Australia 186 Visa
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Subclass 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme)
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia with sponsorship from an Australian employer.
This visa is designed to help employers fill skilled positions when suitable Australian workers are not available.
Visa Streams
There are three main streams under the 186 visa:
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT): For applicants currently working on a 457 / 482 visa
- Direct Entry: For skilled workers applying directly from Australia or overseas
- Agreement Stream: For applicants sponsored under a labour agreement
Basic Eligibility
To apply, you must:
- Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
- Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Meet English requirements (e.g. IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Meet health and character requirements
Employer Requirements
The sponsoring employer must:
- Be legally operating in Australia
- Offer a full-time position for at least 2 years
- Provide a salary that meets the market salary rate and minimum threshold
- Demonstrate a genuine need for the role
Application Process
The 186 visa involves two main steps:
- Nomination Application: Employer nominates the position
- Visa Application: Applicant applies for the visa
Both steps must be approved for the visa to be granted.
Salary Requirement
- Must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
- Must match the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
English Requirement
- You must show competent English, such as:
- IELTS score of at least 6 in each band
- Or an equivalent score in accepted English tests
Pathway to PR
- This visa grants direct permanent residency, allowing you to:
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Include eligible family members
- Access long-term benefits
Key Updates
- More pathways from 482 visa to 186 visa are now available
- Work experience requirement remains at minimum 3 years
- Salary thresholds are updated regularly by the government
Important Note
- Visa rules and requirements may change. It is recommended to consult a migration expert before applying.