Understand Your
Visa Options

Standard processing times for the Subclass 186 are approximately 12–18 months for all three streams (TRTS, DES, and Labour Agreement). Accredited Sponsors receive priority processing, with most 186 applications processed in 8–12 months. More definitive timeframes can be provided closer to lodgement. Visit the Department’s website for current processing benchmarks.

The Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS) is for existing 457 or 482 visa holders who have worked full-time for their current sponsor in Australia in the same nominated occupation for at least 2 years. The Direct Entry Stream (DES) is for overseas applicants (or those not meeting TRTS requirements) and requires an occupation on the CSOL, a formal skills assessment, and 3 years of relevant full-time work experience. We assess which stream is most appropriate based on your circumstances.

Yes. The nomination and visa applications can be lodged simultaneously, which is standard practice. The Department will assess the nomination first before processing the visa application. We manage both applications together as part of a seamless end-to-end service to minimise processing time.

Applicants must generally be under 45 years old. However, age exemptions apply to: (a) Skill level 1 or 2 researchers, scientists and technical specialists nominated by an Australian government scientific agency; (b) Senior academics nominated by a university for University Lecturer or Faculty Head positions; (c) 457/482 holders who have worked for their nominating employer for at least 2 of the preceding 3 years and whose annual earnings have been at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) for each of those 2 years — the FWHIT for 2025–2026 is AUD $183,100; and (d) Medical practitioners who have worked regionally for at least 2 years of a 3-year period and whose nominated position is in regional Australia.

A formal skills assessment is generally not required under the TRTS stream — this is one of its major advantages over the DES. The DES requires a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority, unless the applicant falls within one of the three legislative exemptions (government scientific agency, university academic, or Subclass 444/461 holder). We advise on skills assessment requirements as part of every 186 engagement.

Competent English is required — typically IELTS 6.0 in all four components, or equivalent scores across PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP, MET, or LANGUAGECERT Academic. Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Ireland holding valid passports from those countries are exempt. Importantly, English tests taken at home (online-only versions) are NOT accepted by the Department — the test must be sat at a valid testing centre.

The Subclass 400 is for highly specialised short-term work where employer sponsorship is not required and the engagement is genuinely temporary and specific. The 482 is for ongoing employment in an approved occupation with a sponsoring employer. The 400 typically covers engagements of up to 3–6 months, has no occupation list restrictions, and is suitable for consultants, experts, or intra-company specialists. It does not lead to permanent residency. If there is any ongoing or extended employment involved, the 482 is usually more appropriate.

The 400 visa is not designed for extensions and is generally granted for the duration of the specific engagement — up to 3 months, and in limited circumstances up to 6 months. If the engagement extends beyond what the 400 covers, transitioning to an appropriate alternative visa (such as the 482 or 408) may be required. We advise on transition pathways and timing to avoid any unlawful stay situation.

The applicant needs to demonstrate a genuine short-term need — typically evidenced by a contract, letter of engagement, or correspondence explaining the nature and duration of the work. They do not need to be employed by an Australian business in the traditional sense, but the activities must be specific, time-limited, and require their specialised skills or knowledge. We help draft the supporting narrative and documentation to give applications the best chance of approval.

Business visitor visas (ETA or Visitor visas) permit attendance at business meetings, conferences, and fact-finding activities, but do not permit the performance of skilled work or production tasks. If the person will be undertaking substantive work — even briefly — the Subclass 400 or an appropriate work visa is required. Getting this wrong can result in visa cancellation and future entry restrictions. We advise on the correct visa for the specific activities before any application is lodged.

The Subclass 407 is a training visa — the holder comes to Australia to undergo structured training in their occupation, not to fill a productive employment role. The 482 is an employment visa, where the holder fills a genuine position for their sponsoring employer. The 407 is appropriate when the primary purpose is skills development; the 482 is appropriate when the person will be working in an ongoing operational capacity. Using the 407 for production work is a compliance risk — we advise on the correct visa before any application is lodged.

The Department requires a structured training plan that details: the training objectives; the specific skills and competencies to be gained; the training methods (on-the-job, mentoring, structured learning); the training supervisor details; and a timeline with measurable milestones. The plan must demonstrate that training is the primary purpose and that the trainee will not simply be performing production work. We assist in developing training plans that satisfy the Department’s requirements.

The 407 visa can be granted for up to 2 years. The duration is determined by the length of the approved training program. Extensions are possible if the training plan is extended and the Department approves the continuation. The visa does not lead to permanent residency, so if the trainee wishes to transition to an ongoing employment role after training, they would need to apply for an appropriate work visa such as the 482.

Yes. To sponsor a 407 visa applicant, the business must be approved as a Training sponsor by the Department of Home Affairs. This is a separate sponsorship type from the Standard Business Sponsorship used for 482 visas. Some businesses hold both. We assist with the Training sponsor registration process as part of the 407 engagement if the business is not already registered.

Yes — 407 visa holders can receive a training allowance or stipend, and in occupational training streams can be paid in accordance with the relevant workplace instrument. However, the payment must be consistent with the training nature of the engagement. Paying a 407 holder as a full production employee without a genuine training structure is a compliance risk for both the sponsor and the visa holder. We advise on appropriate remuneration structures as part of the training program design.

The NIV is highly discretionary — there’s no points test or standard checklist. The key question: would your peers internationally recognise you as being at the top of your field? If you have significant awards, international publications, media coverage, or commercial achievements, you may well qualify. Book a consultation and we’ll tell you straight.

The NIV is a new visa and processing times vary considerably. Our experience suggests planning for 6–12 months. We track real-time processing benchmarks and update clients regularly throughout the application.

No. The NIV does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship. You can apply from overseas or onshore. You do need a nominator — a peak body, professional association, employer, or individual peer. We assist with nominator identification and letter preparation as part of our NIV service.