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The Australia 186 visa 2 years commitment requirement plays a critical role in the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). When granted a 186 visa through either the Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition stream, visa holders are expected to work for their sponsoring employer for at least two years.
This page explains the commitment requirement clearly and outlines what applicants, sponsors, and visa holders need to know to stay compliant.
When you are granted a 186 visa, the Australian Government expects you to remain employed with your sponsoring employer in the nominated position for a minimum of two years. This commitment:
Importantly, while the law does not explicitly require you to stay with the employer for two years as a condition of your visa, leaving your sponsor too soon can raise questions about whether the visa was obtained legitimately.
Although the 186 visa is a permanent visa, the Department of Home Affairs may review your case if:
Therefore, you should only accept a 186 visa offer if you genuinely intend to work for the employer full-time for at least two years.
Generally, there is no automatic visa cancellation if you leave your employer before the two-year period. However:
In exceptional circumstances, such as unfair dismissal, workplace exploitation, or business closure, early departure may be reasonable—but legal advice is highly recommended.
If your sponsor goes out of business or no longer has a genuine need for your role:
In some cases, affected visa holders may still retain their permanent residency status. However, outcomes vary based on the specific situation.
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Find answers to common questions about our Work Visa Australia services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.
No. The commitment is not explicitly written into the Migration Regulations, but it is expected under the visa’s integrity guidelines.
Not automatically. However, the Department may assess whether you genuinely intended to stay with your sponsor.
If you’re terminated due to circumstances beyond your control, gather evidence and seek legal advice immediately.