Australia Employer Nomination Scheme (186) 2026: Full Guide

Q: What are the streams under the subclass 186 visa?

The main streams are the Direct Entry stream, for applicants who haven't held a relevant work visa, and the Temporary Residence Transition stream, for those moving from an eligible temporary employer-sponsored visa such as Skills in Demand to permanent residence with the same employer.

Q: How quickly can I get permanent residence through 186?

Under recent reforms, employer-sponsored pathways such as the 186 can offer permanent residence after as little as two years on a qualifying temporary visa, faster than the traditional timeline previously required.

Q: Does my employer need to do anything special to sponsor me?

Yes. The employer must be an approved sponsor, nominate the specific position, and show the role genuinely needs to be filled and meets the relevant skill and salary requirements for the visa.

Who this suits

The Employer Nomination Scheme grants permanent residence directly through employer sponsorship — either straight from overseas or as the next step after a temporary employer-sponsored visa such as Skills in Demand. It's one of the most direct permanent pathways in the Australian system for workers with a genuine, ongoing employer relationship.

The two main streams

Direct Entry stream — for applicants who haven't held a relevant employer-sponsored temporary visa, generally requiring more work experience and a full skills assessment.
Temporary Residence Transition stream — for workers already on an eligible temporary employer-sponsored visa, transitioning to permanent residence with the same employer.

Recent reforms have shortened the transition timeline: permanent residence through employer-sponsored pathways can now be possible after as little as two years on a qualifying temporary visa, faster than the traditional route previously required.

How the process works

Employer approval — the sponsoring employer must be approved and meet the relevant obligations.
Nomination — the employer nominates the specific position, showing it meets skill and salary requirements.
Visa application — including skills assessment (Direct Entry stream) or evidence of time on your existing visa (Transition stream), plus health and character checks.

A note on accuracy: stream eligibility, transition timelines and income thresholds are reviewed by the Department of Home Affairs regularly. Nothing on this page is legal advice — your matched migration agent will confirm current requirements for your specific role and employer.

Common questions

What are the streams under the subclass 186 visa?

The Direct Entry stream, for those without a relevant prior visa, and the Temporary Residence Transition stream, for workers moving from an eligible temporary visa to PR with the same employer.

How quickly can I get permanent residence through 186?

Under recent reforms, as little as two years on a qualifying temporary visa — faster than the traditional timeline.

Does my employer need to do anything special to sponsor me?

Yes — they must be an approved sponsor, nominate the position, and show it meets the relevant skill and salary requirements.

Employer Nomination Scheme (186)

Who this suits

The two main streams

How the process works

Common questions

What are the streams under the subclass 186 visa?

How quickly can I get permanent residence through 186?

Does my employer need to do anything special to sponsor me?

Already working for a sponsoring employer?