Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa
Ideal for: Skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer, seeking to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa is designed for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria and are nominated by an Australian employer to fill a skilled role in Australia.
🔍 Stream Overview
- Visa Type: Permanent residency visa
- Stay: Permanent
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Skilled Workers: Must have the necessary skills for the nominated job.
- Employer Nomination: Must be nominated by an Australian employer who is willing to sponsor the employee.
- Health & Character: Must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
- English Proficiency: Competent English language skills are required.
- Occupation List: Must have an occupation listed in the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Income Threshold: As of July 1, 2025, income thresholds for skilled workers are indexed annually in line with the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).
🕒 Processing Times
- Processing Time Guide: Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances. Use the visa processing time guide tool for an estimate based on recently decided applications.
- Typical Processing Time: The application process may take several months, with times varying depending on the complexity of the case and the completeness of documents submitted.
Your Trusted Partner for Australian Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa Applications
At Maison Migration Services, we have a proven track record of successfully guiding employers and skilled workers through the complex process of securing permanent residency in Australia. Specializing in Employer Nomination Scheme visas, including the Direct Entry, Labour Agreement, and Temporary Residence Transition streams, our expert team ensures that every application is managed with precision and efficiency. With our deep understanding of skilled migration and extensive experience working with both employers and employees, we are committed to delivering tailored solutions for businesses seeking to sponsor global talent.
Let us help you navigate the Australian visa application process with ease and confidence, backed by our successful outcomes and client satisfaction. Whether you’re an employer seeking to sponsor skilled workers or an individual looking to secure your permanent residency, Maison Migration Services is here to support you every step of the way.
💼 Subclass 186 – Direct Entry Stream
Ideal for: Skilled workers who are nominated by an employer under the Direct Entry stream to fill a permanent, skilled position in Australia.
🔍 Eligibility Requirements:
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years of relevant full-time work experience in the nominated occupation (post-qualification).
- English Proficiency: Competent English (minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band, or equivalent).
- Occupation: Must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL). View the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Age: Applicant must be under 45 years old at the time of application unless exempted.
- Health & Character: Must meet the health and character requirements of the Australian Government.
💰 Costs for Applicant (AUD):
| Fee Component | Amount (AUD) |
| Visa Application Fee | AU$4,770.00 |
| Additional Applicant Fee (18 or older) | AU$2,385.00 |
| Additional Applicant Fee (<18) | AU$1,190.00 |
💰 Costs for Employer (AUD):
| Fee Component | Amount (AUD) |
| Nomination Fee | AU$330.00 |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy | AU$1,200–AU$1,800 per year (based on turnover) |
🕒 Processing Times:
- Average Processing Time: 5–7 months (varies depending on the completeness of the application and complexity of the case).
- Note: Processing time is subject to change and should be verified through the Visa Processing Times guide tool.
💼 Subclass 186 – Labour Agreement Stream
Ideal for: Skilled workers nominated by an employer who has a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government.
🔍 Eligibility Requirements:
- Experience: At least 3 years of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.
- Employer Labour Agreement: The employer must have a valid and active labour agreement.
- English Proficiency: Competent English (minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band, or equivalent).
- Occupation: The role must be specified in the employer’s labour agreement with the Australian Government.
💰 Costs for Applicant (AUD):
| Fee Component | Amount (AUD) |
| Visa Application Fee | AU$4,770.00 |
| Additional Applicant Fee (18 or older) | AU$2,385.00 |
| Additional Applicant Fee (<18) | AU$1,190.00 |
💰 Costs for Employer (AUD):
| Fee Component | Amount (AUD) |
| Nomination Fee | AU$330.00 |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy | AU$1,200–AU$1,800 per year (based on turnover) |
🕒 Processing Times:
- Average Processing Time: 5–8 months (this can vary depending on the employer’s labour agreement and case complexity).
- Note: Processing times are estimates and can fluctuate depending on the complexity of each case.
💼 Subclass 186 – Temporary Residence Transition Stream
Ideal for: Temporary skilled workers who have worked for their Australian employer on a TSS (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa or a 457 visa for at least 3 years and are nominated for permanent residency.
🔍 Eligibility Requirements:
- Experience: Must have worked for at least 3 years in the same occupation while holding a TSS (482) or 457 visa with the same employer.
- English Proficiency: Competent English (minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band or equivalent).
- Occupation: The applicant’s occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Nomination: Must be nominated by an Australian employer who is willing to sponsor for permanent residency.
💰 Costs for Applicant (AUD):
| Fee Component | Amount (AUD) |
| Visa Application Fee | AU$4,770.00 |
| Additional Applicant Fee (18 or older) | AU$2,385.00 |
| Additional Applicant Fee (<18) | AU$1,190.00 |
💰 Costs for Employer (AUD):
| Fee Component | Amount (AUD) |
| Nomination Fee | AU$330.00 |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy | AU$1,200–AU$1,800 per year (based on turnover) |
🕒 Processing Times:
- Average Processing Time: 5–9 months (depends on individual circumstances, employer’s TSS visa history, and completeness of the application).
- Note: Processing times can be subject to change, and applicants should check the Visa Processing Times for the most current information.
🤝 How Maison Migration Services Can Assist
Maison Migration Services provides expert guidance for both employers and employees through the entire Subclass 186 visa process. Here’s how we help:
- Stream Selection: We guide employers and applicants on choosing the best stream (Direct Entry, Labour Agreement, or Temporary Residence Transition) based on individual circumstances.
- Nomination & Application Management: Our team ensures the employer’s nomination and the employee’s visa application are prepared in full compliance with all requirements.
- Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy Calculation: We help determine the correct SAF levy amount based on business turnover and visa duration.
- Documentation Support: We assist with the collection of all required documents to ensure your application is decision-ready and meets all government standards.
- Post-Visa Support: After visa approval, we offer continued support for both employers and employees, ensuring compliance with residency obligations and future pathways to citizenship
