For skilled professionals looking to build a long-term future in Australia, employer-sponsored permanent residency can be an important pathway. The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is a permanent visa that allows eligible skilled workers to live and work in Australia without a regional restriction.
Understanding who can apply, employer nomination requirements, work experience, English language requirements and supporting documents is essential before preparing an application.
What is the 186 Visa?
The 186 Visa is an employer-sponsored permanent residence visa for skilled workers who have an eligible Australian employer willing to nominate them for a skilled position.
The visa can provide a pathway to permanent residence and has no geographical restriction. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, different streams may apply, including the Temporary Residence Transition stream and Direct Entry stream.
Who Can Apply for Subclass 186?
Generally, applicants may be considered for this visa if they:
- Have an eligible Australian employer willing to nominate them.
- Have a position that meets the relevant occupation and nomination requirements.
- Have the skills and experience required for the nominated position.
- Meet the applicable English language requirement.
- Meet relevant age requirements or qualify for an applicable exemption.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Hold any required registration, licensing or professional accreditation.
- Provide the documents required to support their application.
The exact eligibility criteria depend on the stream and individual circumstances.
Main Streams of the Employer Nomination Scheme
1. Temporary Residence Transition Stream
This stream may be relevant to eligible skilled workers who have been sponsored by an Australian employer on a qualifying temporary skilled visa.
Changes introduced to this pathway reduced the work experience requirement and expanded the types of eligible sponsored full-time employment that may count toward the requirement.
Applicants still need to satisfy the other applicable visa, nomination and employment criteria.
2. Direct Entry Stream
The Direct Entry stream may suit skilled workers who do not qualify through the Temporary Residence Transition pathway.
A skills assessment is generally required for Direct Entry applicants unless an exemption applies. Applicants may also need to meet occupation, work experience, English, age, registration and other requirements relevant to their circumstances.
186 Visa Requirements
The specific requirements can vary according to the stream, occupation and applicant’s circumstances. Important areas to consider include:
1. Employer Nomination
An eligible employer must nominate the position and proposed employee before the visa application can be assessed. For employer-sponsored skilled visas, the nomination application must be made before the visa application. Applicants can generally lodge their visa application before the nomination outcome is finalised.
2. Skilled Occupation and Position
The nominated position must satisfy the applicable requirements for the relevant stream. Employers also need to meet their sponsorship and nomination obligations.
3. Skills and Work Experience
Applicants need to demonstrate that they have the skills and relevant employment history required for their nominated occupation and stream.
Supporting evidence can include payslips, bank statements and tax records. Home Affairs notes that a work reference by itself may not be sufficient to establish employment history.
4. English Language
Applicants may need to provide evidence demonstrating the required level of English proficiency. The evidence required can depend on the applicant’s circumstances and applicable exemptions.
5. Skills Assessment
A suitable skills assessment may be required, particularly for Direct Entry applicants. Certain applicants may qualify for an exemption depending on their circumstances.
6. Age Requirement
Age requirements apply to the visa, although exemptions may be available in certain circumstances. Applicants should assess the relevant age criteria for their particular stream before lodging.
7. Health and Character
Applicants and relevant family members must satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements. Police certificates may be required for applicants and family members aged over 16, depending on the applicable requirements.
Documents You May Need
A carefully prepared application should include the documents required to demonstrate eligibility. Depending on the case, these may include:
- Valid passport and identity documents
- English language evidence
- Skills assessment, where required
- Employment references and employment records
- Payslips, bank statements or tax documents
- Qualifications and academic records
- Registration or licensing evidence, where applicable
- Police certificates
- Health examination information
- Evidence of relationships for accompanying family members
- English translations of documents that are not in English
Home Affairs recommends providing complete supporting documentation and declaring relevant residential and travel history accurately.
How Does the 186 Visa Application Process Work?
A typical employer-sponsored application involves several stages:
Step 1: Check eligibility
Review your occupation, skills, experience, English, age and other requirements.
Step 2: Employer nomination
Your Australian employer prepares and lodges the relevant nomination.
Step 3: Prepare your visa application
Collect identity, employment, qualification, English, health and character documents.
Step 4: Lodge the visa application
Submit the application through ImmiAccount with the required supporting evidence.
Step 5: Respond to requests if required
Home Affairs may request additional information or documents during processing.
Step 6: Visa decision
The Department assesses the nomination and visa application against the applicable criteria.
Submitting complete and accurate applications can help avoid unnecessary delays. Processing times can vary depending on application completeness, program places, application volumes, complexity and other factors.
READ ALSO – 482 Visa vs 186 Visa: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Sponsorship Route
Why Professional Guidance Can Help
Employer-sponsored permanent visas involve both employer nomination and applicant requirements. A small mistake in occupation selection, employment evidence, documentation or eligibility assessment can create complications.
If you are unsure about your pathway, seeking professional guidance from a registered migration professional can help you understand the requirements that apply to your individual circumstances.
Ozmate Migration provides migration assistance for applicants seeking professional guidance about Australian employer-sponsored visa pathways. If you are looking for Australian Immigration Agents in Melbourne, the team can help you understand the relevant process and documentation for your situation.
Speak With a Migration Professional
Every applicant’s circumstances are different. Your occupation, current visa, employer, work experience, qualifications and English evidence can all affect which pathway may be available.
If you are considering an employer-sponsored permanent residence pathway, speaking with a qualified migration professional before lodging can help you understand the applicable requirements and prepare your documents carefully.
Ozmate Migration can assist applicants seeking guidance from a migration agent Melbourne regarding employer-sponsored visa options and the application process.
Conclusion
The Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 can provide eligible skilled workers with a permanent residence pathway through an Australian employer. However, eligibility depends on several factors, including the applicable stream, employer nomination, occupation, skills, work experience, English, age, health and character requirements.
Before applying, carefully review your circumstances and prepare the required evidence. Professional migration advice can also help you understand the pathway that may apply to your situation and avoid common documentation or eligibility issues.
For guidance about the 186 Visa and other Australian employer-sponsored pathways, contact Ozmate Migration for an individual assessment of your circumstances. For enquiries or personalised guidance, contact Ozmate Migration today at 0421 240 536
