Subclass 186 - Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
Employer Sponsor Visa
About this visa
The Subclass 186 Visa, or Employer Nomination Scheme, is for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Australia. It requires employer nomination and has three streams: Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement. Applicants must meet specific skill, language, and health criteria. This visa is a direct path to permanent residency for skilled workers needed in the Australian workforce.
On this page, we primarily discuss the TRT and DE streams, while information on the Labour Agreement stream can be found in the provided link.
Direct Entry (DE) Stream
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
Eligibility for Applicant
- Occupation
MLTSSL - Age
45 years - Approved Sponsor Nomination
The applicant needs employer nomination from an Australian business operating lawfully.
The applicant’s employment should be in the nominated occupation within the sponsoring business or its associated entity.
Before applying for the visa, the applicant’s employer must submit a nomination application on their behalf, either as an approved work sponsor or by initiating the process to become a standard business sponsor. - Skills Assessment
a positive skills assessment - Working Experience
Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field, as defined by ANZSCO. This experience can be gained through full-time work within the last 5 years or equivalent part-time work. Casual work is not considered. Experience gained as part of a Masters or PhD program for relevant occupations and work completed through formal arrangements such as clinical placements or internships will be considered. - English Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests or holding a passport from certain English-speaking countries. The acceptable tests and scores are:
IELTS: A minimum score of 6 in each component (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
PTE Academic: A minimum score of 50 in each of the four skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
Applicants may also provide equivalent English language scores or may be eligible for exemptions. - Health and Character
Fulfill health and character requirements.
- Occupation
MLTSSL and STSOL - Age
45 years - Approved Sponsor Nomination
The applicant must be nominated by their Australian employer. This employer should be the same one that sponsored their Subclass 482 Visa. The nomination is for a role within the nominating business, affirming the applicant’s continued employment in the nominated occupation. The employer, already an approved sponsor or in the process of becoming one, must submit this nomination before the visa application is lodged. This requirement ensures continuity in the applicant’s employment under the same employer from the 482 to the 186 Visa. - Skills Assessment
Applicants from certain countries and occupations may be required to undergo a skills assessment. This assessment is designed to confirm that the applicant possesses the necessary qualifications and skills for their nominated occupation. The specific requirement for a skills assessment depends on factors such as the applicant’s nationality, the nominated occupation, and the relevant assessing authority. - Working Experience
The applicant must have worked for at least 2 years, on a full-time basis, in the nominated occupation or a related field. This work experience must be with the same employer who sponsored them for their Subclass 482 Visa. The experience must be relevant and must have been accumulated over the three years immediately prior to applying for the 186 Visa. - English Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests or holding a passport from certain English-speaking countries. The acceptable tests and scores are:
IELTS: A minimum score of 6 in each component (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
PTE Academic: A minimum score of 50 in each of the four skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
Applicants may also provide equivalent English language scores or may be eligible for exemptions. - Health and Character
Fulfill health and character requirements.
Eligibility for Sponsor
Lawful Operation
The sponsoring employer’s business must be lawfully operating in Australia.Approval as a Sponsor
The sponsoring employer must have obtained approval as a Standard Business Sponsor or have at least submitted an application to become one.Genuine Need
The sponsoring employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated skilled position within their business operations.Compliance with Australian Laws
The employer must comply with all relevant Australian laws, including employment and workplace regulations.Training Commitment
Some employers may be required to contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) to support training initiatives in Australia, depending on the nominated occupation and the turnover of the business.、Labour Market Testing
LMT ensures that Australian employers prioritize local job seekers before hiring overseas skilled workers.
Salary Requirement
Sponsors hiring overseas workers must pay at least the market salary rate, which must exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently set at $73,150 plus superannuation (from July 1, 2024).
Process
Step 1
Sponsorship
In this initial step, an eligible Australian employer agrees to sponsor the applicant for a skilled job.
Step 2
Nomination
The sponsoring employer formally nominates the applicant for the specific skilled position, outlining the job details.
