For sponsored workers · Subclass 186
The 186: from sponsored worker to permanent resident.
The subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa is permanent residence through your employer. Most tradespeople reach it after time on a 482; some go straight to it with a skills assessment and enough experience. The planning starts on day one of the 482, not at the end.
Two streams
Transition after the 482, or Direct Entry.
| Temporary Residence Transition | Direct Entry | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | 482 (or 457) holders nominated by their current sponsor | Anyone with a positive skills assessment and the experience, onshore or offshore |
| Time on the 482 | In the last 3 years: at least 2 years holding a 482 (or 457), and at least 2 years’ full-time work in Australia in that occupation for an approved sponsor | Not required |
| Skills assessment | Generally not required | Required, from the assessing authority for the occupation (TRA for trades) |
| Experience | Shown through the 482 employment | At least 3 years working in the occupation |
| Age | Under 45, with exemptions | Under 45, with exemptions |
| English | Competent English (IELTS 6 each component or equivalent) or passport exemption | Same |
| Employer commitment | A full-time position for at least 2 years, on terms that don’t rule out extending it, market salary, one-off training levy | |
Why the 186 is planned from the start of the 482
- A job change needs planning. Since December 2024, time with more than one approved sponsor can count towards the two years. Only full-time work in the occupation on your visa counts, and the employer who nominates you for the 186 must be your most recent sponsor, in the same occupation as your latest 482.
- Age. If you are in your early forties on the 482, the 186 timing has to be worked out backwards from your 45th birthday, or an exemption identified early.
- English. The 186 requires a higher English level than the 482. Workers who scraped through the 482 test need to start preparing well before the 186.
- The employer’s position. A business that has shrunk, restructured or changed hands may not be able to nominate. Keeping the employer side healthy is part of the plan.
Processing priority
Under Ministerial Direction 122 (effective 19 September 2026), 186 applications relating to the construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources sectors, or to Australia’s law enforcement and defence interests, sit in the first priority group. Next come applicants who were in Australia when they applied, then offshore applicants, then everyone else.
Fees. The base visa application charge for a 186 from 1 July 2026 is $6,140 for the main applicant ($5,035 if you hold a passport from an eligible Pacific country), plus charges for each family member, plus the employer’s nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund levy ($3,000 for businesses with turnover under $10 million, $5,000 otherwise). The levy and nomination costs stay with the business.
Google reviews
186 clients on the road to permanent residence.
Desy H.When my visa went to appeal, they handled everything so professionally and genuinely discussed all the details with me. They always kept me informed and gave me confidence throughout the whole process.
David T.After a failed 482 visa process, they took on my case with professionalism and dedication. Thanks to their support, I was granted my 186 Direct Entry visa. I’m truly grateful to Adam and Simona for their guidance and support throughout the process.
Monik D.Shabna provided clear guidance and the best advice when it came to organizing the necessary documents for my application. Thanks to their expertise, my 186 DE visa was approved on time.
Reviews are of Solve Migration, the firm behind Trade Visa, and are shown as written by clients on Google. Rating as at 18 October 2026. Every matter is different and no outcome is guaranteed. Read all reviews on Google.
FAQ
Common questions
General information only. Figures change: we confirm the current rule for your matter in your SolvePlan.
How long do I have to work on the 482 before the 186?
For the Temporary Residence Transition stream, in the three years before you apply you must have held a 482 (or 457) for at least two years in total, and worked full-time in Australia for at least two years in total, for an approved sponsor, in the occupation your visa was granted for. Unpaid leave doesn’t count. That time can be with more than one sponsor, but the employer nominating you must be your most recent sponsor, and the 186 must be in the same occupation as your latest 482.
Is there an age limit?
You must be under 45 when you apply, in both streams. There are exemptions. In the Temporary Residence Transition stream they include people who, in the three years before applying, held a 482 or 457 for at least two years and worked in sponsored positions for at least two years, earning at or above the Fair Work high income threshold in each of those years. Direct Entry exemptions are narrower. Check before you assume the door is closed.
Can I go straight to the 186 without a 482?
Through the Direct Entry stream, yes, if you hold a positive skills assessment in the occupation, have the required experience and meet competent English. For trades the skills assessment is through Trades Recognition Australia (VETASSESS for Construction Project Manager).
Does my employer have to commit to anything?
The nominating business must offer full-time employment in the occupation for at least two years, on terms that don’t rule out extending it, pay the market salary, and pay the one-off Skilling Australians Fund levy for a 186 nomination.
What English do I need?
Competent English: IELTS 6 in each component or the equivalent in another approved test, unless you hold a passport from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States. This is higher than the 482 level. Plan the test early.
Can my family be included?
Yes, partners and dependent children can be included, with their own health and character requirements. The same application leads to permanent residence for all of them.
Plan the 186 now, not in year four.
A SolvePlan sets out your timing, your English, your age position and your employer's obligations in writing, so the permanent visa isn't left to chance.