186 Visa Processing Time in Australia: Complete Guide

NOTE: The TSS visa has now been replaced by the Skills in Demand visa. Find out more here.

The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (186) ('ENS') offers skilled workers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, whether as current subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa holders transitioning from the former TSS program, or highly skilled individuals new to the 482 program. The 186 visa is divided into three streams: Temporary Residence Transition (TRT), Direct Entry (DE), and Labour Agreement, each providing permanent residency and indefinite stay. TRT stream applicants must have worked with their employer for a minimum of two years on a subclass 482 visa, either the Skills in Demand (SID) or the predecessor TSS visa, making it the most common 482 to 186 PR pathway for existing sponsored workers. DE stream applicants require a positive skills assessment and three years of relevant work experience. Australian Migration Lawyers can assist with the nomination process and visa application, ensuring all necessary documents are submitted for a successful outcome.

186 visa processing time in Australia

The processing times for visas can be highly variable due to multiple factors, making it challenging to predict accurately. Factors influencing the timeframe include the quality and complexity of the application and the Department's workload. Utilising the calculating tool on the Department of Home Affairs website can provide insight, although processing times may change over time. As of the present, processing times for different streams are as follows:

For the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Agreement Pathway:

• 50% of applications are processed within 5 months, while 90% are processed within 9 months.

For the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Direct Entry Pathway:

• 50% of applications are processed within 12 months, while 90% are processed within 19 months.

For the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Transition Pathway:

• 50% of applications are processed within 13 months, while 90% are processed within 18 months.

Key points

• Throughout the visa processing period, you can monitor your application's status via your ImmiAccount portal and opt to receive email/SMS notifications for any updates.
• Occasionally, the Department may request additional information, and a timely response with all required documents is crucial for a favourable outcome.
• Once your application is assessed, you will receive notification of the decision. If successful, you will be granted permanent residence in Australia under the Employer Nomination Scheme 186 visa, with specific conditions outlined in your ImmiAccount.
• In the event of a refusal, appeal avenues through Australia's Administrative Review Tribunal or the Federal Court may be available.

How the Department Prioritises 186 Applications in 2026

Processing times published by the Department of Home Affairs are indicative only. The Department's Employer Sponsored Program Delivery (ESPD) team manages all subclass 186 applications, and in October 2025 confirmed that application volume is extremely high, meaning it cannot provide definitive individual timeframes.

‍Critically, processing does not operate on a strict first-in-first-out basis. Under Ministerial Direction No. 105, the Department applies a priority order that determines which applications are assessed first. Understanding where your application sits in this priority order is more useful than relying on published averages alone.

As of early 2026, the priority order is as follows:

1. Applications for roles in designated regional areas
2. Applications in healthcare and teaching occupations
3. Applications from nominees of accredited sponsors
4. All other standard applications

The practical consequence of this system is significant. An application from an accredited sponsor lodged in October 2024 may be assessed before a standard application lodged in March 2024. Standard Direct Entry and TRT applicants outside priority categories are currently being assessed from lodgements as far back as March 2024.

What this means for your application

If your employer holds Accredited Sponsor status with the Department, your application will be assessed ahead of standard cases regardless of lodgement date. If your occupation is in healthcare, teaching, or a designated regional area, your application will also move faster. If neither applies, your application sits in the general queue, which is currently the longest.

For applicants in the general queue, the most effective way to avoid avoidable delay is to lodge a complete, decision-ready application and respond to any Department requests promptly. Incomplete applications or delayed responses pause assessment and push the application further back.

Recent departmental changes

Efforts to enhance visa processing times have been flagged as a priority, with a particular emphasis on recruitment to bolster departmental resources. The goal is to streamline application processing while upholding program integrity. These initiatives have already led to a reduction in the backlog of visa applications. Improvements in processing times have been notable, especially in temporary visa categories.

However, certain visa programs, such as the Skilled (Permanent) category, continue to experience longer processing times due to the backlog of older cases. Efforts are ongoing to expedite processing for all permanent visas, with a focus on addressing both new and existing applications. Monthly fluctuations in processing times are expected as older applications are progressively resolved.

The 44,000 ENS Annual Planning Level and Quota Pause

The Australian Government allocates a fixed number of ENS visa places each financial year. For 2025-26, the 44,000 ENS annual planning level applies across all employer-sponsored permanent visa grants, including the subclass 186.

If this quota is reached before 30 June 2026, the Department pauses finalisation of all remaining 186 applications until 1 July 2026, when the new financial year quota opens. Your application remains valid and in the queue — it is not cancelled or withdrawn. However, this means a delay until the new program year regardless of how complete or ready your application is.

Applicants and employers who are close to the end of processing should be aware of this risk, particularly those lodging in the second half of the financial year. Lodging a complete, decision-ready application as early as possible in the financial year reduces the risk of being caught by the quota pause.

Factors influencing processing time

The processing times for a 186 visa in Australia can be influenced by a variety of factors. Understanding these factors can help applicants better anticipate and manage their expectations regarding visa processing times. These include the complexity and quality of the visa application, the current workload of the Department of Home Affairs, and any changes in immigration policies or procedures. Additionally, the specific stream under which the visa application is lodged — such as the direct entry stream, Employer Nomination Scheme, or TRT stream — can also impact processing times. Furthermore, the accuracy and completeness of the documentation provided, as well as any requests for additional information from the Department, can contribute to the overall processing timeline.

When dealing with a 186 visa application or appeal, it's vital to be aware of the stringent deadlines in place. Initial applications might contain errors that need rectification or require additional documentation. For instance, authorities may request additional proof, such as a further police clearance or medical examination. Failing to comply with these requests promptly could result in a visa denial. It's essential to maintain clear communication to ensure adherence to all Departmental requirements and enhance the chances of a favourable outcome.

