Subclass 186

Employer Nomination Scheme

Permanent residency through employer nomination.

Employer Nomination Scheme
MARA Registered Agent MARN 2619348
Subclass 186
Validity Permanent
Processing 6 – 12 months
Work Rights Full · unrestricted
Who it's for

Designed for real-world applicants.

Find out at a glance whether this visa pathway fits your circumstances — and where the Employer Nomination Scheme sits in the wider Australian migration system.

01 / Profile

Sponsored workers

Workers nominated for a permanent role by an approved Australian sponsor.

02 / Profile

Direct Entry stream

For applicants with a positive skills assessment and 3+ years of relevant experience.

03 / Profile

Temporary Residence stream

For workers who have held a 482 with the same employer for 2+ years.

The detail

Everything you need to plan.

Eligibility, documents, timeline and step-by-step process — laid out the way our migration agents actually walk you through it on the first call.

The dossier

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer for an ongoing position. It has a Direct Entry stream for applicants with a positive skills assessment and at least three years of relevant experience, and a Temporary Residence Transition stream for workers who have held a 482 with the same employer.

Eligibility Criteria

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is a permanent visa with two main streams. You may be eligible if you:

  • Are nominated by an approved Australian employer for an ongoing, full-time position.
  • Direct Entry stream: hold a positive skills assessment and at least three years of relevant experience.
  • Temporary Residence Transition stream: have worked for the same employer on a 482/TSS for the required period (generally two years).
  • Are under 45 at application (some exemptions apply).
  • Have competent English (IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent).
  • Meet health and character requirements.

The 186 grants permanent residency to you and your family. Book a consultation to confirm your stream.

Required Documents

Identity & skills

  • Valid passport and identity documents
  • Skills assessment (Direct Entry stream)
  • Qualifications and transcripts

Employment & supporting evidence

  • Employer nomination and ongoing employment contract
  • Evidence of three years' relevant experience (Direct Entry) or 482 employment (Transition)
  • Competent English test results
  • Police clearances and health examinations

We align your evidence with the nomination so both applications tell one consistent story.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Stream & eligibility check — confirm Direct Entry vs Temporary Residence Transition.
  2. Skills assessment — obtain where required for Direct Entry.
  3. Employer nomination — the sponsor lodges a nomination for the permanent role.
  4. Visa application — we lodge your permanent residency application with full evidence.
  5. Health & character — complete medicals and clearances.
  6. Grant — permanent residency for you and your family.

Processing typically takes 6–12 months depending on stream and completeness.

Why a MARA agent matters

Licensed advice. Legally protected outcomes.

Australian migration law is regulated for a reason. Under the Migration Act, only a MARA-registered agent can lawfully provide immigration assistance for a fee. Our principal agent holds MARN 2619348 and personally reviews every visa application before lodgement.

Registered under MARN 2619348

Verifiable on the OMARA public register — your legal safeguard.

Transparent flat-fee pricing

Every cost written down before you sign. No commission-driven shortcuts.

98% visa success rate

A decade of lodgements across 30+ visa subclasses — and counting.

Ready when you are

Get a free visa assessment, today.

Speak directly to our MARA-registered agent. We'll review your profile, confirm eligibility for the Employer Nomination Scheme, and give you a written next-step plan.