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Employer Nomination Scheme visa Subclass 186 – Temporary Residence Transition Stream
Transition from Sponsored Work to Permanent Residency with the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 – Temporary Residence Transition Stream
The Employer Nomination Scheme – Subclass 186 – Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers who are already working in Australia on an eligible employer-sponsored visa and are ready to take the next step toward long-term stability. If you’ve built a strong employment history with your sponsoring employer, this stream allows you to transition into permanent residency, giving you greater certainty for your career, family, and future in Australia.
At Knowbal Migration, we help you and your employer move through the TRT process with clarity and confidence. We assess your eligibility, confirm the right occupation and evidence pathway, and prepare a strong nomination and visa application that reflects a genuine role and ongoing business needs. From document strategy to lodgement readiness, we guide you step-by-step to minimise delays and protect your PR outcome.
Overview for Subclass 186 - Temporary Residence Transition Stream
- Permanent residency through your current employer
This stream is designed for skilled workers who are already working in Australia and are being nominated by their employer for permanent residence. - Built for existing sponsored workers
It suits people who have been employed in the nominated role with the nominating employer on an eligible temporary sponsored visa and, where applicable, certain bridging visas. - Employer nomination for an ongoing, full-time role
Your employer must nominate a genuine, ongoing position and meet sponsorship and nomination obligations, including salary and employment conditions. - Standard visa requirements still apply
Applicants must meet health and character requirements and any occupation licensing/registration requirements. Age and English requirements generally apply, with limited exemptions in specific situations.Cost: AUD 4,910.00| for latest cost estimation check here
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Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 - Temporary Residence Transition Stream?
Eligibility for Subclass 186 - Temporary Residence Transition Stream
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Open to applicants of any nationality. |
| Age | Usually, it must be under 45 at the time of application (unless an exemption applies). |
| English test | Must have Competent English. |
| Current visa / bridging visa criteria | Typically for people who hold (or have held) a subclass 457 or 482 and have worked for the same employer in the same occupation. If applying in Australia, you generally need to hold a substantive visa or an eligible Bridging Visa (BVA/BVB/BVC). |
| Location at lodgement | You can apply in or outside Australia, but not while in immigration clearance. |
| Location at time of grant | Can be in or outside Australia when the visa is decided, but not in immigration clearance. |
| Occupation (nominated position) | The nominated role must be the same occupation you were approved to perform on your subclass 457/482, and the position must be full-time and genuine. |
| Employment with nominating employer | Must have completed the required period of eligible sponsored employment with the nominating employer in Australia, which must be full-time, in Australia, while holding 457/482 (or eligible bridging visa), and in the approved occupation. |
| Skills assessment (if applicable) | Discretionary / case dependent. Often not required where the nominee was already assessed for 457/482, and the same occupation continues but may be required in some cases. |
| Study requirements | No standard Australian study requirement for this stream, unless a case-specific requirement applies. |
| Qualification type | Must hold qualifications suitable for the nominated position (aligned to the occupation and duties). |
| Licensing / registration | If the occupation is regulated, the nominee must hold the required licence/registration/membership (as required by the state/territory or professional body). |
| Health insurance | No standalone “health insurance” criterion is typically assessed like a temporary visa; however, if the applicant remains in Australia on a temporary visa/bridging visa before grant, they should maintain adequate health cover as applicable to their status. |
| AFP / character | Must meet character requirements and provide police checks when required (including AFP where applicable based on time spent in Australia). |
| Health | Must meet Australia’s health requirements (medical examinations may be requested). |
| Section 48 bar | If the applicant is subject to Section 48, they may be barred from applying (unless an exemption applies). |
| Nomination timing | The visa application should be lodged within 6 months. |
| SAF levy | The sponsor must pay the SAF levy as part of the nomination (where required). |
| Business lawfully operating | The nominating business must be lawfully operating. |
| Adverse information | There must be no adverse information known to the Department about the sponsor or associated persons. |
| Genuine need / position | Sponsor must show a genuine need for the nominee in the nominated position. |
| Market salary / TSMIT | The offered salary must meet the market salary rate and be equal to or above TSMIT (where relevant). |
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa Subclass 186 – Temporary Residence Transition Stream can feel complicated, but Knowbal is here to support you at every stage. Here’s how we simplify the application process
Initial Consultation
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Assigning an Expert Agent
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Document Preparation
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
Submitting the Application
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
FAQs
The TRT stream is for applicants who are already working in Australia on an eligible employer-sponsored visa and are being nominated by their employer for permanent residency, based on their ongoing role and employment history with that business.
Your duties must still substantially align with the nominated occupation and reflect a genuine ongoing role. Small changes are usually manageable, but major shifts in duties, location, hours, or seniority can affect eligibility or create risk in the nomination.
It means the business genuinely needs the role on an ongoing basis, and the position fits within the business structure. Evidence usually includes organisational charts, position descriptions aligned to the occupation, proof of ongoing work, payroll records, and business capacity to sustain the role long-term.
Yes. Eligible family members can be included in your permanent residency application. It’s best to prepare their identity and relationship documents early to avoid delays (especially if relationship evidence is complex or documents need translation).
Changing employers can break the TRT pathway because the application is tied to the nominating employer and your employment history with them. If you leave the sponsoring employer before approval, you may need to reassess your pathway entirely and consider alternative options.
Strong TRT applications are built on clean evidence: consistent employment records, clear duty alignment to the nominated occupation, correct salary and conditions, strong business capacity documents, and a well-structured nomination narrative showing why the role is ongoing and needed.
You must have worked for at least 2 years within the last 3 years while holding a Subclass 457, 482, or eligible Bridging Visa, in the occupation you were granted the Subclass 457 or 482 visa to perform.
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