The 186 Visa TRT Stream is part of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186 visa). It allows skilled workers in Australia on certain temporary work visas to apply for permanent residency through their current employer.
Instead of applying as a new migrant from overseas, you can transition from a temporary visa to permanent residency while staying with the same employer.
The Employer Nomination Scheme 186 is one of Australia’s main employer-sponsored permanent visa pathways.
Stages for The Application Process: From Temporary Stay to Permanent Home
Applying for the 186 visa under the TRT stream involves a clear sequence of steps. You cannot lodge your visa application until your employer takes the first action.
The process splits into two main stages: the employer nomination and your visa application.
Stage 1: The Employer Nomination
Your employer must start the process. They need to lodge a formal nomination with the Department of Home Affairs through their ImmiAccount. Once your employer lodges the nomination, you receive a notification. You cannot proceed with your visa application until this nomination is active.
They must meet specific requirements before lodging.
- Standard Business Sponsorship: Your employer must already be a standard business sponsor. If their sponsorship has expired, they must apply for a new sponsorship approval first. This is a separate application.
- Genuine Position: The role they nominate you for must be genuine and full-time. It needs to exist for at least two years from the date they approve the visa. It is not a temporary or casual role.
- Salary Requirements: They must pay you at least the market salary rate for your occupation. This means they cannot pay you less than what an Australian worker in the same role would receive. The salary must also meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. For 2024-25, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) sits at $73,150. Always confirm the current threshold with the Department of Home Affairs, as it is reviewed annually.
- Work Agreement: The terms and conditions of your employment must not be less favourable than those offered to Australian citizens doing the same job.
- Approved Work Sponsor: This requirement was reinforced under changes to the Employer Nomination Scheme that took effect in late 2025. If you are unsure whether your employer qualifies as an approved work sponsor, seek advice before the nomination is lodged.
Stage 2: Your Visa Application
After your employer lodges the nomination, you can apply for the visa. You have 60 days to lodge your application from the date your employer lodges the nomination, not from when it is approved. Do not wait for nomination approval before submitting your own application, but make sure you lodge within this 60-day window.
You can lodge your application online through your own ImmiAccount. You will need to attach certified copies of your documents. You must include all family members who will migrate with you at the time of lodgement. Adding them later can be complicated and may require a new application.
Documents you typically need include:
- Certified copies of your passport and birth certificate.
- Evidence of English language ability. You need competent English. This usually means an IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each band, or an equivalent score in an accepted test like PTE.
- Police certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
- Evidence of any relevant skills assessments or licences required for your occupation.
- Health examinations. You must complete these through a panel physician approved by the department. You will receive a health identifier (HAP ID) to book your appointments.
- Marriage and birth certificates for any family members you include in the application.
Stage 3: After You Lodge
Once you submit your application and pay the fee, the department begins processing it. Do not resign or change employers while your application is being processed. You must remain employed by the nominating employer throughout, and leaving your role can lead to refusal.
- Processing Times: Processing times vary. Current data shows the department processes 50 per cent of applications within 14 months. Some applications take longer, especially if documents are missing or if the department needs to verify information with your employer.
- Requests for Information: The case officer may ask for more documents. Respond to these requests as quickly as possible.
- Visa Decision: The department will notify you in writing once a decision is made. If successful, they grant you permanent residency. The grant letter includes your visa conditions and the date your permanent residency starts.
Who Is Eligible for the 186 TRT Stream?
To qualify for the 186 TRT stream, both you and your employer need to meet specific requirements.
Your requirements as the employee:
- You must have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least two years in the three years before applying, in the same (or closely related) occupation as your nominated role. Most applicants hold a TSS 482 visa, though some 457 holders may qualify under transitional arrangements.
- You also need to be under 45 years old at the time of application, unless you fall into an exempt category such as high-income earners, academics nominated by universities, certain medical practitioners, or specific 457 transitional holders.
- English proficiency is required unless you hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland. Health and character checks apply too.
- One important note on the two-year work requirement: it must be full-time employment. Unpaid leave or extended breaks can affect your eligibility, so keep your employment records accurate.
Can You Stay in Australia While Waiting?
If you apply while holding a valid visa, you may receive a bridging visa. This allows you to remain in Australia lawfully while your application is processed.
You must continue working for your sponsoring employer during this period unless your circumstances change legally.
The 186 TRT application process is document-driven and evidence-based. Careful preparation reduces delays and improves your chance of approval. evidence-based. Careful preparation reduces delays and improves your chance of approval.
| Have questions about your current visa status or bridging visa options? Your visa conditions can affect your right to work, travel, and stay in Australia. If you are unsure where you stand or what happens next after lodging your 186 TRT application, getting clear advice early matters. Small mistakes with bridging visas or expiry dates can create serious complications. Our migration lawyers will review your current visa, explain your options in plain English, and outline the safest pathway forward. You will leave the consultation with clarity, not confusion. Book a consultation now and get precise advice regarding your situation. |
