Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

A skills assessment usually isn't required and other exemptions may apply. Since 29 November 2025, only employment held while the employer was an approved sponsor counts toward the two years; the employer doesn't need to still hold that approval today, but they needed to hold it during the period being counted.

Anyone who has changed roles or employers during their sponsorship should have this checked before assuming a period counts.

This stream requires a positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation, at least three years of closely relevant work experience and applicants are generally required to be under 45 at the time of application, with exemptions available for senior academics, scientists and researchers at Skill Level 1 or 2 and some medical practitioners.

If you are 45 and over, have limited English proficiency, or fall short of the usual work experience requirements, a DAMA may provide a pathway to Australia through concessions and exemptions that are not available under standard migration programs.

Only for the Direct Entry stream in most cases. Applicants using the TRT stream, who already hold or have held a subclass 482 or 457 with the nominating employer, generally don't need a new skills assessment, since their sponsored work history already establishes their skill in the occupation. Labour Agreement requirements depend on the specific agreement.

Generally, no, without consequence. If the nominating employer withdraws the nomination before the visa is granted, the application is typically refused, though the Department may allow a new nomination to be substituted in some circumstances. Getting advice quickly if a nomination is at risk of being withdrawn matters more than almost anything else in the process.

It depends on whether the role changes were reflected correctly and whether your employer held approved sponsor status throughout the period you're relying on. Since 29 November 2025, only employment held while the employer was an approved sponsor counts toward the TRT stream's two-year requirement, so this should be checked against your specific employment history before lodging.

Yes, Direct Entry and Temporary Resident Transition stream applicants are generally required to be under 45 at the time of application, with exemptions available for certain senior academic, scientific and medical roles and for some Labour Agreement nominations.

Some refusal decisions carry review rights through the Administrative Review Tribunal, though this depends on the specific decision and visa subclass. Getting advice on whether a review is available and the deadline that applies, should happen as soon as a refusal notice is received.

Every 186 application depends on the specific stream, employment history and occupation involved. Book a consultation to work through which stream fits your circumstances before you or your employer lodge.

Heenan & Browne advises clients from its offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Cairns, providing migration assistance to individuals and businesses across Australia.