Visa fees · Subclass 186
Subclass 186 visa cost and processing time (2026-27)
Reviewed by a registered migration agent ·
MARN 1795282
Updated
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186) costs A$6,140 for the main applicant, plus A$3,070 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and A$1,535 for each applicant under 18. Home Affairs reports that 75% of applications are finalised within 24 months and 90% within 25 months (Transition Pathway). Fees are from the official Home Affairs pricing table, checked 7 October 2026; processing times are as at 29 September 2026.
How much is the subclass 186 visa application charge?
| Stream | Main applicant | Each extra applicant 18+ | Each applicant under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Entry stream | A$6,140 | A$3,070 | A$1,535 |
| Labour agreement stream | A$6,140 | A$3,070 | A$1,535 |
| Temporary Residence Transition stream | A$6,140 | A$3,070 | A$1,535 |
Source: Department of Home Affairs — Current visa pricing, checked 7 October 2026. Charges are indexed each 1 July. Card payment surcharges, health examinations, police certificates, skills assessments and translations are extra. Confirm the final amount with the official Visa Pricing Estimator before you lodge.
What does the employer pay?
Employer-side government costs for a subclass 186 sponsorship (one-off, paid at nomination where shown):
- Nomination: about A$540
- Skilling Australians Fund levy: A$3,000 (turnover under A$10 million) or A$5,000 (A$10 million or more), one-off
Total them for your business with our sponsorship cost calculator.
How long does the subclass 186 visa take?
| Stream | 75% of applications | 90% of applications |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Entry Pathway | 24 months | 25 months |
| Agreement Pathway | 12 months | 12 months |
| Transition Pathway | 24 months | 25 months |
Source: Home Affairs global visa processing times, as at 29 September 2026. See how times have moved on our processing times tracker.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 186 visa cost in 2026-27?
The base visa application charge for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is A$6,140, plus A$3,070 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and A$1,535 for each applicant under 18, according to the Department of Home Affairs pricing table checked on 7 October 2026. Health checks, police certificates and other third-party costs are extra.
How long does the subclass 186 visa take to process?
Home Affairs reports that 75% of subclass 186 applications (Transition Pathway) were finalised within 24 months and 90% within 25 months, as at 29 September 2026. Individual applications can take longer, for example if information is missing or extra checks are needed.
What does an employer pay to sponsor a subclass 186 worker?
On top of the visa charge, the employer pays Nomination (about A$540), Skilling Australians Fund levy (A$3,000 (turnover under A$10 million) or A$5,000 (A$10 million or more), one-off). The Skilling Australians Fund levy and nomination fee cannot be passed on to the worker.
Full eligibility, steps and pathways: 186 Visa Australia 2026: Requirements, Cost & PR · All visas: Australian visa fees table. General information only, not migration advice.