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What are the streams of the 186 visa?

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (SC 186) is a Permanent Residency visa. This visa has 3 streams thorough which you can apply for PR. You have to select the most approriate stream according to your circumstances for a successful outcome for your visa application. The 3 main streams are:

  1. Direct Entry Stream: If you are applying for the  186 visa directly, you can explore this stream whether you are onshore or offshore. If you currently hold any temporary visa other than the 482 visa and you are hoping to apply for PR directly then this stream is for you.
  2. Temporary Residence Transition stream: You can apply for this stream if you are currently holding an 482 visa.
  3. Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for applicants whose employers have an agreement with the Australian government.
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Eligibility criteria for the Direct Entry stream 186 visa

  • Be under 45 years of age, unless you are exempt

  • Have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

  • Be licensed, registered or a member if a professional body if its mandatory in the state/territory that you intend to work in.

  • Have at least 3 years work experience

  • Have a positive skills assessment

  • Be nominated by an Australian employer

  • Meet character and health requirement

  • Have at least IELTS 6.0 for each band or for any equivalent English tests.

  • Not have a previous visa cancelled or refused

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Eligibility criteria for Temporary Residence Transition Stream of the 186 visa

  • Hold a 482 visa or a Bridging visa associated with a 482 visa or a 186 visa
  • Be under 45 years of age, unless you are exempt
  • Be licensed, registered or a member if a professional body if its mandatory in the state/territory that you intend to work in.
  • Have 2 years of work experience while on 482 visa in the last 3 years
  • Have a positive skills assessment, only if applicable for your occupation
  • Be nominated by the employer who sponsored your  current 482 visa
  • Meet character and health requirement
  • Have at least IELTS 6.0 for each band or any equivalent English tests.
  • Not have a previous visa cancelled or refused
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Eligibility criteria for the Labour Agreement stream of the 186 visa

The Eligibility criteria at most times depend on the Labour agreement your employer has with the Australian government.

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Differences between the 2 streams of the 186 visa

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Direct Entry Stream

Direct Entry Stream

Temporary Residence Transition stream

Temporary Residence Transition stream

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Apply for PR directly

Apply for PR directly

Apply for PR, after 2 years of being in the SC 482 visa

Apply for PR, after 2 years of being in the 482 visa

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Have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

Have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

Need not have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

Need not have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

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Most occupations will require a mandatory skills assessment

Most occupations will require a mandatory skills assessment

Most times a skills assessment won’t be mandatory

Most times a skills assessment won’t be mandatory

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Differences between the 482 visa and the 186 visa

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482 visa

482 visa

SC 186 visa

186 visa

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Have at least 1 year of work experience

Have at least 1 year of work experience

Have at least 3 years of work experience

Work experience

  • Temporary Residence Transition stream; 2 years (must be while sponsored by an employer)
  • Direct Entry stream: 3 years
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The COSL is applicable for the Core Skills Stream of the visa

The COSL is applicable for the Core Skills Stream of the visa

The CSOL is applicable for the Direct Entry Stream

The CSOL is applicable for the Direct Entry Stream

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No age requirement

No age requirement

Must be under 45 years of age

Must be under 45 years of age

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asd

Have at least IELTS 5.0 for each band or for any equivalent English tests.

a

Have at least IELTS 6.0 for each band or for any equivalent English tests.

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There are exemptions for the English language requirement

There are exemptions for the English language requirement

There are no exemptions for the English Language requirement

There are no exemptions for the English language requirement

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What are the obligations of the employer for the 186 visa?

  • Have no adverse information known about the business

  • The business must be active and be operated lawfully in Australia

  • There must be a genuine need for the role of the nominee employee

  • Comply with Australian immigration and workplace relations

  • Pay the employee at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)

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Alternative PR pathways

While you are on your  482 visa you can also apply for the skilled migration program. Skilled migration is a pathway that is very popular among the migrant population in Australia. The skilled migration visas that you can apply are

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186 visa costs and nomination costs for the financial year 2025-2026

Visa related costs

  • Primary applicant: AUD 4,910.00
  • Secondary applicant above 18 years: AUD 2,455.00
  • Additional applicants below 18 years - AUD 1,230.00

Nomination related costs

  • Nomination fee - AUD 540
  • Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy, if the business turnover is
    • Less than AUD 10 million: AUD 3,000
    • More than AUD 10 million - AUD 5,000

The levy payments are tax deductible.

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FAQs

How long do I need to work on a 482 visa before I can apply for a 186 visa?

You must have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years before applying for SC 186

Do I need a skill assessment for a 186 visa?

If you are applying through the Temporary Residence Transition stream, a skills assessment is usually not necessary. But if you are applying through the Direct Entry stream, a skills assessment is usually mandatory

What are the English requirements for a 186 visa?

You need an IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each band or equivalent. 

Can I change employers while on a 482 visa and still apply for a 186 visa?

Yes, you can change employers while on a 482 visa. And, if you plan to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through the 186 visa under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, you must have worked in your occupation for a period of 02 years on the 482 visa within the last 3 years.

Alternatively, if you apply through the Direct Entry (DE) stream, you can apply for PR as long as you have 3 years of post qualification experience.

What is the processing time for a 186 visa?

  • Temporary Residence Transition Stream: 5 to 12 months.
  • Direct Entry Stream: 8 to 13 months.

What happens if my 186 visa is refused?

If your SC 186 visa is refused, you may have the option to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) or you can explore alternative visa options through skilled migration.

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