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Employer sponsored Australian PR from Sri Lanka
Australia 186 Visa Consultants in Sri Lanka
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) gives you Australian permanent residence through an employer who nominates you. Our 186 visa consultants help skilled workers and employers choose the right stream, meet the salary and English rules, and lodge a complete application.
Speak to an advisor: +94 74 291 8914
Check your 186 visa eligibility
Tell us your occupation, experience and whether you have an employer. A migration advisor will call you within one working day with your best stream.
Your details are used only to contact you about Australian migration. We never share them with third parties.
What Is the Subclass 186 Visa?
The subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa is a permanent employer sponsored visa. An approved Australian employer nominates you for a genuine, full time position, and you apply for permanent residence based on that nomination.
There is no points test. Instead, your employer, your occupation, your salary and your skills must meet the requirements of one of three streams.
Benefits of the 186 Visa in Australia
- Permanent residence from the day your visa is granted
- No points test or invitation rounds
- Include your partner and children in one application
- Access to Medicare, Australia's public health scheme
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence later
- Apply for Australian citizenship once eligible
Working on a 482 visa or have an Australian job offer? Find out if you qualify for the 186.
Check my eligibility186 Visa Streams Explained
Choosing the right stream is the most important step. Each one has different rules for experience, skills assessment and occupation.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)
For workers on a 482 or older 457 visa who have worked for their sponsoring employer for at least 2 years. This is the classic 482 to 186 visa pathway. No skills assessment is usually needed.
Direct Entry
For skilled workers who have not worked long enough with their employer, or who are applying from outside Australia. You usually need a positive skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant experience, and your occupation must be on the eligible list.
Labour Agreement
For workers nominated by an employer with a labour agreement with the Australian Government. Requirements follow the terms of that agreement.
Australia 186 Visa Requirements
- A nomination from an approved Australian employer
- A genuine, full time position in your nominated occupation
- A salary that meets the market rate and the Core Skills Income Threshold
- Under 45 years of age when you apply, unless an exemption applies
- At least competent English
- The skills and experience required by your stream
- Health and character requirements for you and your family
186 Visa Document Checklist
- Passport and national identity card
- Birth certificate
- Employment contract and nomination details
- Skills assessment outcome letter for Direct Entry
- Employment references, payslips and tax records
- IELTS, PTE or other English test results
- Qualifications and transcripts
- Marriage certificate and partner documents if applicable
- Police certificates and health examinations
186 Visa Salary, English and Age Rules
- Salary: your salary must meet the market rate and the Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD 79,423 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026
- English: at least competent English, such as IELTS 6 in each band or an equivalent PTE score, unless you are exempt
- Age: under 45 when you apply, with exemptions for some applicants, including TRT applicants earning above the high income threshold of AUD 190,100
186 Visa Occupation List
For the Direct Entry stream, your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List. For the TRT stream, you generally continue in the occupation you were sponsored for on your 482 visa. We check your occupation and stream before your employer lodges a nomination.
Not sure which stream fits you? Get a free 186 visa assessment.
Find my best streamNever Pay for a Job Offer or Sponsorship
Some offers promise Sri Lankan workers an Australian job and sponsorship in exchange for money. In Australia, it is against the law to ask for, receive or offer payment for visa sponsorship. Employers must also pay the nomination fee and the skilling levy themselves.
Protect yourself. A genuine employer will never ask you to pay for your nomination. If you have received an offer, we can check whether it looks genuine before you pay anything to anyone.
Why Use 186 Visa Consultants in Sri Lanka?
Employer sponsored applications involve two parties and many rules. These are the real problems applicants face, and where a registered migration agent helps most.
Choosing the wrong stream
Applying for Direct Entry when you qualify for TRT, or the other way around, can mean unnecessary skills assessments or a refusal.
Nomination problems
Nominations can be refused if the position is not genuine, the salary is too low or the business cannot show it needs the role.
Counting your TRT time
Only eligible time working for your sponsor counts towards the 2 years. Leave, breaks and visa gaps can affect this.
Age and English deadlines
Turning 45 or an English test expiring at the wrong time can close the door. We plan your timing early.
How Our Employer Sponsored Visa Consultants Help
As Australia 186 visa consultants in Sri Lanka with our own registered migration agent and an office in Australia, we support both you and your employer.
Stream and eligibility check
We confirm whether TRT, Direct Entry or Labour Agreement suits you and flag any risks.
Employer nomination support
We help your employer prepare a nomination that shows the position is genuine and meets salary rules.
Skills assessment preparation
For Direct Entry, we prepare your employment evidence for the right assessing body.
English and age planning
We check your English results and age timeline so nothing expires before you apply.
Visa application
We prepare and lodge your 186 application with every claim backed by evidence.
Health, police and grant
We guide your medicals and police certificates and handle requests from Home Affairs until your grant.
