What is the difference between TRT and Direct Entry streams?

The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is for applicants who have already held a subclass 482 visa (Core or Specialist) for at least two years with the same employer in the same occupation. The Direct Entry (DE) stream does not require prior 482 experience — instead it requires a positive skills assessment and at least three years of relevant skilled employment. Direct Entry typically takes longer to process due to the skills assessment requirement.

Can I change employers before I apply for the 186?

For the TRT stream, the two-year requirement must be with the same employer. Changing employers resets the clock — your new employer must sponsor you on a 482 and you must work for them for the required period before they can nominate you for a 186. If you have already worked 2+ years with your current employer, do not change jobs before lodging your 186. Seek advice before making any employer changes.

Are there age exemptions for the 186 visa?

Generally you must be under 45 at the time of visa application. There are limited exemptions: academics with a PhD from an Australian institution in certain fields, scientists and researchers with exceptional records, and certain high-value roles. Exemptions are assessed case-by-case and are not guaranteed. If you are 45 or older, get specialist advice before lodging.

Are there English language exemptions?

Some applicants may be exempt from the English requirement if they are a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland, or hold a passport from those countries. Additionally, applicants who have completed at least five years of full-time study where the language of instruction was English may qualify for an exemption. Your migration agent can confirm which exemption applies to you.

How long does the 186 take to process?

Processing times vary. TRT stream applications are typically processed in 3–6 months as the eligibility pathway is straightforward. Direct Entry applications generally take longer — often 9–18 months — because of the skills assessment process and the need to demonstrate overseas work experience. Lodging a complete application with all supporting documents at the outset is the best way to avoid delays.

What happens to my spouse and children when I get the 186?

The subclass 186 is a permanent residence visa. Your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children who are included as secondary applicants receive permanent residence from the day of grant. They can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, and are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements (generally four years, including one as a permanent resident).

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Employer Sponsored · Permanent

Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 186

A permanent residence visa for skilled workers sponsored by an approved Australian employer, granted across three streams: TRT, Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement.

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

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TRT ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST

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This tool gives a general indication only.

Quick Answer

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer, as Nanak Migration Group, a registered migration agent (MARN 2619467), explains. It has three streams: Temporary Residence Transition (often after a subclass 482), Direct Entry (usually needing a skills assessment), and Labour Agreement. Employers generally need Standard Business Sponsorship, and applicants must usually meet competent English and age rules, though limited exemptions apply.

Reviewed by Navpreet Aulakh, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619467)

Last reviewed: July 2026

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

Core requirements across all three 186 streams. Additional stream-specific criteria apply.

Employer nomination

Your employer must nominate the position via an active Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS). The nomination must be approved before or concurrently with your visa application.

2 years on 482 (TRT)

For the TRT stream, you must have held a Core or Specialist subclass 482 visa for at least two years, working with the same employer in the same occupation.

Skills assessment (Direct Entry)

Direct Entry applicants require a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority and at least three years of skilled employment in the nominated occupation.

Age under 45

You must be under 45 years of age at the time of visa application. Limited exemptions exist for academics, researchers, and some specialist roles.

Competent English

Minimum competent English (IELTS 6 overall or equivalent). Exemptions apply to citizens of certain English-speaking countries and those who studied in English.

Character and health

All applicants must satisfy health and character requirements. Criminal history checks and medical examinations are required.

Application

Application Pathway

From confirming your stream to receiving permanent residence.

Confirm stream eligibility

Determine whether you qualify for TRT (via 482 history) or Direct Entry (via skills assessment). Get advice before lodging.

Employer lodges nomination

Your employer nominates the permanent position with the Department of Home Affairs. SBS must be current and the role must meet market salary requirements.

Prepare supporting documents

Gather payslips, employment contracts, skills assessment results (Direct Entry), English test results, health and character documents.

Lodge the 186 application

Submit the visa application online. Secondary applicants (spouse, children) are included at this stage.

Visa granted — permanent residence

On grant, you and any secondary applicants become Australian permanent residents with no further visa requirements.

Streams

Stream Comparison

Select a stream to explore its specific requirements and typical processing time.

Temporary Residence Transition

Prior 482 required

Required (2+ years)

Skills assessment

Not usually required

Typical processing

3–6 months typical

KEY REQUIREMENTS

482 Core or Specialist for 2+ years

Same employer throughout

Same occupation

Under 45, competent English

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.

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Our registered migration agents will assess your eligibility, guide your employer through the nomination, and build a complete 186 application. Navpreet Aulakh — MARN 2619467.

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MARA-registered · MARN 2619467 · Permanent residence from day of grant

General information only — not immigration advice

About this information

This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.

No outcome representation

Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.

Get personal advice

Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.

Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 186

A permanent residence visa for skilled workers sponsored by an approved Australian employer, granted across three streams: TRT, Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement.

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 186

Eligibility Requirements

Application Pathway

Stream Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Topics

Ready to make Australia your permanent home?

Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 186

Eligibility Requirements

Application Pathway

Stream Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Topics

Ready to make Australia your permanent home?