The Subclass 186 TRT Stream (Temporary Residence Transition) provides a pathway to permanent residency in Australia for skilled workers who are already working for their sponsoring employer on subclass 482 visa.
As of 2026, the current visa application fees for the Subclass 186 TRT Stream (ENS) visa are outlined in the table below:
| Fee Category | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Paid By |
| Main Applicant Visa Fee | $4,910 | Applicant or Employer |
| Additional Applicant (18+) | $2,455 | Applicant or Employer |
| Additional Applicant (<18) | $1,230 | Applicant or Employer |
To qualify for the Subclass 186 TRT stream, the applicant must meet the following criteria.
1. Work Experience with the Employer
The applicant must generally have worked for their sponsoring employer for at least two years in the nominated occupation while holding the Subclass 482 visa.
2. Eligible Visa
Applicants must currently hold or have held an eligible visa, commonly:
3. Occupation Requirement
The nominated occupation must be the same occupation the applicant has been working in for the sponsoring employer.
4. English Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate Competent English, unless an exemption applies
5. Age Requirement
Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of application. Certain exemptions may apply in specific circumstances.
6. Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements, which may include:
NOTE: Unlike the Direct Entry stream, the TRT stream generally does not require a formal skills assessment.
Step 1 – Employer Nomination:
Your employer lodges a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs. The employer must demonstrate that the position is genuine, full-time, and ongoing for at least two years.
Step 2 – Visa Application:
After the nomination is lodged (or approved), you must submit your Subclass 186 visa application within six months.
Step 3 – Health and Character Checks:
You will need to complete medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates for any country where you have lived for 12 months or more.
Step 4 – Visa Decision:
If the application is approved, you and any included family members will be granted Australian permanent residency.
As of early 2026, the Department of Home Affairs has been prioritising employer-sponsored permanent residency applications.
Average Processing Time: Approximately 6 to 10 months, depending on the completeness and complexity of the application.
Priority Processing: Applications in certain sectors such as healthcare, teaching, and construction, as well as positions located in regional areas, may be processed faster.
If your application is successful, you will receive permanent residency in Australia, which provides several benefits:
Whether you are an employer seeking to sponsor skilled workers or a professional looking to obtain permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186), the team at Migration Dreamz is here to assist you at every stage of the process. We ensure your application is prepared carefully and submitted with the required supporting documentation.
If you would like professional advice about your visa options or need assistance with your application, you can book a consultation with Migration Dreamz.
The Subclass 186 TRT Stream provides a pathway to permanent residency in Australia for skilled workers who are already working for their sponsoring employer on subclass 482 visa.
The Direct Entry (DE) stream requires the applicant to have a genuine job offer, a positive skills assessment, and at least three years of relevant work experience. In contrast, the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream allows eligible applicants who already hold a temporary visa and have worked for their sponsoring employer to transition to permanent residency, generally without the need for a skills assessment.
The standard age requirement for the Subclass 186 visa is that applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application. However, certain applicants may qualify for an age exemption under specific circumstances. These exemptions most commonly apply to applicants applying through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the visa.
No, a skills assessment is generally not required for the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
This stream is designed for applicants who are already working for their sponsoring employer on a Subclass 482 or Subclass 457 visa. Because the applicant has already been assessed when the temporary visa was granted, a new skills assessment is usually not needed when transitioning to permanent residency through the TRT stream.
