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Subclass 186 Visa 2026: Employer Nomination Scheme and Permanent Residence
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is a permanent employer-sponsored visa. It allows eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
Temporary Residence Transition stream
Home Affairs states that applicants in the Temporary Residence Transition stream must hold an eligible subclass 457, 482 or associated bridging visa and, usually, have completed at least two years of eligible full-time sponsored employment during the three years before application. The employer nomination must also satisfy the applicable approval timing and other requirements.
Direct Entry and other pathways
Subclass 186 also includes pathways beyond Temporary Residence Transition. Direct Entry applicants generally need a skills assessment unless an exemption applies, together with occupation, age, English, nomination and other criteria. Labour Agreement pathways can operate under approved agreements.
Permanent visa benefits
Live, work and study in Australia indefinitely.
Access Medicare subject to the applicable rules.
Sponsor eligible relatives where the law permits.
Apply for Australian citizenship if the separate citizenship requirements are met.
2026 income threshold context
The 2026 Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD 79,423 for relevant new nominations from 1 July 2026. Employers must also satisfy the applicable salary and employment requirements rather than treating the threshold as the only remuneration test.
Why 482 and 186 should be planned together
For many sponsored workers, the temporary 482 strategy and later permanent 186 strategy interact. Changes in occupation, sponsor, employment period, salary, age or visa status can materially affect the pathway. Read the Australian Visa Subclass Database for the broader structure and Australian Migration Law Changes 2026 for current reforms.
Primary source: Home Affairs 186 Temporary Residence Transition guidance.
