Corporate Migration Services
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Navigating the migration process can feel overwhelming, but with MigrationBuro, you are never alone.
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is the most common employer-sponsored permanent residence visa in Australia. It has two main streams: the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream for workers who have held a 482 or 457 visa with the same employer for two years, and the Direct Entry stream for workers with three or more years of relevant experience who have not held a prior 482 with the nominating employer.
Most 186 applications processed by MigrationBuro are TRT stream applications. The sequence is standard: Skills in Demand (482) first, two years of employment with the same sponsor, then 186 TRT nomination. The 186 is permanent residence from grant. There are no ongoing conditions tied to the employer after the visa is granted.
TRT STREAM VS DIRECT ENTRY: THE KEY DIFFERENCE
TRT stream: the worker must have held a 482 or 457 with the same employer for at least two years immediately before nomination. No separate skills assessment is required for most occupations. The pathway is straightforward if the two-year threshold and continuing employment are met.
Direct Entry stream: the worker has not held a 482 with the same employer for two years. Requires at least three years of relevant work experience, a positive skills assessment, and no mandatory prior 482. Available to workers in Australia on other visas and to offshore applicants.
The 186 is the destination visa for most employer-sponsored migration pathways. MigrationBuro plans the TRT nomination from the outset of the 482 engagement so employers and workers understand the timeline before the temporary visa is even granted.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SUBCLASS 186 VISA
Step 1 Confirm stream eligibility
Confirm stream eligibility. TRT: same employer, same occupation, two years employment. Direct Entry: three years experience, skills assessment, under 45. Confirm which stream applies before lodging any application.
Step 2 Employer nomination
Employer nomination. The employer lodges the nomination application confirming the occupation, salary, and employment relationship. For TRT, the nomination includes evidence of the two-year employment requirement.
Step 3 Visa application
Visa application. After nomination approval, the worker lodges the visa application. Health examinations, character clearances, and identity documents are required.
Step 4 Decision
Decision. The Department currently processes 186 applications in twelve to twenty-four months at the 75th to 90th percentile. MigrationBuro manages any requests for further information during this period.
Speak to a Migration agent
Call 1300 VISA OZ (1300 8472 69) to discuss employer sponsorship for your Brisbane business. Available Monday to Friday. Zoom consultations take 45-60 minutes and give you a clear answer on what is achievable.
Prefer to start in writing? Email info@migrationburo.com.au with the role title, the occupation, and the candidate's nationality and qualifications.
Your Australian Visa application
Some frequently asked questions
Answers to some questions we often hear from people in your situation.
What is the difference between the 186 TRT and Direct Entry streams?
TRT requires two years of employment with the same 482 sponsor. Direct Entry requires three years of relevant experience and a skills assessment, without the prior 482 requirement.
Does the 186 TRT require a skills assessment?
For most occupations, the 186 TRT does not require a separate skills assessment if the worker held a 482 for the same occupation with the same employer for two years.
How long does the 186 take to process?
Currently twelve to twenty-four months from lodgement at the 75th to 90th percentile.
What happens to my status while the 186 is being processed?
If you lodge the 186 while in Australia on a valid 482, you receive a Bridging Visa A that allows you to remain and work while the 186 is pending.
Can the employer change while my 186 is being processed?
The 186 is tied to the nominating employer. A change of employer after lodgement is a complex situation. Contact MigrationBuro immediately if your employment situation changes after a 186 application has been lodged.
Migration experience you can trust
MigrationBuro are your trusted migration agents in Brisbane. Founded and led by Andrew Heathcote, we specialise in Australian immigration services. With over 18 years of experience, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.
