Subclass 186 Visa

Subclass 186 Visa Australia

Australia's Subclass 186 Visa, also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa, offers a direct pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. This visa is particularly popular among professionals who wish to settle and work permanently in Australia.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the 186 visa process, costs involved, eligibility requirements,and other essential information.

What is the Subclass 186 Visa?

The Subclass 186 Visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. It requires nomination by an Australian employer and is suitable for people who are either already in Australia (on a temporary visa) or outside Australia.

It has three streams:

Direct Entry Stream–For candidates who have not worked much in Australia but have skills matching an eligible occupation.

Temporary Residence Transition Stream – for those who have already worked for their nominating employer under a 482 or 457 visa for at least 2-3 years.

Labour Agreement Stream–For workers sponsored through a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian government.

Subclass 186 Visa Eligibility:

General requirements(may vary slightly depending on the stream)

You must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.

You must be under 45 years of age(exceptions exist).

You must have competent English(IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).

Your occupation must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.

You must have the required skills, qualifications, and work experience.

You must meet health and character requirements.

Note:Some exemptions apply based on salary, age, or special circumstances.

Subclass 186 Visa Step-by-Step Process:

1.Find an Employer:You must have a job offer from an Australian employer who is willing to nominate you.

2.Employer Lodges a Nomination:The employer submits a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

Nomination must show:

Genuine need for a paid employee in that position.

Labour market conditions were considered.

The business is legally operating and financially sound.

3.Skills Assessment (for Direct Entry Stream):If applying via the Direct Entry Stream,you need a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority.

4.Gather Documents:Prepare necessary documents, including:

Passport

English test results

Skills assessment report

Educational certificates

Work experience letters

Health examinations

Police clearance certificates

5.Lodge Visa Application:You must lodge your visa application within 6 months of the employer’s nomination approval.

Applications are submitted online via ImmiAccount.

6.Wait for Processing:The Department will assess your visa application, and you may be asked to provide additional documents.

Processing time (as of 2025 estimates):

Temporary Residence Transition Stream: 5 to 9 months

Direct Entry Stream:6 to 11 months

Labour Agreement Stream:8 to 12 months

7. Receive Visa Decision:If approved, you receive your Subclass 186 PR Visa and can move (or continue) to live permanently in Australia!

Employers may also incur nomination application fees:

Important:The SAF levy is paid by the employer, not the visa applicant.

Other Important Points

Work Rights:You have full work rights in Australia after your visa grant.

Family Inclusion:You can include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your application.

Citizenship Pathway:After holding the Subclass 186 visa and meeting the residence requirements,you can apply for Australian Citizenship.

Visa Conditions:There are no restrictive conditions, but it is generally expected you work with your nominating employer for at least 2 years after the visa grant.

Tips for a Smooth 186 Visa Process:

Ensure your employer understands their obligations during nomination.

Lodge a complete application with no missing documents.

Prepare early for English tests and skills assessments.

Engage a registered migration agent if needed for expert guidance.

Conclusion:

The Subclass 186 Visa is one of the most stable and rewarding pathways to Australian PR for skilled workers. Whether you are already working in Australia or planning to move from overseas, the 186 visa can open doors to a permanent life in Australia.

If you have a genuine job offer and meet the eligibility requirements, this could be your fastest route to living your Australian dream!