Visa Information
1 Oct 2026
If you are currently working in Australia on a Subclass 482 visa or 457 visa, transitioning to Permanent Residency (PR) is likely top of mind.
Among the various migration pathways available, the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) - Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream stands out as one of the most direct and reliable routes to securing Australian PR.
Unlike general skilled migration pathways, it does not require a points test or a mandatory skills assessment in most cases.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the core requirements and answers to frequently asked questions regarding the 186 TRT visa stream.
Key Eligibility Requirements for the 186 TRT Stream
To qualify for the Subclass 186 TRT stream, you must meet specific criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs:
Work Experience: You must have worked full-time in Australia for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years within the 3 years immediately prior to lodging the application.
English Language Requirement: You must demonstrate Competent English (e.g., an IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each band or equivalent).
Age Limit: Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of visa application, unless a specific age exemption applies.
Minimum Salary Threshold: The nominated position must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $79,423 per annum (plus superannuation), alongside the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR).
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I turn 45 while working on my visa?
Generally, you must be under 45 years of age at the exact time you lodge your 186 TRT visa application. However, if you meet specific exemption criteria such as high-income earners or academic positions, you may still apply even if you are aged 45 or older.
Is a skills assessment mandatory for the 186 TRT stream?
No. A skills assessment is generally exempt under the TRT stream unless a specific case officer requests one under exceptional circumstances.
Can I include part-time or casual work experience toward the 2-year requirement?
No. Only full-time employment completed in accordance with your sponsored visa employment contract can be counted toward the required period.
Does leave count toward my total work experience?
Paid leave is included in your work experience calculation. However, any periods of unpaid leave must be excluded.
Do secondary applicants like spouses need English scores?
Yes. All secondary applicants aged 18 or older must demonstrate Functional English (equivalent to an IELTS overall average of 4.5). If they do not have a test score, this requirement can be met by paying the Second Visa Application Charge of AUD 4,890, which grants access to English tuition after visa grant.
What happens if I changed employers during my work visa period?
Even if you changed employers, eligible full-time work experience completed under your sponsored work visa or an associated bridging visa with a designated employer can be combined toward the 2-year requirement.
Can I apply for the 186 TRT visa with a previous employer instead of my current employer?
No. The employer nominating you for the final 186 TRT visa must be the most recent employer who sponsored your work visa.
Does work completed before a new nomination is approved count if I switched employers?
Yes. Work experience completed after the date your new nomination was officially lodged with the Department of Home Affairs can be counted toward your total experience.
Do I need to remain employed with my sponsor after permanent residency is granted?
The Department of Home Affairs expects you to remain employed with your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years after your visa is approved. Leaving your position immediately after grant without a legitimate reason may result in adverse consequences for your visa status.
How Bridge and Beyond Migration Can Help
Navigating employer-sponsored PR pathways involves aligning employer nominations, compliance details, and individual applicant criteria. Minor errors or misunderstandings in calculating employment duration or salary thresholds can cause significant delays.
At Bridge and Beyond Migration, we specialize in providing tailored immigration strategies to ensure your transition from a temporary work visa to permanent residency is seamless and secure.
Ready to take the next step toward Australian PR? Contact us today or book a 1:1 consultation to assess your eligibility!
👩🏻💻 https://www.bnbmigration.com.au/
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Disclaimer & General Information Note
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as formal legal or migration advice. Migration law in Australia is subject to frequent amendments, policy shifts, and updates. Bridge and Beyond Migration makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained herein for individual circumstances.
Reading this post or contacting us through this platform does not create a Migration Agent–Client relationship. For personalized assessment, strategic guidance, and legal advice tailored to your specific situation, please schedule a formal 1:1 consultation with a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) at Bridge and Beyond Migration.