What is the Subclass 186 Visa?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia. This visa is employer-sponsored, meaning an Australian employer must nominate you for a position that aligns with your skills and qualifications.(Global Migration Solutions)
🔄 Streams Under Subclass 186
The Subclass 186 visa comprises three streams:
- Direct Entry Stream: For individuals who are not transitioning from a temporary visa and have a positive skills assessment for an eligible occupation.
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: For individuals who hold a Subclass 457 or 482 visa and have worked for their nominating employer for at least three years.(VISAFAST MIGRATION CONSULTANCY)
- Labour Agreement Stream: For individuals sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement.(IDP IELTS Australia)
✅ Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements
- Age: Under 45 years at the time of application, unless exempt.(VISAFAST MIGRATION CONSULTANCY)
- English Proficiency: Demonstrate at least competent English (e.g., IELTS band score of 6.0 in each component).(IDP IELTS Australia)
- Health and Character: Meet health and character requirements.
Direct Entry Stream
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for an eligible occupation.
- Work Experience: Have at least three years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.(visahome.com.au)
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
- Visa Status: Hold a Subclass 457 or 482 visa.(visafinder.com.au)
- Employment: Have worked for the nominating employer for at least three years.(VISAFAST MIGRATION CONSULTANCY)
Labour Agreement Stream
- Labour Agreement: Be sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement.(VisaGuide World)
💼 Employer Obligations
Employers nominating an employee for a Subclass 186 visa must:
- Nomination Fee: Pay a nomination fee of AUD $540.(HECT Migration & Appeal Experts)
- Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy: Contribute to the SAF levy, which is AUD $3,000 for businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10 million and AUD $5,000 for businesses with a turnover of $10 million or more.(HECT Migration & Appeal Experts)
- Market Salary Rate: Offer a salary that meets or exceeds the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently set at AUD $73,150.(visahome.com.au)
- Compliance: Comply with all relevant Australian laws, including employment and workplace regulations.(HECT Migration & Appeal Experts)
📄 Application Process
- Employer Nomination: The employer submits a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.(visahome.com.au)
- Visa Application: Once the nomination is approved, the employee submits a visa application.(HECT Migration & Appeal Experts)
- Decision: The Department of Home Affairs processes the visa application and makes a decision.
💰 Costs
- Visa Application Fee:
- Primary Applicant: AUD $4,770(agma.com.au)
- Additional Applicants (18 and over): AUD $2,385(agma.com.au)
- Additional Applicants (under 18): AUD $1,190(agma.com.au)
- Nomination Fee: AUD $540 (paid by the employer).
- SAF Levy: AUD $3,000 or $5,000 (paid by the employer).(visahome.com.au)
⏱ Processing Times
Processing times for the Subclass 186 visa can vary:(Jade Immigration Lawyers)
- Direct Entry Stream: Approximately 5 to 18 months.(Jade Immigration Lawyers)
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream: Approximately 14 to 16 months.(KPMG)
- Labour Agreement Stream: Variable.(Jade Immigration Lawyers)
Note: Processing times are subject to change and can vary based on individual circumstances.
🌟 Benefits of Subclass 186 Visa
- Permanent Residency: Live and work in Australia permanently.(IDP IELTS Australia)
- Healthcare: Access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
- Family Sponsorship: Ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
- Citizenship Pathway: Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
📞 How Earth Link Can Assist
At Earth Link, we specialize in guiding skilled professionals and employers through the Subclass 186 visa process. Our services include:
- Eligibility Assessment: Determine your eligibility for the Subclass 186 visa.
- Employer Guidance: Assist employers in meeting their obligations and submitting nomination applications.(Global Migration Solutions)
- Visa Application Support: Help applicants prepare and submit their visa applications.
- Document Preparation: Ensure all necessary documents are correctly prepared and submitted.
- Ongoing Support: Provide updates and guidance throughout the processing period.
📞 Contact Us
Ready to take the next step toward your Australian permanent residency? Contact Earth Link today to schedule your consultation.
