Overview
The subclass 186 grants permanent residency to skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer — via Direct Entry (skills assessment + 3 years experience) or Temporary Residence Transition after two years on a 482/494 with the nominating employer.
Eligibility requirements
- Nomination by an approved Australian employer
- Under 45 years (limited exemptions)
- TRT: 2 years with sponsor in last 3 on 482/494; DE: skills assessment + 3 years experience
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band)
- Occupation on the CSOL
Document checklist
- Nomination application with genuine-position evidence
- Skills assessment (Direct Entry)
- Employment contract meeting market salary
- English test results
- Identity, health and character documents
Frequently asked questions
Direct Entry or TRT — which 186 stream fits me?
If you already work for your sponsor on a 482/494, TRT is usually simpler (no new skills assessment for most). Offshore or new-to-Australia applicants typically use Direct Entry with a skills assessment.
Further reading