Step 3
Visa Application
The applicant submits their Subclass 186 Visa application with required documents, demonstrating suitability for the nominated occupation.
Stay Period
This is a permanent visa, allowing you to reside in Australia indefinitely. The visa includes a travel component that remains valid for five years from the date of visa grant.
You attain permanent resident status on the day when:
- The visa is granted if you are in Australia.
- You enter Australia on this visa if you are outside the country.
For the purpose of Australian citizenship eligibility, your permanent residency commences on the day:
- The visa is granted if you are in Australia.
- You arrive in Australia on this visa if you are currently outside the country.
Cost
Subclass 186 Visa Employer Costs – Nomination Fee
The nomination fee is typically AUD $540.
This fee is paid by the employer when nominating an applicant for a specific position.
Subclass 186 Visa Employer Costs – Skilling Australians Fund Levy
Employers are required to make a contribution known as the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy when nominating a skilled worker for the Subclass 186 Visa. The SAF levy aims to support the overall skills development of the Australian workforce.
- Small Businesses (with an annual turnover less than $10 million): AUD $3,000 one-off.
- Other Businesses (with an annual turnover of $10 million or more): AUD $5,000 one-off.
Subclass 186 Visa Applicant cost – Visa Application Fee
Primary Applicant: AUD $4,640
Secondary Applicants (18 and over) : AUD $2,320
Dependent Children (under 18) : AUD $1,160
The fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Processing time
50% processed in 7 months
90% processed in 11 months
The Australian Department of Home Affairs handles visa applications, and it’s essential to provide all required documents with your application. Please note that incomplete applications may result in longer processing times than the estimated duration. Additionally, processing times are subject to change and should be used as a general reference only.
Family
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) allows you to include the following family members in your visa application:
- Spouse or Partner: This includes your legally married spouse or de facto partner (opposite-sex or same-sex).
- Dependent Children: You can include your dependent children in the application. Dependent children are generally unmarried and under the age of 18. In some cases, dependent children over 18 but financially dependent on you may also be eligible.
- Other Dependent Relatives: In certain circumstances, other dependent relatives can be included in the application, such as elderly parents or financially dependent siblings. However, specific requirements and limitations may apply.
It’s important to note that all family members included in the application must meet the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation to support their inclusion. Additionally, each family member must be listed in the visa application form, and their details and relationship to the primary applicant must be accurately declared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Subclass 186 Visa?
It’s a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.What are the streams of the 186 Visa?
There are three: Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement.Who can apply for the 186 Visa?
Skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.What are the requirements for the Temporary Residence Transition stream?
Applicants must have worked for at least three years with their nominating employer.Is a skills assessment required for the 186 Visa?
It’s required for the Direct Entry stream but not for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.Can I include family members in my 186 Visa application?
Yes, certain family members can be included.How long does the 186 Visa process take?
Processing times vary, depending on the stream and individual circumstances.Do I need to pass an English test for the 186 Visa?
Yes, unless you are exempt, an English test is usually required.Can I apply for the 186 Visa while holding a 482 Visa?
Yes, particularly under the Temporary Residence Transition stream.Is work experience mandatory for the 186 Visa?
Yes, especially for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.What is the age limit for the 186 Visa?
Applicants must be under 45 years of age, with some exceptions.Can the 186 Visa lead to Australian citizenship?
Yes, it’s a permanent visa and can be a pathway to citizenship.How does the Labour Agreement stream work?
It’s for workers sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement.What are the health requirements for the 186 Visa?
Applicants must meet certain health standards.Are there character requirements for the 186 Visa?
Yes, applicants must pass character checks.Can I travel outside Australia with a 186 Visa?
Yes, it allows for multiple entries and exits.What happens if my nomination is refused?
It may affect your visa application.Can I switch employers on a 186 Visa?
Once granted, the visa is not tied to the employer.How long does the visa last?
It’s a permanent visa with indefinite duration.Can I appeal a 186 Visa refusal?
Yes, there are avenues for appeal.