186 Visa
186 Visa Australia – Your Complete Guide to Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) in 2025
If you're a skilled worker looking to live and work in Australia permanently, the 186 visa—officially known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa—could be your ideal pathway. This permanent residency visa allows skilled workers to be sponsored by an Australian employer, offering a stable future in one of the world’s most desirable countries.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the 186 visa, including eligibility requirements, application process, streams, and frequently asked questions.
What Is the 186 Visa?
The subclass 186 visa is a permanent resident visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia indefinitely. To apply for this visa, you must be nominated by an approved Australian employer. It is part of Australia's Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS).
Streams Under the 186 Visa
There are three main streams under the 186 visa:
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
For workers who have already worked with their employer in Australia on a 482 or 457 visa for at least two to three years.Direct Entry (DE) Stream
For applicants who have never worked in Australia or only briefly and are nominated for a role on the relevant skilled occupation list.Labour Agreement Stream
For skilled workers sponsored through a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.
186 Visa Requirements (General Overview)
To be eligible for the 186 visa, you generally need to:
Be nominated by an Australian employer
Be under 45 years of age (some exemptions apply)
Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience
Meet English language requirements
Have a positive skills assessment (for Direct Entry)
Meet health and character requirements
186 Visa Occupation List
To qualify under the Direct Entry stream, your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Common occupations include:
Registered Nurse
Software Engineer
Civil Engineer
Electrician
ICT Business Analyst
Chef
Mechanical Engineer
Always refer to the official government website for the most up-to-date 186 visa occupation list.
How to Apply for a 186 Visa
Here are the typical steps:
Employer nomination through the Department of Home Affairs
Receive nomination approval
Lodge your visa application online
Provide biometrics, documents, and health checks
Wait for a decision
Processing times vary but generally range from 4 to 12 months, depending on the stream and complexity of your case.
Costs of the 186 Visa
As of 2025, the application fee for the main applicant is approximately AUD $4,640, with additional costs for dependents and optional services like health assessments and English testing.
Can Family Members Be Included?
Yes, you can include members of your family unit in your 186 visa application, such as:
Your spouse or de facto partner
Your dependent children
Your partner’s dependent children
They will also receive permanent residency if the visa is granted.
Benefits of the 186 Visa
Permanent residency for you and your family
Access to Medicare and other social benefits
Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia
Pathway to Australian citizenship
Sponsor eligible relatives for migration
Final Thoughts
The 186 visa is a powerful option for skilled professionals seeking long-term opportunities in Australia. With multiple streams and a path to permanent residency, it’s a top choice for workers who have employer support and meet the eligibility criteria.
Whether you're already in Australia on a temporary visa or looking to move from abroad, understanding the 186 visa process is your first step to building a future Down Under.
