The 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme – ENS) is one of the most popular pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia. It allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently if they are nominated by an approved Australian employer.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know in 2025: requirements, eligibility, costs, processing times, and PR pathways.

What is the 186 Visa?

The Subclass 186 Visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers. It requires nomination by an approved employer and is designed to fill skills shortages in Australia.

It has three main streams:

1. Direct Entry Stream – for applicants outside Australia or those not eligible for transition.

2. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream – for holders of a 482 or 457 visa who have worked for their employer for a set period.

3. Labour Agreement Stream – for workers sponsored under a labour agreement.

186 Visa Requirements (2025)

To qualify for the 186 Visa, applicants must meet these key requirements:

• Employer Nomination – must be nominated by an approved employer for an eligible occupation.

• Age – under 45 years old (some exemptions apply).

• Skills & Experience – must have the required qualifications, skills, and work experience.

• English Language – must meet at least competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).

• Health & Character – must pass medical exams and police checks.

186 Visa Streams Explained

1. Direct Entry Stream

• For applicants outside Australia OR those who haven’t worked for the nominating employer.

• Must have skills assessment in an eligible occupation.

2. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

• For 482 or 457 visa holders.

• Must work with the same employer for at least 2 years (from July 2022 rules update).

• No skills assessment needed if sponsored under TRT.

3. Labour Agreement Stream

• For workers under a labour agreement (negotiated between employer & government).

• May have concessions on age, skills, and English.

186 Visa Eligible Occupations

The list is updated regularly, but in general, it covers:

• Healthcare – Nurses, Doctors, Allied Health Professionals.

• Engineering – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineers.

• IT Professionals – Software Engineers, Systems Analysts.

• Trades – Carpenters, Welders, Chefs.

 Check the official Skilled Occupation List for the latest updates.

186 Visa Processing Time (2025)

• Direct Entry Stream – 7 to 12 months (average).

• TRT Stream – 6 to 9 months (faster due to work history).

• Labour Agreement Stream – 9 to 14 months.

Note: Processing may be faster for priority occupations such as nurses, aged care workers, and doctors.

186 Visa Costs (2025)

• Main Applicant – AUD $4,640

• Spouse/Partner – AUD $2,320

• Child (under 18) – AUD $1,160

Other costs:

• Skills assessment fee (if applicable).

• Medical exam: ~AUD $350–$500.

• Police checks: ~AUD $50–$100 each.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

The 186 Visa is a direct PR visa, meaning you become a permanent resident immediately upon grant.

Benefits include:

• Stay in Australia permanently.

• Work and study rights.

• Access to Medicare (public healthcare).

• Apply for Australian citizenship (after meeting residency requirements).

Who Should Apply for a 186 Visa?

This visa is ideal for:

• Skilled workers currently on a 482 visa who want to transition to PR.

• Professionals overseas who have an Australian employer willing to sponsor.

• Nurses, doctors, engineers, and tradespeople in high demand.

Key Tips for a Successful 186 Visa Application

✅ Get your skills assessment done early (Direct Entry).
✅ Maintain good relationship with your employer (TRT pathway).
✅ Prepare documents upfront – skills, English, health, police checks.
✅ Consider a registered migration agent if unsure about eligibility.

Final Thoughts

The 186 Visa is one of the fastest and most reliable pathways to Australian permanent residency in 2025. If you have an employer ready to nominate you, this visa could secure your future in Australia.

Looking for a sponsoring employer or migration advice?

• Browse our Job Board for PR pathways (nurses, IT, trades, engineering).

• Find trusted professionals in our Migration Agent Directory.

• Use our Free PR Calculator to check your eligibility.

 Start your 186 Visa journey today and make Australia your permanent home.