Subclass 186 Employer-Sponsored Permanent Residence Visa

Stream 1

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

For applicants holding a Subclass 482 visa who have worked for their employer in the nominated occupation for at least 2 years.

Stream 2

Direct Entry Stream

For applicants who have not worked in Australia or do not meet the Temporary Residence Transition requirements.

Stream 3

Labour Agreement Stream

For applicants sponsored under a labour agreement or regional migration agreement (government-approved arrangements).

Applicant Requirements

• Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
• Be under 45 years of age (some academic and research positions are exempt)
• Meet health and character requirements
• Hold a valid skills assessment
• Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience (partial exemptions apply)
• Achieve a minimum of IELTS 6 in each of the four bands
• Have a nominated occupation listed on the Subclass 186 occupation list

Employer Requirements

• Offer a full-time employment contract of at least 2 years
• Pay an annual salary at or above the AUD 53,900 minimum threshold, set at market rate
• Offer employment conditions no less favourable than those for an equivalent Australian employee
• Demonstrate lawful, good-standing operation in Australia
• Demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated position
• Complete 4 weeks of job advertising, with labour market testing conducted within 4 months before lodging the nomination

01

Identify Occupation & Employer

Hold a nomination from an Australian employer and confirm the nominated occupation appears on the Subclass 186 occupation list.

02

Skills Assessment & English

Complete a skills assessment and obtain an IELTS 6 in each band.

03

Employer Nomination & Visa Lodgement

The employer lodges the nomination; once approved, the applicant lodges their visa application via ImmiAccount within 6 months.

04

Health, Interview & Grant

Complete any phone interview and health checks; arrive in Australia once the visa is granted.

“Moving from a Subclass 482 visa to the Subclass 186 permanent residence visa, Newstarsec guided me from start to finish. The consultants patiently helped me prepare documents and handle the phone interview, and I ultimately secured permanent residency!”

“For my Direct Entry Subclass 186 application, the paperwork was extensive, but Newstarsec mapped out a detailed document checklist and timeline. The visa was granted in just 10 months — very efficient!”

“As an accountant applying for the Subclass 186 visa, I found Newstarsec deeply familiar with skills assessment and employer-sponsorship processes. Our whole family now holds permanent residency and has started a new life in Australia.”