Australia continues to be a very promising destination for talented professionals looking to settle down and build their careers. From all the possible visa routes, the employer nomination scheme subclass 186 is one of the most popular options for workers who have the support of an Australian employer.
This permanent residence visa lets the eligible skilled workers to live, work and study in Australia permanently, get access to Medicare benefits, sponsor eligible relatives and apply for Australian citizenship.
What Is The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa?
The subclass 186 visa is a permanent visa for skilled workers, which is nominated by an approved employer in Australia. The employer nomination scheme generally operates through the following streams:
The Direct Entry Stream is intended for skilled workers who possess the necessary qualifications and work experience and have been sponsored by an Australian employer. The applicants must be sponsored by an Australian employer, have an eligible job role as per the relevant list of eligible occupations and have passed a competent English language test.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
The Temporary Residence Transition Stream is for workers who have already been employed by their sponsoring employer in Australia on an eligible temporary visa for the required period. To get approval for this pathway, the applicants are required to hold a subclass 457, 482 or bridging visa that is eligible for nomination, need to have at least two years of experience and must have been nominated by an approved employer.
The Labour Agreement Stream applies to workers who are sponsored by an employer that holds a labour agreement with the government of Australia. The applicant should meet the age, skill level, and English language requirements outlined in the labour agreement. The 186 direct entry pathway is a popular one for overseas applicants who have the necessary skills, qualifications and employer sponsorship.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements For The Visa 186?
Before applying for a visa 186, applicants must satisfy several requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
The key 186 visa requirements include:
- Employer Nomination: You should be nominated by an approved Australian employer who is sponsoring you as a skilled worker.
- Occupation Requirements: Your occupation must usually be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list unless applying under a Labour Agreement.
- Relevant Skills and Qualifications: Applicants should have the required qualifications, skills and experience for their nominated occupation.
- Skills Assessment: Applicants are required to undergo a positive skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be under 45 years at the time of application, unless an exemption applies.
- English Language Ability: You must demonstrate competent English through an approved test unless exempt.
- Health Requirements: Applicants and family members will need to satisfy Australia’s health requirements.
- Character Requirements: Police clearances and character assessments are required.
English Language Requirements For Visa Subclass 186
Most applicants must demonstrate competent English when applying for the 186 employer sponsored visa. The following scores are generally accepted for competent English purposes. Applicants should always verify current requirements before lodging their application for 186 employer nomination scheme visa.
| Test |
Minimum Score Required |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced |
Listening 163, Reading 163, Writing 170 and Speaking 179 |
| CELPIP General |
7 in all four components |
| IELTS Academic |
6 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking |
| IELTS General Training |
6 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking |
| Michigan English Test (MET) |
Listening 56, Reading 55, Writing 57 and Speaking 48 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) |
Listening 290, Reading 310, Writing 290 and Speaking 330 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic |
Listening 57, Reading 60, Writing 64 and Speaking 70 |
| PTE Academic |
Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51 and Speaking 54 |
| TOEFL iBT |
Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19 and Speaking 19 |
Applicants frequently ask about the 186 visa PTE requirement. The current benchmark requires minimum scores in each communication skill rather than relying solely on an overall score.
Documents Required For A Strong Subclass 186 Application
Preparing complete documentation can significantly improve the strength of your application.
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- National identity documents
- Employer nomination approval
- Employment contract
- Resume or CV
- Skills assessment outcome
- Qualification certificates
- Academic transcripts
- English test results
- Employment reference letters
- Payslips and tax records
- Police clearance certificates
- Health examination results
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Children’s birth certificates (if applicable)
How To Apply For A Visa Subclass 186 In Australia?
Applying for a visa subclass 186 involves several stages.
- Confirm Eligibility: Check your age, occupation, qualifications and work experience.
- Secure Employer Sponsorship: You must have employer sponsorship from an eligible Australian employer.
- Employer Lodges Nomination: The employer submits the nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.
- Prepare Supporting Documents: Collect all personal, employment and qualification documents.
- Lodge Visa Application: You have to submit your visa application online through the official website.
- Complete Health and Character Checks: Pass the medical examinations and submit police clearances.
- Await Decision: The Department assesses both the nomination and visa application before making a decision.
Benefits Of The Subclass 186 Visa
The 186 visa offers numerous advantages for skilled professionals seeking long-term stability in Australia.
- Permanent Residency: Eligible candidates can get permanent resident status.
- Unlimited Work Rights: You can work anywhere in Australia after the visa is granted.
- Access To Medicare: Holders gain access to Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Family Inclusion: Eligible family members can be added to the application.
- Education Opportunities: Dependents can take advantage of local education opportunities.
- Pathway To Citizenship: Permanent residents may later become eligible for Australian citizenship.
Processing Time For The Subclass 186
One of the most common questions relates to the 186 visa processing time. The actual subclass 186 processing time varies depending on application stream, occupation, completeness of documents and department workload.
| Visa Stream |
50% Application |
90% Application |
| Direct Entry Stream |
10 Months |
20 Months |
| Temporary Residence Transition Stream |
10 Months |
14 Months |
| Labour Agreement Stream |
9 Months |
10 Months |
Applicants researching visa 186 processing times must know that the delays often happen when additional information is requested. The overall 186 visa waiting time may also increase if supporting documents are incomplete or require verification.
What Are The Costs For A Visa Subclass 186?
The application fee for the government is subject to change and must always be verified prior to application. Applicants should consider the full process rather than focusing solely on the 186 visa fee.
| Visa Stream |
Costs |
| Direct Entry Stream |
AUD 4,910.00 |
| Temporary Residence Transition Stream |
AUD 4,910.00 |
| Labour Agreement Stream |
AUD 4,910.00 |
Conditions And Obligations Of Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186
Although the visa grants permanent residency, both employers and applicants must satisfy certain obligations.
- Genuine Employment Arrangement: The nominated role must be legitimate and ongoing.
- Accurate Information: All information given must be accurate and supported by evidence.
- Compliance With Australian Laws: Visa holders are required to abide by all Australian laws and regulations.
- Record Keeping: Employers must maintain appropriate employment records.
An experienced immigration agent Perth can offer their services to both employers and highly skilled workers during the application process.
How A Migration Agent Perth, WA Can Improve Your Approval Chances
A lot of people hire professionals when they apply for permanent residency status. We will help decrease your chances of making mistakes.
- Eligibility Assessment: A detailed review helps determine the most suitable pathway.
- Document Preparation: Professionals can identify missing evidence before submission.
- Skills Assessment Guidance: Advice can help applicants meet assessment requirements.
- Risk Management: Potential problems can be resolved and dealt with at an early stage.
- Communication Assistance: Agents can manage correspondence with immigration authorities.
A qualified migration consultant Perth can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances if you are considering professional support.
Secure Your Australian PR Through Employer Sponsorship
Are you planning to apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 visa? Contact our reliable Migration Agents in Perth now to achieve your Permanent Residency in Australia.
With the support of an approved employer, eligible applicants can access visa options that lead to long-term settlement and career growth. We can guide you throughout the process and improve your chances of securing Australian permanent residency.