Streams
- Temporary Residence Transition: for people who have worked for their sponsoring employer on a 482 (or earlier 457) for the required period.
- Direct Entry: for people who have not worked for the employer on a 482, or who are applying from outside Australia. A skills assessment and relevant experience are usually required.
- Labour Agreement: for employers with a labour agreement.
Salary
The nominated salary must meet the relevant income threshold and market rate. Check current figures on Home Affairs.
Key requirements
- Employer nomination for a genuine position
- Age requirements (with some exemptions)
- English at the required level
- Registration for the role
- Health and character requirements
Permanent residency
The 186 is permanent from grant.
Costs: visa application charges are set by Home Affairs and usually change on 1 July. Use the official visa pricing estimator. Budget separately for skills assessment, English tests, health checks, police certificates and translations.
This page is general information, not migration advice. Eligibility depends on your circumstances. For advice, use a registered migration agent.
Official sources to check
- Department of Home Affairs: Visa listing
- Home Affairs: SkillSelect
- ANMAC: Skilled migration services
- OMARA: Register of migration agents
Last checked 10 November 2026. If a rule here conflicts with the official page, the official page is correct. Report an error.