Australia Subclass 186 Visa – The Ultimate Guide for 2025

Are you working in Australia and dreaming of permanent residency? Or perhaps you're an overseas skilled professional with a job offer from an Australian company? The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186 Visa could be your gateway to settling in Australia permanently.

At Aussie Pathways, we help skilled professionals and their employers navigate the complex 186 visa process, ensuring a smooth, successful transition from temporary work to permanent residency.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:

• What the 186 Visa is

• Who is eligible

• Key differences between its three streams

• Step-by-step application process

• PR benefits, common challenges, and how we help you overcome them

Let’s dive in.

What is the Subclass 186 Visa?

The Subclass 186 Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer. This visa allows you to:

• Live and work permanently in Australia

• Include eligible family members

• Access Medicare and other PR benefits

• Apply for Australian citizenship (after meeting residency criteria)

Who is the 186 Visa for?

You may be eligible if:

• You are a skilled worker currently working in Australia on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 Visa, or

• You are overseas but have a job offer from an eligible Australian employer

The Three Streams of the 186 Visa

1. Direct Entry Stream

For skilled workers outside Australia or in Australia but not on a 482 visa, or who have less than 3 years of relevant experience in Australia.

Key Requirements:

• Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

• Positive skills assessment is mandatory

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience

• English proficiency (usually IELTS 6 or equivalent)

2. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

For individuals already in Australia on a TSS 482 visa who have worked for their employer for at least 2 out of the last 3 years.

Key Requirements:

• Same occupation as your 482 visa

• Employer must sponsor you again under the 186 visa

• No skills assessment required (usually)

• Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)

Dreaming of PR through your current job in Australia? Aussie Pathways helps you transition to 186 smoothly.

3. Labour Agreement Stream

For workers whose employer has a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government, allowing them to sponsor workers under special conditions (usually for regional or niche occupations).

Key Requirements:

• Must meet the terms of the Labour Agreement

• Skills assessment and English requirements vary

• Aussie Pathways helps employers apply for and maintain Labour Agreements where needed

Eligibility Criteria – Employees and Employers

For Employees:

• Must be nominated by an Australian employer

• Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)

• Meet skills, English, and health/character requirements

For Employers:

• Must be an approved business sponsor

• Must be actively and lawfully operating in Australia

• Must demonstrate the need for the nominated role

• Must comply with labour market testing (LMT) if required

Not sure if your employer qualifies for 186 nomination? Get a free consultation with our team.

Skills & English Requirements

Criteria	Direct Entry	TRT Stream	Labour Agreement
Skills Assessment	Mandatory	Usually Not Required	As per Agreement
English Proficiency	Competent	Competent	Varies
Work Experience	3+ years	2 out of 3 years with same employer	Varies

At Aussie Pathways, we assist clients in:

• Determining if they require a skills assessment

• Choosing the correct English test (IELTS, PTE, etc.)

• Preparing and submitting documents on time

PR Benefits of the 186 Visa

Once granted, the 186 visa offers:

• Permanent residency for you and your family

• Medicare healthcare access

• No need for future employer sponsorship

• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship

• Work and study freedom anywhere in Australia

Processing Time & Application Stages

Processing Time (2025 Update):

• TRT Stream: 5 – 8 months

• Direct Entry: 6 – 11 months

• Labour Agreement: Varies

Application Stages:

1. Step 1: Employer Nomination : Aussie Pathways verifies employer eligibility and assists with all required paperwork, including LMT.

   
   

2. Step 2: Visa Application : We assist you in preparing and lodging the visa with complete supporting documents.

   
   

3. Step 3: Decision & PR Grant : We track your application and handle all communications with the Department of Home Affairs.

   
   

Common Obstacles & How Aussie Pathways Supports You

✅ Choosing the Right Stream : We analyse your current visa status, work history, and future goals to recommend the most suitable stream.

✅ Employer Eligibility : Many employers are unsure of sponsorship requirements. We assist with all formalities and ensure LMT compliance.

✅ Skill Assessment Guidance : We guide clients through the entire skill assessment process if required, avoiding costly delays.

✅ Compliance & Lodgment : From documentation to form submissions, we ensure every step meets DHA standards.

✅ End-to-End Support : From job offer to PR grant, Aussie Pathways is with you—advising, preparing, and filing with expert care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is 186 different from 482?

The 482 is a temporary work visa that requires employer sponsorship. The 186 visa is a permanent residency visa, often pursued after gaining experience on a 482.

Do I need a skills assessment for 186?

Yes, if you’re applying through the Direct Entry stream. In most TRT stream cases, a skills assessment is not required.

Can I switch from 482 to 186 with the same employer?

Yes! If you’ve worked with your employer for at least 2 years on a 482, you can apply under the TRT stream of the 186 visa.

Final Thoughts

The 186 visa is one of the most powerful pathways to Australian PR for skilled professionals working with Australian employers. But it’s also a complex, multi-stage process where even minor errors can lead to rejections or delays.

At Aussie Pathways, we specialize in making your 186 visa journey simple, successful, and stress-free.

👉 Book your free assessment today

👉 Talk to our experts and find out your PR eligibility through the 186 visa

Your Australian dream is one decision away. Let Aussie Pathways make it happen.