Trusted Subclass 186 Visa Australia Guide 2026 | ENS Permanent Residency Pathway
Subclass 186 Visa Australia is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work permanently in Australia. The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa provides pathways for temporary visa holders, skilled professionals and eligible overseas applicants seeking Australian permanent residency.
The ENS Visa Australia includes Direct Entry Stream, Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream and Labour Agreement Stream pathways. Applicants may receive permanent residency benefits including Medicare access, work rights and future citizenship eligibility after visa approval.
Subclass 186 Visa Australia Streams
There are three main streams under Subclass 186:
- Direct Entry Stream
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
- Labour Agreement Stream
The Direct Entry Stream allows nominated skilled workers to live, work, and study in Australia permanently. You may also be able to include eligible family members in your application.
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Study in Australia
- Access Medicare (public healthcare)
- Eligible applicants may apply for Australian citizenship
- Travel in and out of Australia for up to 5 years
- Main applicant: AUD 4,910
- Secondary applicant over 18: AUD 2,455
- Secondary applicant under 18: AUD 1,230
The Temporary Residence Transition Stream allows eligible Subclass 457 or Subclass 482 visa holders to transition to permanent residency after working for their employer for the required period.
- Permanent residency pathway for 457 / 482 holders
- Medicare access upon visa application
- Option to include eligible family members
- Main applicant: AUD $4,115
- Secondary applicant over 18: AUD 2,455
- Secondary applicant under 18: AUD 1,230
Applicants currently holding employer sponsored visas may also explore our Migration Agent Melbourne services for permanent residency planning support.
The Labour Agreement Stream allows skilled workers nominated under an approved Labour Agreement to obtain permanent residency. You may be eligible if you work (or will work) for an employer who is a party to a labour agreement.
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Medicare access
- Option to include eligible family members
- Travel facility for up to 5 years
- Main applicant: AUD $4,910
- Secondary applicant over 18: AUD 2,455
- Secondary applicant under 18: AUD 1,230)
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Eligibility
Applicants applying for Employer Nomination Scheme Visa pathways must generally meet age, English language, occupation and employer nomination requirements. Skills assessment requirements may apply depending on the visa stream and applicant profile.
- Valid employer nomination approval
- Relevant skilled occupation eligibility
- Competent English language requirement
- Relevant work experience in nominated occupation
- Health and character clearance requirements
- Age below 45 years unless exempt
Applicants already working in Australia on Subclass 482 visa pathways often transition toward permanent residency through the Subclass 186 TRT Stream.
Benefits of Subclass 186 Visa Australia
Subclass 186 Visa Australia provides permanent residency benefits for eligible skilled workers and their family members. Successful applicants may live, work and study in Australia permanently while accessing long-term settlement opportunities.
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Unlimited work and study rights
- Access to Medicare healthcare system
- Option to sponsor eligible family members
- Travel facility for 5 years
- Future pathway to Australian citizenship
Applicants interested in additional permanent residency pathways can also explore our Australia Migration Visa services .
Temporary skilled workers may also explore our Employer Sponsored Visa guidance for sponsorship pathways in Australia.
For official Subclass 186 Visa Australia requirements and processing updates, applicants can refer to the Department of Home Affairs Australia .
Need Help With Subclass 186 Visa Australia?
Contact Zen Migration for eligibility assessment, nomination guidance, and complete application support.