Subclass 186 Visa

Visa Streams 

There are three streams under the Subclass 186 visa: Direct Entry, Labour Agreement, and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT).

Direct Entry

If your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and you have a nomination from an Australian employer, you can apply under the Direct Entry stream. This allows you to live and work in Australia permanently. You must generally have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, Competent English, and a positive skills assessment, unless you are exempt.

Labour Agreement Stream

If your employer has entered into a formal Labour Agreement with the Australian Government, they may sponsor you for a Subclass 186 visa under this stream. It is designed for skilled workers where standard visa programs do not meet employer needs. Occupations and eligibility requirements are determined by the terms of the Labour Agreement and may differ from the standard visa requirements.

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

To apply under this stream, you must have worked for your sponsoring employer while holding an eligible subclass 457 or 482 visa. In most cases, you need to have worked for your employer in eligible employment for at least 2 years immediately before your nomination.

Processing time

Direct Entry Stream: 50% of visa applications are processed within 12 months, and 90% within 18 months.
Labour Agreement Stream: 50% of visa applications are processed within 4 months, and 90% within 8 months.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream: 50% of visa applications are processed within 14 months, and 90% within 17 months.

Note: These are just estimates of processing times. Actual processing time may differ depending on the circumstances.

Try checking your ImmiAccount to see if they require any more information.

Cost For Applying

It would cost around AUD4,910.00 to get into the Direct Entry stream, Labour Agreement stream, and Temporary residence transition stream.

Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 186 Visa

The eligibility requirements for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa vary depending on the stream. However, the main criterion is as follows:

Age

You must be under 45 years old at the time of application. However, some exemptions may apply. (as per specific streams or nomination circumstances)

Skills and Work Experience

You must have the skills, qualifications, and work experience necessary as per your nominated occupation. Basically, you must

• Choose an occupation relevant to your chosen 186 stream requirements
• Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience
• Hold a positive skills assessment, unless you are exempt
• Have licences, registration, or professional membership (if required)

Employer Nomination

You need to be nominated by an Australian employer. The employer must be lawfully operating, offering a genuine position, and meeting the nomination requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

English Requirement

You need to meet “Competent English”, usually through one of the following:

• IELTS: at least 6.0 in each band
• PTE Academic: at least 50 in each component
• TOEFL iBT: accepted equivalent score
• Cambridge English (CAE/C1 Advanced): accepted equivalent score

You may also meet the English requirement if you have a valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.

Character Requirement

You must meet Australia’s character requirements. Your visa may be denied if you have any history of criminal conduct, affiliation with anti-social groups, or the potential to engage in criminal/anti-national activities.

Occupation Eligibility by Stream

The occupation eligibility for the 186 Visa varies according to stream:

Direct Entry Stream

Your nominated occupation must generally be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). You will also usually need at least 3 years of relevant work experience, a skills assessment (if required), and Competent English.

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

Occupation eligibility is already established while on a subclass 457 or 482 visa. The occupation does not have to be on a specific list when applying for ENS.

Labour Agreement Stream

Occupation requirements under this stream are based on the labour agreement between the employer and the Australian Government, rather than the standard occupation list.

Note: The mentioned lists are regularly updated to meet the needs of the Australian labour market.

Salary Requirement

For Subclass 186 nominations, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) applies.

From 1 July 2026, the minimum salary threshold is AUD 79,499.

This means the employer must offer a salary that:

• is at least AUD 79,499, and
• is in line with the market salary rate for the role.

Documents Required

When applying for the Subclass 186 visa, you must provide supporting documents for yourself and any accompanying family members. The Department of Home Affairs may request additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Commonly required documents include:

• A valid passport and identity documents (such as a birth certificate)
• English language test results (if applicable)
• Skills assessment and qualification documents (if required)
• Employment documents, including your resume/CV and relevant work references
• Police clearance certificates to meet the character requirement
• Form 80 (if requested by the Department)
• Health examination results from an approved panel physician
• Marriage certificate or relationship documents (if applicable)
• Name change documents (if applicable)
• A signed Australian Values Statement

Visa Conditions

• If you’re already in Australia and are thinking of marrying/starting a de facto relationship, get your visa sorted first. If you don’t tell the immigration department, they may cancel your visa.
• In Australia, you are expected to maintain good character and obey their laws. If you breach the terms of your visa, get charged with a crime, or disrupt the peace of Australian communities, you may be deported.