186 Visa Requirements in Australia: Skills, Work Experience & More

For many skilled professionals working in Australia or overseas, securing permanent residency is a major life goal—and the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Visa offers one of the most reliable pathways to achieving it. Designed to help Australian businesses retain skilled workers long-term, the 186 visa supports both the employer’s workforce strategy and the employee’s desire to settle permanently in Australia.

In this detailed guide, we break down the essential 186 visa requirements, focusing on skills, work experience, employer nomination criteria, and stream differences—helping both applicants and employers navigate this pathway to permanent residency with confidence.

Need tailored advice? Book a free consultation with AIM Lawyers to get expert legal support on your eligibility or nomination process.

What Is the 186 Visa?

The Subclass 186 Visa, part of Australia’s Employer Nomination Scheme, allows skilled workers to be nominated by an Australian employer for permanent residency. Once granted, it provides the visa holder with the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely, access public healthcare, and apply for citizenship once eligible.

Unlike temporary work visas, the 186 visa is a direct path to settlement, making it an attractive option for employees who meet the criteria—and for employers looking to retain experienced staff without visa renewal cycles.

There are three streams under the 186 visa program:

  1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream – for workers on a 482 or 457 visa who have worked with the same employer for at least two years.

  2. Direct Entry (DE) Stream – for skilled professionals applying from overseas or without recent Australian work experience. 
  3. Labour Agreement Stream – for employers with special agreements with the Australian Government (not covered in this article).

Key 186 Visa Requirements: Who Is Eligible?

All applicants must meet the following core criteria:

  • Be nominated by an eligible Australian employer
  • Have an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Possess the required skills, qualifications, and work experience
  • Meet the competent English requirement (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in each band)
  • Be under 45 years of age at the time of application (with some exemptions)
  • Pass both health and character checks

While these are the base-level requirements, the stream you apply under—TRT or Direct Entry—will significantly affect the documentation and eligibility standards.

The TRT Stream: For Temporary Visa Holders Transitioning to PR

If you currently hold a Subclass 482 (TSS) or Subclass 457 visa and have worked with the same employer for at least two of the last three years, you may be eligible under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

One of the major advantages of this stream is that a skills assessment is generally not required, as your employment history already demonstrates your competency. However, your role must still be listed on the MLTSSL, and your employer must continue to meet sponsorship obligations.

TRT stream applicants must be under 45 years of age and meet the English language requirement. You will also need to show that your employer is offering you a permanent, full-time position for at least two years at a market-aligned salary.

Are you on a 482 visa and ready for PR? Read our full guide to 482 to 186 transition here.

The Direct Entry Stream: For Overseas and Non-482 Applicants

If you are applying from outside Australia, or have not yet completed two years with your sponsoring employer on a temporary visa, the Direct Entry (DE) stream may apply to you.

This pathway requires you to have:

  • At least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience in your nominated occupation
  • A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
  • Occupation listed on the MLTSSL
  • Proof of English proficiency and strong character

Direct Entry is ideal for experienced professionals migrating from overseas who have already developed their skills in their home country. However, the application process tends to be more document-heavy, and often requires a carefully prepared skills assessment package.

If you’re unsure which stream you qualify for, our lawyers can provide a strategic assessment. Book a free consultation now.

Employer Requirements: What Sponsors Need to Know

For a 186 visa to be granted, the employer plays a vital role. Sponsoring businesses must:

  • Be a lawfully operating business in Australia
  • Have a genuine, full-time permanent position available for the nominated employee
  • Offer a salary aligned with the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
  • Commit to employing the nominee for a minimum of two years.

Importantly, employers do not need to complete Labour Market Testing for 186 nominations—unlike the 482 visa. However, they must submit a formal nomination application, including a detailed statement justifying the role, employment contract, and evidence of operational legitimacy (such as financial records or ASIC registration).

For a full breakdown of your legal obligations as a sponsoring employer, see our step-by-step employer sponsorship guide.

After Visa Grant: Permanent Residency Rights

Once granted, the 186 visa confers permanent residency (PR) status in Australia. This provides:

  • The right to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
  • Access to Medicare and public services.
  • The ability to sponsor eligible family members for their own visas.
  • The option to apply for citizenship after satisfying residency requirements.

PR via the 186 visa is considered secure, with minimal post-visa conditions—making it an appealing route for long-term migration planning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants and employers make avoidable errors that delay processing or result in refusals. These include:

  • Applying under the wrong stream (e.g., choosing TRT when Direct Entry is required).
  • Failing to meet the minimum work experience threshold for the Direct Entry stream.
  • Submitting outdated police or medical checks.
  • Overlooking the need for a skills assessment under the DE stream.
  • Employers offering contracts that don’t meet the required permanency or salary level.

To avoid these pitfalls, it’s essential to seek professional legal support early in the application process.

 Also see: Common Pitfalls in Your Australian Visa Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Is the 186 visa permanent?
    Yes. The Subclass 186 visa grants immediate permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

  2. Do I need a skills assessment for this visa?
    Only if you’re applying under the Direct Entry stream. The TRT stream generally waives this requirement.

  3. What is the age limit for the 186 visa?
    You must be under 45 years old at the time of application unless you qualify for an exemption (e.g., high-income earners or academic roles).

  4. Can I include family members in the application?
    Yes. Spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants.

  5. How long does it take to process a 186 visa?
    Processing times typically range from 4 to 9 months, depending on the stream, case complexity, and Department of Home Affairs workload.

Next Steps: Get Expert Help with Your 186 Visa Application

Navigating the 186 visa process can be complex—especially when choosing between TRT and Direct Entry, preparing documentation, and ensuring employer compliance. AIM Lawyers offers strategic, end-to-end support to ensure your application meets all legal standards and minimises processing delays.

Book your free consultation today and take the next step toward permanent residency with confidence.