Permanent 186 Visa (For Employers)

Permanent 186 Visa

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for permanent residency.

This pathway is commonly used to retain workers who are:

• Currently employed on a Subclass 482 SID visa
• Working in a critical or long-term skilled role
• Required for ongoing, full-time employment

The employer must nominate a genuine, ongoing position and meet salary, occupation, and compliance requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

The Subclass 186 visa provides permanent work rights, long-term workforce stability, and access to Australian permanent residency for eligible workers.

Minimum Salary (CSIT — Core Skills Income Threshold)

Effective 1 July 2026

Salary must meet:

• The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) — $79,423 per year, and
• The Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)

Superannuation, bonuses and commissions do NOT count toward the threshold.

Process — Nomination Transfer Steps

1. Confirm the role meets 186 occupation and salary requirements
2. Confirm the position is ongoing and genuine
3. Lodge the employer nomination application
4. Worker lodges the Subclass 186 visa application
5. Await Home Affairs decision

186 Pathways

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

For workers who have completed the required period with the same employer on a 482 visa.

Direct Entry (DE) Stream

For skilled workers applying directly with a positive skills assessment and required work experience.