The 186 TRT visa pathway has become more welcoming than ever before, especially for skilled workers on temporary visas.
Just two years of work experience can now open the door to permanent residency. The changes to the Temporary Residence Transition stream have brought good news for temporary visa holders. Most applications wrap up within 11 months, and the pathway now welcomes all Subclass 482 visa holders—even those in the short-term stream.
Let’s walk through your journey to permanent residency together. This guide unpacks everything about the 186 visa TRT stream—from checking if you qualify to lodging your application. Your Australian dream awaits, and we’re here to help you grab it.
What is a 186 Temporary Resident Transition Visa?
The 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream is your golden ticket to becoming a permanent resident in Australia. This pathway welcomes skilled workers who already call Australia their temporary home through TSS or 457 visas.
The Australian government’s latest updates have made this visa more accessible than ever. Now, the doors are open wider for:
- All Subclass 482 visa holders
- Regional Occupation List workers
- Short-term stream participants
- Labour Agreement stream holders
- DAMA category workers
The journey to your permanent visa unfolds in two stages. Your employer kicks off the process by putting forward your nomination to the Department of Home Affairs. You’ll then submit your visa application—either right away or within six months of getting the nomination approved.
Here’s what makes this visa stream stand out: you won’t need to jump through the hoops of a skill assessment. Just make sure your job title matches the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) list.
Your work contract tells an important part of your story. While it needs to show you’re serious about staying with your employer for the long haul, here’s the interesting bit: once you’ve got your visa, you’re not actually locked into staying with them. This flexibility gives you the freedom to shape your career path in Australia.
Benefits of 186 TRT visa
Life as a permanent resident in Australia comes packed with exciting possibilities. The 186 TRT visa unlocks the freedom to work anywhere across this vast country, whether staying in your current role or exploring fresh career paths.
Medicare, Australia’s world-class healthcare system, becomes your safety net. The educational opportunities shine bright too. Say goodbye to international student fees at Australian institutions while your children step into public schools without paying a cent.
Your permanent resident status brings these valuable privileges:
- Five years of boundless travel between Australia and overseas
- The chance to help your family members become permanent residents too
- Support through social security after waiting periods
- Freedom to purchase property just like any Australian
- A clear path to Australian citizenship when you meet the requirements
The best part? These golden opportunities extend to your whole family. Everyone listed on your visa application gains equal access to work opportunities, study pathways, and healthcare benefits.
Think of the 186 TRT visa as your family’s key to planting roots in Australia. While the visa lasts forever, remember to renew your travel rights after five years. This permanent home base creates the perfect foundation for building your Australian story.
Who is eligible for the 186 TRT Visa?
The eligibility requirements for your 186 TRT visa journey. The latest updates have smoothed the path, especially if you’re currently on a temporary visa.
Your work history plays a starring role. You’ll need two years of full-time work with your nominating employer, clocked within three years before your application. Full-time means 38 hours weekly.
Age matters too. The cut-off stands at 45 years when you apply. Here’s a special note: if you held or applied for a subclass 457 visa on 18 April 2017, you’ve got until 50 years.
Ready to prove your English skills? Choose your path:
- Secure 6.0 or higher in each IELTS component
- Hit 50 in every PTE band
- Show your passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Republic of Ireland
Your employer needs to tick these boxes:
- Run a legitimate Australian business
- Show they truly need your role
- Guarantee full-time work for at least two years
Looking ahead, your position should stretch at least two years beyond your visa grant date. You’ll keep performing duties matching your nominated role, plus meet any required licences or registrations.
Here’s brilliant news from recent changes: now you can add up all your sponsored work periods towards the two-year requirement, even if you’ve switched employers. This clever update adds flexibility while keeping the visa’s standards strong.
186 TRT Application Process and Required Documents
This is the starting line of your permanent residency journey. The race begins when your employer lodges your nomination with the Department of Home Affairs.
186 TRT processing time
Wondering how long you’ll wait? The timeline tells an encouraging story. Most applicants (75%) receive their outcome within 11 months, while 90% cross the finish line by 14 months. Half of all applications wrap up within 10 months.
186 TRT visa checklist
Your application success depends on gathering these crucial documents:
- Your identity proof (passport, photographs)
- Work records (contracts, payslips)
- Health checks from authorised panel doctors
- Police certificates from your residence countries
- English test results
- Family documents like marriage or birth certificates
Budget wise, prepare for the main visa fee of AUD 4,770 plus extra costs for family members. Your visa application needs lodging within 6 months of nomination approval.
186 TRT visa conditions after granted
Good news awaits approval: your permanent residency comes without strict employment ties. Though your contract shows commitment to long-term work, the Department of Home Affairs steps back from monitoring your employment arrangements.
Just keep one timing rule in mind: start your job within 6 months of visa approval. Fair warning: the department might look closer if you leave your job too quickly after a visa grant, especially if they spot any misleading details in your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to apply for the 186 TRT Visa?
Think of your application as a two-part dance. Your employer leads with a nomination through ImmiAccount. Once that’s sorted, you follow with your visa application on the same platform. Fancy saving time? You can actually submit both parts together.
Do I need a skills assessment for 186 TRT?
Here’s some brilliant news: your actual work experience speaks louder than formal assessments. Unlike other permanent residency routes, the 186 TRT stream skips the formal skills assessment step. Your hands-on experience with your nominating employer tells the story of your capabilities.
How much is the 186 TRT visa?
The main visa applicant cost AUD 4,770. If you will add a family member, you need to pay the second installment; that’s AUD 4,890 extra for each person over 18 and with less than functional English.
Keep your visa pricing calculator handy for these extra bits:
- Medical check costs
- Police certificate fees
- English test charges
- Translation expenses if needed
Smart planning tip: pop these costs into your budget early to avoid any surprises along the way.
Get the right assistance from a migration agent for your 186 TRT visa
Would you tackle a complex legal matter without a lawyer? Your visa journey deserves the same professional care. Migration agents like KBA Global bring valuable expertise to your 186 TRT visa application, mastering the intricate details of Australian immigration law and procedures.
Quality matters—that’s why every registered agent must prove their worth to the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). These specialists offer a toolbox of essential services:
- Expert eligibility assessment and personalised guidance
- Precise nomination application preparation
- Direct liaison with Home Affairs Department
- Thorough document management
- Strong advocacy throughout your journey
Think of your agent as your visa navigator, supporting both you and your sponsoring employer at every turn of the ENS visa process. Beyond shuffling papers, they spot potential hurdles in your path and craft smart solutions to keep you moving forward.
Their deep knowledge of Australian immigration rules helps polish your application to shine. Think of them as your quality control team, ensuring every document and piece of evidence meets the department’s exact standards.
Choosing your migration agent calls for careful thought. Study their 186 TRT visa track record and success stories. The right agent combines crystal-clear communication with steady support throughout your application. Remember, each registered agent brings unique strengths to the table, so pick one whose skills match your specific situation.