Employer Nomination Scheme

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.