupation list; eligibility depends on current employment. Labour agreement occupations vary according to the terms of that agreement.
Employer obligations and nomination
Employers must ensure the nominated position is genuine, offers the position for at least two years, pay market Salary rate which is not less than Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and the employment agreement is complaint with relevant State / Territory and federal law.
Labour agreements and designated area agreements
Employers can enter into company-specific or industry-wide labour agreements, enabling greater flexibility for roles not covered by standard visa programs. Evidence of training plans and limitations on overseas workers may be required. Regional businesses can benefit from Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA), which are formal agreements between the federal government and a state or territory government or regional authority, and which offer access to more overseas workers than Australia’s standard skilled migration program
Priority processing pathways
Applications submitted under the 186 employer nomination visa are processed under Ministerial Direction No. 105, which gives priority to regional occupations, healthcare, teaching and those sponsored by accredited employers. Lodging a thorough and complete application is crucial to avoid delays.
Processing times for the 186 employer nomination visa
Permanent skilled visas, including the 186 employer nomination visa, have a median processing time of approximately 12 months as of mid‑2025. However, priority streams such as regional or healthcare-related nominations may be handled more quickly. Processing times can change depending on the number of applications and other departmental circumstances.
Common Challenges & Pitfalls for the 186 Visa
Skills Assessment & ANZSCO Issues
Outdated skills assessments or incorrect ANZSCO codes often result in delays or refusals.
Nomination Deficiencies
Employer inability to prove a genuine position or incorrect market salary calculations can cause refusals.
Employment Reference Problems
References with mismatched duties or inconsistent responsibilities may create issues.
Stream Selection Confusion
Choosing the wrong stream (DE, TRT, LA) makes the application unnecessarily complex.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing health, character or skills documents often cause delays or refusals.
How Oli & Associates can help you secure a 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
Founded in 2002, Oli & Associates brings decades of experience navigating employer-sponsored visas. We are known as 186 visa experts and specialists because of our very strong record of success. As a 186 employer nomination visa specialist migration agent, we provide:
Eligibility assessment and assistance in choosing the correct stream
Support with up-to-date skills assessment and accurate ANZSCO occupation selection
Advice on the contents of reference letters
Expert preparation of sponsorship and nomination documents, including compliance with labour market guidelines and salary thresholds
Guidance on labour agreement options, such as DAMA, aged-care agreements and temporary company-specific agreements
Support in drawing compliant employment agreements
Guidance in determining market salary rates
Assistance in lodging complete applications to minimise processing delays and reduce risk of refusal
What are the next steps to apply for a 186 employer nomination visa?
For applicants
Evaluate which stream aligns with your profile. If you hold a subclass 482 visa with two years of employment under your belt, the TRT stream may offer your fastest route. Otherwise, confirm your occupation list eligibility and plan for skills assessment.
For employers
Confirm genuine need, prepare accurate nomination documentation, and consider if labour agreements or regional options (such as DAMA) provide viable alternatives.
Contact Oli & Associates today to receive expert, tailored support for navigating the subclass 186 employer nomination visa pathway, comparing it with other options like the subclass 189 visa or subclass 190 visa, and ensuring your application is strong, compliant and timely.
Using the services of a 186 employer nomination visa specialist migration agent, like Oli & Associates, will give you the peace of mind you need when navigating this challenging process.
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