Your Complete Guide to the 186 Sponsorship Visa Australia in 2025

If you're a skilled worker looking to make Australia your permanent home, the 186 sponsorship visa Australia pathway might be the ideal solution. Officially known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa, this program allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for permanent residency.


In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 186 visa—including its streams, eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits.


What Is the 186 Sponsorship Visa?


The 186 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. It's part of the Employer Sponsored Migration program and is designed to fill labor shortages in occupations where local talent is scarce.


Streams Under the 186 Visa


The 186 sponsorship visa in Australia has three main streams, each with different eligibility criteria:

  1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
  • For 482 or 457 visa holders who have worked with their employer for at least 2-3 years.
  • Must meet skill, age, and English language requirements.
  1. Direct Entry (DE) Stream
  • For applicants who haven’t worked in Australia or have only worked briefly.
  • Requires a skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
  1. Labour Agreement Stream
  • For workers sponsored under a labour agreement between the Australian government and an employer.
  • Suitable for occupations not on the standard skilled occupation lists.

Benefits of the 186 Visa Australia

  • ✅ Permanent residency from day one
  • ✅ Live and work anywhere in Australia
  • ✅ Access to Medicare (public health system)
  • ✅ Sponsor eligible family members
  • ✅ Pathway to Australian citizenship
  • ✅ No regional location restrictions (unlike the 491 visa)

Eligibility Criteria for the 186 Sponsorship Visa


To qualify for the 186 visa, you typically need to meet the following:

  • ✅ Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
  • ✅ Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
  • ✅ Be under 45 years of age (some exceptions apply)
  • ✅ Possess competent English (usually IELTS 6 or equivalent)
  • ✅ Meet health and character requirements
  • ✅ Hold any required licensing or registration for your occupation

Note: The requirements can vary based on the stream you apply through.

186 Visa Application Process


Here’s a step-by-step look at how to apply for the 186 sponsorship visa Australia:

  1. Employer nomination
  • Your employer submits a nomination to the Department of Home Affairs.
  1. Visa application
  • You lodge your application within 6 months of the nomination approval.
  1. Document preparation
  • Includes proof of skills, English test results, work experience, and health checks.
  1. Await a decision
  • Processing times can vary depending on the stream and your personal circumstances.
  1. Visa grant
  • If successful, you and any included family members become Australian permanent residents.

186 Visa Processing Time in 2025

As of 2025, the average processing times are:

  • TRT stream: 6–10 months
  • Direct Entry stream: 8–12 months
  • Labour Agreement stream: Varies depending on agreement complexity
Tip: Submitting a decision-ready application with complete documents can help reduce delays.

Common Reasons for 186 Visa Refusal

  • ❌ Incomplete documentation
  • ❌ Employer not meeting nomination obligations
  • ❌ Failing English or health requirements
  • ❌ Skills not matching job description or insufficient experience

Tips for a Successful 186 Visa Application

  • ✔️ Choose the right stream for your situation
  • ✔️ Use a registered migration agent
  • ✔️ Ensure your employer is lawfully operating and approved
  • ✔️ Prepare a strong, detailed resume and job history
  • ✔️ Double-check all documents before submission

Final Thoughts


The 186 sponsorship visa Australia is one of the most reliable pathways to achieving permanent residency for skilled professionals. Whether you’re already working in Australia or planning to migrate from overseas, this visa offers long-term stability and access to everything Australia has to offer.

Make sure to consult with your employer and consider professional migration advice to navigate the process smoothly and increase your chances of success.