What you get in your free assessment
- The right 186 stream for your situation
- A check of your occupation, salary and English
- Advice on the 482 to 186 pathway if relevant
- A clear breakdown of government and other costs
- A realistic timeline for your case
Our promise to you
- Advice from our own registered migration agent
- A written fee quote with no hidden charges
- One dedicated advisor from start to finish
- No false visa guarantees, because only Home Affairs decides
- Your personal documents kept private and secure
What happens after you fill in the form
Book my free assessmentHow to Apply for a 186 Visa
Free eligibility check
We confirm your stream, occupation and employer readiness.
Skills assessment and English
For Direct Entry, you complete a skills assessment. You also confirm your English results.
Employer nomination
Your employer lodges a nomination, pays the nomination fee and the skilling levy.
Visa application
You lodge your 186 application, either at the same time as the nomination or after it.
Health and character checks
You complete medicals and provide police certificates.
Decision
Home Affairs decides your nomination and visa.
Permanent residence
Once granted, you and your family are Australian permanent residents.
186 Visa Cost in 2026
Home Affairs charges from 1 July 2026. Employer costs must be paid by the employer and cannot be passed on to the worker.
| Cost | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application charge, main applicant | AUD 6,140 | Applicant or employer |
| Each additional applicant aged 18 or over | AUD 3,070 | Applicant or employer |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | AUD 1,535 | Applicant or employer |
| Nomination fee | AUD 540 | Employer only |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy | AUD 3,000 or 5,000 | Employer only, depending on business size |
Also budget for a skills assessment for Direct Entry, English tests, medicals and police certificates. We give you a full written cost plan during your free assessment.
Get a full 186 cost plan for you, your family and your employer.
Get my cost plan186 Visa Processing Time
Processing times change often. At the time of writing, Home Affairs reports that half of Direct Entry applications are decided within about 10 months and half of TRT applications within about 11 months. We check the current Home Affairs processing time for you.
186 vs 189 vs 190 Visa
| Feature | 186 | 189 and 190 |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Australian employer | None, or a state |
| Points test | No | Yes |
| Invitation needed | No | Yes |
| Visa type | Permanent | Permanent |
Common Reasons for Refusal
- A nomination that does not show a genuine position
- Salary below the market rate or income threshold
- Not enough eligible time with the sponsor for TRT
- Skills assessment or experience that does not match the nomination
- English results that are too low or have expired
- Applying after turning 45 without an exemption
Lessons From Sri Lankan Applicants
- Many workers reach permanent residence through the 482 to 186 pathway
- Keeping payslips and tax records organised makes the TRT stage much easier
- Checking the 45 age limit early avoids being shut out
- Genuine employers never ask workers to pay for sponsorship
Exploring other routes? See the 482 visa, 189 visa, 190 visa and work in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best 186 visa consultant in Sri Lanka?
Choose employer sponsored visa consultants who work with a registered migration agent you can check on the official register, explain fees in writing and understand both the worker and employer sides. Avoid anyone who sells job offers or guarantees a visa.
Can I apply for a 186 visa without an employer?
No. You must be nominated by an approved Australian employer. If you do not have an employer, the 189, 190 or 491 skilled visas may suit you better.
Can I apply for a 186 visa from Sri Lanka?
Yes, usually through the Direct Entry stream if an Australian employer nominates you. The TRT stream is for people already working in Australia on a 482 visa.
Is the 186 visa permanent?
Yes. The 186 is a permanent visa from the day it is granted.
What is the 482 to 186 visa pathway?
Workers on a 482 visa can apply for permanent residence through the TRT stream after working for their sponsoring employer for at least 2 years.
What is the age limit for the 186 visa?
You must usually be under 45 when you apply. Exemptions exist for some applicants, including TRT applicants earning above the high income threshold.
What PTE or IELTS score do I need for the 186 visa?
You usually need at least competent English, such as IELTS 6 in each band or an equivalent PTE score. Some applicants are exempt.
How much does the 186 visa cost?
From 1 July 2026, the visa application charge is AUD 6,140 for the main applicant, AUD 3,070 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and AUD 1,535 for each child under 18. Employers also pay a nomination fee and a skilling levy.
What is the minimum salary for the 186 visa?
The salary must meet the market rate and the Core Skills Income Threshold, which is AUD 79,423 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026.
How long does the 186 visa take?
At the time of writing, Home Affairs reports about 10 months for half of Direct Entry applications and about 11 months for half of TRT applications. Times change often.
Do I need a skills assessment for the 186 visa?
Usually yes for Direct Entry, and usually no for TRT. Some Direct Entry applicants are exempt.
Can I include my family in a 186 visa?
Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children, who also become permanent residents.
Can I change jobs after my 186 visa is granted?
You are a permanent resident once granted, but you are expected to start the nominated job and genuinely intend to work in it. Speak to us before changing employers soon after grant.
Should I pay an employer for sponsorship?
No. Paying for visa sponsorship is against the law in Australia, and employers must pay their own nomination costs.
Where is your office in Sri Lanka?
Our office is at 36/3/2 Pavilian Building, Gamini Mawatha, Galle. We offer online consultations for applicants in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna and across the island.
Start Your 186 Visa Application Today
Talk to our Australia 186 visa consultants in Sri Lanka. We will find your best stream, check your salary and English, and guide you and your employer to permanent residence with our own registered migration agent. Your first assessment is free.
