Are you a skilled worker aiming to obtain permanent residency in Australia? Then, your best option would be the 186 visa direct entry under the Employer Nomination Scheme. This visa lets competent workers, nominated by their employers, live and work permanently in Australia. Securing the 186 visa direct entry can be life-changing. With permanent residency, work rights, and a pathway to citizenship, it’s a smart choice for skilled professionals looking to create a future in Australia.
If you are wondering what the 186 visa is, or how you can avail 186 visa direct entry, then this article would prove to be helpful for you.
Key Requirements for Visa 186 Direct Entry
There is a set of eligibility criteria that need to be fulfilled for visa 186 direct entry. These requirements include:
Nomination by an Australian Employer
For visa subclass 186, you must be formally nominated by an Australian employer, as a sponsor, approved by the Department of Home Affairs. The nominated position must be genuine and full-time, and for a minimum of 2 years at a competitive salary.
Skills and Experience
Your skillset and expertise need to be demonstrated, and a valid skill assessment test will help you with that. A minimum of 3 years of experience in the nominated field is required for the 186 direct entry visa. This experience combines full-time experience and part-time experience on a pro rata basis in the relevant field.
186 Direct Entry Occupation List
The nominated occupation must be genuine and consistent with the business, and should be on the relevant list of the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List, now referred to as the Core Skills Occupation List, which includes sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, etc.
Age Limit
You need to be under 45 years of age when you apply for the 186 direct entry visa. However, there are certain exemptions for specified categories like university lecturers, researchers, scientists, high-income groups, or those having a visa under Subclass 444/461.
Proficiency in the English Language
Evidence showing your English proficiency is to be submitted. Employer nomination scheme subclass 186 accepts a minimum score of 6 on IELTS or an equivalent in TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced test as valid proof of your competency in English. The passport holders of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland have exemptions.
Health Requirements
To avoid any further burden on the Australian healthcare system, one of the 186 visa conditions is a health examination conducted by a registered healthcare provider who would submit the results proving whether you are meeting their health requirements.
Character Requirements
Another 186 visa requirement includes a police certificate evidencing your criminal record, or involvement with anti-social groups, or any future potential to engage in such conduct, in your resident country, along with a statutory declaration form to be submitted to ensure that you are of good character.
Also Read: 186 Visa Requirements: A Detailed Guide
186 Visa Processing Time
The 186 direct entry processing time may vary based on the complexities of and completeness of the application. Various factors influence the visa 186 lead time, like:
- Completeness and accuracy of the application
- Number of applications being processed
- Verification delays
- Citizenship country
- Circumstances of the individual applicant
The processing time of a 186 visa direct entry varies between 2 months to 18 months, depending on the application completeness and its complexities. The processing time in the direct stream is:
- 25% applicants are processed within 2 months
- 50% processed in 5 months
- 75% processed in 11 months
- 90% are processed in 18 months
To reduce delays, ensure that your employer’s nomination and your visa application are submitted together and are decision-ready.
Core Benefits of Holding a 186 Visa
Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 has numerous benefits for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Australia. These benefits can be illustrated as:
- Permanent residency that allows the visa holder to work and live in Australia indefinitely.
- Access to subsidized or free medical facilities.
- Flexibility in choosing the work region without any restrictions.
- Family sponsorships to those family members who are eligible for permanent residency.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship upon meeting visa subclass 186 requirements.
- Recognition of skills and experience contributing to Australia’s workforce.
Cost and Levies
Under visa subclass 186, applicants’ fees as of 2025 is AUD 4770 with additional charges for dependent applicants, skill assessments, English proficiency test, and medical examinations.
The Department of Affairs does not approve the nomination without the Skilling Australians Fund levy. This fee, being paid by the employer, ranges from AUD 3000 for small businesses to AUD 5000 for large organisations whose turnover is AUD 10 million or more.
Must Read: Important FAQs For Employer Nomination Subclass 186 Visa
Should You Contact A Migration Agent?
Navigating through the 186 visa direct entry can be quite complex. Migration agents can help you ease such complexities with their guidance on various aspects, like:
- Verifying your eligibility for the visa.
- Preparing the application accurately.
- Guiding employers in their nomination process.
- Prevent costly errors.
Migration agents have the knowledge and expertise required to guide you through the visa process, from applying to getting it approved, making you dream more about your bright future, and worry less about all the paperwork.
Book a Migration Consultation and Get Personalised Guidance in 186 Visa Direct Entry
If questions about eligibility criteria under the 186 visa, documents not being accurate, reliability of sponsors, or long processing times are haunting you, then you should consider consulting a migration agent. You can get rid of all these complexities and attain peace of mind with expert support in Perth. Partnering with Migration Services Perth can enhance your chances of getting your visa approved without any hassle.
Contact a Visa Agent Perth today and get tailored advice and expert assistance to build a future in Australia.
