Subclass 186

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Overview

The Subclass 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme visa) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It allows the visa holder to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, with a pathway to citizenship if eligible.

The 186 visa has three streams, each with its own eligibility requirements:

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

This stream is for temporary visa holders (usually on a Subclass 482 (TSS) visa or older 457 visa) who have worked for their employer for at least 2 years and are now being nominated for permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria:

- Nomination by Employer: The employer must be an approved sponsor and nominate the applicant for a permanent position.

- Work Experience: Must have worked full-time for the nominating employer for at least 2 years on a TSS (482) visa 457 visa.

- Skills & Qualifications: Must meet any required skills assessments (if applicable).

- English Language Proficiency: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).

- Age Limit: Under 45 years (exemptions apply for certain occupations or transitional 457 visa holders).

Direct Entry (DE) Stream

This stream is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer but do not require prior work experience in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria:

- Nomination by Employer: The employer must be an approved sponsor and nominate the applicant for a permanent position.

- Occupation: Must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (unless exempt).

- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required (unless exempt).

- Work Experience: At least 3 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.

- English Language Proficiency: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).

- Age Limit: Under 45 years (some exemptions apply).

Labour Agreement (LA) Stream

This stream is for workers sponsored by an employer under a Labour Agreement between the Australian government and an industry body. These agreements are used when standard visa programs do not meet labour market needs.

Eligibility Criteria:

- Nomination by Employer: The employer must have an approved Labour Agreement with the Australian government.

- Occupation: Must be listed in the Labour Agreement.

- Skills & Qualifications: Must meet the specific requirements of the Labour Agreement (may include skills assessments, experience, or licensing).

- English Language Proficiency: Varies depending on the agreement (often Competent English or higher).

- Age Limit: Usually under 45 years, but exemptions may apply.

Common Requirements for All Streams:

- Health & Character: Must meet health and character requirements.

- No Debts to Australia: Must not owe any debt to the Australian government.

- Genuine Position: The job must be genuine and full-time for at least 2 years.

Benefits of the 186 Visa:

- Permanent residency in Australia.

- Ability to work, study, and access Medicare.

- Pathway to citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

- Can sponsor eligible family members for PR.