Business Migration

186 ENS Visa.
Permanent residency for your team.

The Employer Nomination Scheme is the standard pathway from a 482 visa to permanent residency. 44,000 places allocated for 2025–26. We map your team's PR pathway from day one — so retention risk is resolved before it becomes a negotiation issue.

PermanentResidency from grant
44,000PR places 2025–26
2 streamsTRT and Direct Entry
CitizenshipPathway after PR
The Two Streams

Which stream fits
your situation?

The 186 visa has two streams. Most employer-sponsored workers use the Temporary Residence Transition stream after two years on a 482. The Direct Entry stream is for workers being hired directly into permanent roles from overseas.

We map the correct stream and timeline from day one — so your team knows exactly when they can apply and what they need to have in place.

Most Common

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)

For workers already in Australia on a 482 visa who have worked for the same employer for at least two years full-time. No skills assessment required in most cases. The standard PR pathway for sponsored workers.

Requirement: 2 years on 482 with same employer
Skills assessment: Usually not required
English: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
Age: Under 45 (limited exceptions)
Direct Hire from Overseas

Direct Entry (DE)

For skilled workers being hired directly into permanent roles without prior Australian work experience. Requires at least three years of relevant work experience and a formal skills assessment in most occupations.

Requirement: 3 years relevant experience
Skills assessment: Required in most occupations
English: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
Age: Under 45 (limited exceptions)
Factor
TRT Stream
Direct Entry
Work experience
2 years on 482
3+ years anywhere
Skills assessment
Usually not required
Required in most cases
Prior Australian work
Yes — on 482
Not required
Why It Matters

Permanent residency is not just
a visa. It is a retention tool.

Staff retention

PR removes the uncertainty of visa expiry. Workers who know their pathway is secure are more likely to stay — and to commit to the business long-term.

Medicare access

Permanent residents access Medicare and the Australian public healthcare system — a meaningful benefit for workers and their families.

Citizenship pathway

PR is the step before citizenship. Workers who plan to build their lives in Australia see the 186 as the foundation of that commitment.

Family security

Partners and dependent children are included on the same application — giving the whole family permanent status.

No ongoing compliance

Once PR is granted, the worker is no longer subject to sponsorship obligations. They can change employers, roles, or industries without visa implications.

Plan it from day one

We map the 186 pathway at the same time as the 482 nomination — so the timeline, requirements, and costs are clear from the first day of sponsorship.

The application process

01
Nomination — Employer lodges a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs confirming the position and the worker.
02
Visa application — The worker lodges their personal visa application simultaneously or shortly after the nomination.
03
Decision — The Department assesses eligibility and grants permanent residency on approval.
Common Questions

What employers and workers
ask about the 186.

Does the worker have to stay for 2 years after PR?

Not legally — but the Department expects genuine intention to remain employed. Workers who leave immediately after grant may face scrutiny in future applications. Employers can include contractual protections in employment agreements.

Can the worker change jobs after PR is granted?

Yes — permanent residents can work for any employer, in any role, anywhere in Australia. Sponsorship obligations end at PR grant.

Can the worker apply while still on a 482?

Yes — most workers remain on their 482 or a bridging visa with full work rights while the 186 is being processed.

What if the occupation is not on the list?

We assess alternative streams and pathways. The Specialist Skills stream of the 482 can sometimes provide a route where standard occupation lists don't apply.

Are there age restrictions?

Generally under 45 at time of application, with limited exemptions. We assess age eligibility at the outset — before any work begins.

How long does processing take?

Processing times vary. We monitor current times and advise realistic expectations. We prepare complete, well-evidenced files that don't create unnecessary delays.

Map your team's PR pathway.

We plan the 186 pathway at the same time as the 482 nomination — so your team knows their timeline from day one. Book a strategy call to get started.

Book a Strategy Call
Fixed fees · MARN 1466195 · Sydney CBD · Response within 24 hours