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Health and Character Certificate Expiry During Processing

With Direct Entry and TRT processing currently running at 12 to 19 months, applicants face a practical risk that is not widely discussed: medical examinations and police clearance certificates expire during the processing period.

Medical examinations are generally valid for 12 months from the date of the examination. Police clearance certificates vary by country but are typically also valid for 12 months. If your application is still being assessed when these documents expire, the Department will request updated examinations and certificates before finalising your application. This adds cost and time to the process.

To manage this risk:

• Time your medical examination and police checks as close to your lodgement date as possible rather than completing them early
• Monitor the Department's processing progress for your stream and lodgement date
• Budget for the possibility of re-examination fees if processing extends beyond 12 months
• Engage a migration lawyer to monitor your application and flag expiry risks before they cause delays

Documents to Prepare for a 186 Visa

To demonstrate eligibility for an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, substantial evidence is required, particularly regarding the two-year employment requirement under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. Additionally, navigating the skills assessment process and meeting specific occupational requirements can pose challenges for visa applicants seeking permanent residency.

To assist you in preparing your application, we have crafted a comprehensive checklist for both visa applicants and sponsoring employers. Here's an overview of the documents you'll need to provide:

Identity Documents:

• Passport
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Divorce/death certificate for previous spouse (if applicable)
• Proof of name change (if applicable)
• National identity card (if applicable)
• Birth certificates

Evidence of Skills & Experience:

• Current CV or resume
• Proof of relevant qualifications
• Skills assessment outcome (for Direct Entry stream)
• Evidence of registration or licensing (if applicable)
• Reference letter from former employers
• Proof of at least two years' employment with current employer on a subclass 482 visa, either the Skills in Demand (SID) or the predecessor TSS visa (for TRT stream)

Nomination Documents from Employer:

• Signed employment contract
• Written reference letter (for TRT stream)
• Position details
• Salary details
• Evidence of genuine need for the employee (for Direct Entry stream)
• Proof of active and lawful operation of the business

Additional Requirements:

• Military service record or discharge papers (if applicable)
• Medical checks
• Police clearance certificates from former countries of residence
• English test results

Salary Requirements and the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

For nominations lodged under the 186 visa, the salary offered to the nominated worker must meet or exceed the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT). The current CSIT is $76,515 per year for nominations lodged between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

From 1 July 2026, the CSIT rises to $79,499 per year. Any nomination lodged on or after that date must meet the new figure. Nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 are assessed against the current $76,515 threshold, provided the application is not withdrawn and re-lodged.

In addition to meeting the CSIT, the salary must also reflect the annual market salary rate (AMSR) for the nominated occupation and location. If the market rate for the role is higher than the CSIT, the employer must pay the market rate, not just the minimum threshold.

Employers planning nominations during the current processing period should review salary levels well in advance of the 1 July 2026 threshold increase to ensure compliance without disruption.

How can an Australian Migration Lawyer help?

While the Department of Home Affairs maintains full discretion over visa processing, we cannot guarantee expedited processing. However, there are steps that can be taken to enhance the likelihood of a swifter process. This is where an Australian migration lawyer can help.

• Many working visa applicants often overlook important notifications sent via email or ImmiAccount, resulting in missed requests. To circumvent this, entrust Australian Migration Lawyers to manage notifications on your behalf, ensuring you are promptly informed and guided through necessary actions.
• Understanding the requirements outlined in the checklist, particularly those pertinent to working visas such as the Temporary Residence Transition stream, can be overwhelming. The checklist may be extensive, encompassing various criteria, with language that may be perplexing, particularly for non-native English speakers. Our team of experienced Australian Migration Lawyers has handled numerous requests, guaranteeing clarity and providing appropriate responses.
• Meeting the set timeframe for preparing and submitting requested information can pose challenges. Failure to comply may lead to application rejection. Our team is adept at assisting in submitting time extension requests based on your circumstances and ensuring accurate submissions, which are vital for satisfying Department requirements.
• Navigating specific requirements for working visas, such as proving qualifications and experience, can be daunting. Australian Migration Lawyers play a pivotal role in clarifying expectations and guiding you through the process.
• In the event of unsuccessful submissions and visa rejections, our team is well-equipped to assist in appealing decisions to Australia‚ Administrative Review Tribunal or the Federal Court.

We also support Labour Agreement applications, helping Australian employers navigate the application process. Our expertise ensures that well-prepared applications meet all eligibility criteria and include the necessary supporting documents, such as character documents, birth certificates, police certificates, and statutory declarations.

Upon successful visa approval, you will receive a bridging visa, allowing temporary entry while awaiting your Australian resident permit. This permit grants you the right to work and live in Australia indefinitely, enabling you to fulfil your aspirations of becoming a permanent resident.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to process a 186 visa?

Most applications take between 5 months and 19 months depending on the stream, though some can take longer depending on the complexity of the case and the current workload of the Department of Home Affairs.

What factors affect 186 visa processing times?

The factors that affect 186 visa processing times are the stream applied under, whether all documents are lodged correctly, skills and employment assessments, health and character checks, and the Department of Home Affairs’ current caseload.

Can I appeal if my 186 visa is refused?

Yes, a Subclass 186 visa refusal can be appealed within 21 days of the refusal. In many cases, sponsors may request a merits review through the ART.

What documents are required for a 186 visa application?

The documents required for a 186 visa application include:

An approved employer nomination

Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)

Skills and qualifications evidence

English language test results

Work experience records

Health and character checks (police checks, medicals)

Has the TSS visa been replaced?

Yes, the TSS visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa on December 7 2024, as part of an employer-sponsored migration system update, which introduced new pathways and requirements for sponsored skilled workers.