What is Australia's Subclass 186 and who is it for
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme — ENS) is Australia’s permanent residence visa sponsored by an employer. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, a worker nominated by an Australian business for a full-time position becomes eligible to apply for PR for the whole family.
Unlike the points-based GSM group (189/190/491), Subclass 186 is based on your relationship with the employer. This is a suitable option when you already have, or are about to have, a long-term job offer in Australia.
Already have an interested employer? Get a free profile assessment so M2W consultants can advise the right ENS stream.
- Permanent PR sponsored by an Australian employer
- Based on a job offer, independent of points invitation rounds
- The whole family is granted PR together
The 3 streams of Subclass 186
Subclass 186 has three streams depending on how you connect with the employer.
Direct Entry
Direct Entry
For people who have not yet worked in Australia or have not worked long enough to qualify for the transition stream; requires a skills assessment and experience.
TRT
Temporary Residence Transition
For people who have worked for the employer on a work visa (such as 482) long enough to transition to PR.
Labour Agreement
Labour Agreement
For positions covered by a specific labour agreement between the employer and the government.
The Subclass 186 application process
The ENS process is tied to the sponsoring employer.
Step 1 — Connect with the employer & assessment
Obtain a full-time job offer, lodge the skills assessment and check eligibility for the appropriate stream.
Step 2 — Employer nomination
The Australian business lodges a nomination for the position, demonstrating the need and its eligibility to sponsor.
Step 3 — Lodge the visa application
You lodge the 186 visa application together with your skills, English, health and police check documents.
Step 4 — Receive PR
Once granted, the whole family receives PR and works for the employer in Australia.
Documents and costs to prepare
The cost of 186 includes the employer’s nomination fee, the visa application fee to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, skills assessment, English test, medical examination, police checks and service fees. Part of the cost is borne by the employer as required by regulation. See the cost structure on our price list.
- Passports and personal identity documents for the whole family
- Job offer letter and the employer’s nomination application
- Skills assessment results and confirmation of work experience
- English test results meeting the required level
- Medical examination and police clearance certificate
Frequently asked questions about Subclass 186
Does Subclass 186 require a points test?
No. Unlike the GSM group (189/190/491), Subclass 186 is based on employer nomination rather than the Points Test and invitation rounds.
How many years of experience are required?
The Direct Entry stream usually requires at least 3 years of experience in the field along with a skills assessment. Specific requirements vary by stream and position.
I'm on a 482 visa; can I move up to a 186?
Possibly. The TRT (Temporary Residence Transition) stream is for those who have worked for an employer on a work visa long enough to transition to PR.
Does the whole family get PR?
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children are included in the application and receive PR together.
How do I find a sponsoring employer?
This is the pivotal stage of the ENS. M2W advises on the approach and application preparation to improve your chances of being nominated by an Australian employer.
You have an Australian employer — which pathway should you take?
Subclass 186 grants PR directly when you have an employer sponsor — independent of points-based invitation rounds. M2W specialists advise on the suitable ENS stream and prepare your application.
