Subclass 186 Visa

What are the details, and how to apply? (Step By Step)

There are 3 different streams of visas: Direct Entry, labour agreements, and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT).

Direct Entry

If your occupation is on the list of eligible skilled occupations and you have a nomination from an Australian employer, then you can submit an application for direct entry. This will allow you to stay in Australia permanently. You must have at least three years of post-qualification full-time work experience, competent English, and a valid skills assessment for your field.

Labour Agreement Streams

If your employer has entered into a formal Labour Agreement with the Australian Government, they may be able to sponsor you for a Subclass 186 visa under this stream. This stream is intended for skilled workers when standard visa programs do not meet the needs of employers. These agreements are therefore suited to particular sectors or regions. They may favour exclusions from standard visa requirements.

Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRT)

To apply through this stream, you must have worked full-time in your nominated occupation with your current employer on a 457, 482, or eligible bridging visa. However, you must have worked full-time for your employer for at least 2 years (if on a 482 visa).

Application Process

• Check your eligibility based on the stream (Direct Entry, TRT, or Labour Agreement), age (under 45), English level, skills, health & character, and work experience, as well as other requirements.
• Employer nominations must be submitted and approved by an eligible Australian employer using the appropriate stream and occupation.
• If your employer is willing to sponsor you under the Direct Entry stream and provide you with a TRN (Transaction Reference Number) then that may help you to gather more information for your application. Get a valid skills assessment (for Direct Entry) and ensure you meet post-qualification work experience requirements (usually 3 years full-time).
• Make sure to give an approved English language test, unless exempt.
• Prepare all required documents, including proof of ID, resume, character and health checks, qualifications, and employment history.
• If you receive a nomination, you need to apply for the visa within 6 months and use your ImmiAccount. You can be in or out of Australia when making this application.
• Pay the visa application fee, starting from AUD 4,640 (additional charges apply for dependents, health checks, etc.).
• The immigration authorities may request more information in order to process your application, such as biometrics or other data. They will provide you with a deadline within which to respond, and it is important you do so as soon as possible.
• When the decision has been finalised, you will get an email with the result and information. If the refusal is refused, they will tell you why and advise if a review of the decision is possible.

Ozee Migration will handle your Subclass 186 Visa process from start to finish and help you secure permanent residence in Australia. Start your journey with us today.

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

There are a lot of criteria to apply for the 186 visa. You must be under 45 years old in order to apply for this visa. Moreover, you need to be skilled – this means you need skills that are on the skilled occupation list, such as work experience, generally from 3 years. You may need to provide proof of your skills or prove that you have the required licences, registrations, or membership with a governing body.

Nomination by an Australian employer must be done through official channels and is checked for compliance. The nomination will not happen if the nominator has any information that implies that they are not operating lawfully or in your best interests.

There are some exceptions to the 457 visa, such as people who work in research or lecturers at universities.

You must meet certain character requirements: These character requirements are mainly to check that you’re a good person. 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.

You need to meet “Competent English”:

• IELTS 6.0 (no band < 6.0)
• PTE ( at least 50)
• TOEFL iBT ( at least 64)
• Cambridge (CAE) 169
• hold citizenship and a valid passport of countries like the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.

Occupation Lists

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

Direct Entry Stream: You need to nominate an occupation from anyone listed on the relevant skilled occupation list, such as the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). These lists are updated on a regular basis to reflect the needs of the Australian labour market.

Temporary Residence Transition 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: Occupations are defined in individual labour agreements between employers and the Australian government. These occupations are not usually listed on standard occupation lists.

Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) – Effective 1 July 2025

To ensure fair compensation for overseas workers and protect their rights, CSIT has implemented a minimum salary requirement for ENS 186 visa applicants. The current minimum salary is set at AUD 76,515. Thus, Australian employers must offer a salary that meets or exceeds this amount to comply with market salary rates as well as important economic indicators.

Documents required

Some documents will be required for you and any family members who are travelling with you. It’s best to gather these as soon as possible so you’re prepared in case immigration requests them from you. It’s also possible that some documents won’t be needed, or they’ll ask for more.

• English competency certificates that are no more than three years old.
• Make sure you have valid certificates of good character.
• Form 80 to determine the character’s level of accuracy.
• Your resume, cover letter, and everything else they require.
• You’ll need to provide documents like a birth certificate or passport to show your ID.
• Provide a document proving your name change, if relevant.
• Copy of the marriage certificate, if relevant.
• Must read and sign the Australian Values Statement.
• In order to prove your health status, you will need to submit a medical certificate provided by your healthcare provider.

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.