If you’re a skilled worker looking for a way to live and work in Australia permanently, the 186 visa for Australia might be the right path for you. This visa gives you and your family a chance to settle in the country, work for an approved employer, and even bring your loved ones with you.
Let’s go step by step and understand what this visa offers, who it’s for, and how you can apply without getting lost in complicated terms or confusing steps.
What Is the Subclass 186 Visa?
The subclass 186 is a permanent visa under the Employer Nomination Scheme. It’s designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for good, work full-time, and bring your family members with you.
The good part? You don’t need to already live in Australia to apply. Depending on the stream you choose, you can apply from inside or outside the country.
Why Skilled Workers Choose This Visa
Many skilled workers pick this visa because it leads to permanent residency. That means you’re not on a temporary stay. You can settle down, build your career, and even plan for citizenship later.
With the australia 186 visa, you get the chance to:
- Work and live anywhere in Australia
- Enroll in Medicare (Australia’s public health system)
- Sponsor family members to join you
- Apply for citizenship when eligible
Three Main Streams You Should Know About
There are three streams under the employer nomination scheme subclass 186. Each one fits a different type of worker. Here’s a clear look at all three.
1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
If you’re already working in Australia on a 482 (TSS) or 457 visa, this stream is for you.
You must:
- Have worked for your current employer in the same job for at least 2 years
- Be under 45 years old (some exceptions apply)
- Have competent English (usually IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent)
- Be nominated by your current employer
This is a common stream for people who started as temporary workers and now want to become permanent residents.
2. Direct Entry (DE) Stream
If you’re not already working in Australia or haven’t worked for the employer who is nominating you, this stream is for you.
You need to:
- Get a positive skills assessment
- Have at least 3 years of work experience in your job
- Be under 45 years of age
- Show competent English skills
This stream is good for people applying from outside Australia or new migrants who haven’t been sponsored before.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is for workers who are nominated under a labour agreement. These are special deals between certain businesses and the Australian Government, usually for industries that have skill shortages.
To qualify:
- Your employer must be part of a labour agreement
- You must meet the skills, qualifications, and age limits mentioned in that agreement
- You must have competent English, unless the agreement says otherwise
This stream is not as common but can be helpful if your job falls under an industry-specific agreement.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for the employer nomination scheme subclass 186, you must:
- Be nominated by an approved employer
- Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
- Have the right skills and qualifications
- Show competent English
- Meet health and character requirements (usually involves medical checks and police clearances)
Do You Need a Skills Assessment?
It depends on your stream.
If you’re applying through the Direct Entry Stream, a skills assessment is a must. This means an official body will check if your qualifications match what’s needed in Australia.
For the TRT stream, you usually don’t need it if you already worked in Australia with the same employer.
Documents and Proof You’ll Need
While applying, you’ll be asked for:
- Proof of work experience
- Qualifications
- English test results
- Health exam results
- Police certificates
- Nomination documents from your employer
Having these ready early can save you a lot of time and back-and-forth.
What Is the Occupation List?
To apply, your job must be on the list of approved occupations. These jobs change often, but common roles include:
- Engineers
- Nurses
- IT Professionals
- Chefs
- Accountants
- Electricians
- Teachers
It’s best to check the latest list on the official immigration website or speak with a visa advisor to confirm.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing time depends on your stream and how complete your application is.
- TRT Stream: Around 5 to 9 months
- Direct Entry: Around 7 to 12 months
- Labour Agreement: Depends on the case
Applications with all required documents usually move faster.
What Are the Costs?
The visa application charge is around AUD 4,640 for the main applicant. Extra charges apply for:
- Family members
- Health checks
- English tests
- Police checks
Can You Include Family?
Yes. You can include:
- Your partner
- Your or your partner’s children (if dependent)
They also get permanent residency and the same benefits as you.
What Happens After You Get the Visa?
Once approved, you can:
- Live in Australia permanently
- Change jobs after a certain period
- Travel in and out of the country freely
- Apply for citizenship after you meet residency conditions
The Best Path to Permanent Residency for Skilled Workers
The 186 visa for Australia is a great chance for skilled workers like you to settle down with your family. It offers a clear path to permanent residency with many benefits. Whether you’re already in Australia or applying from overseas, choosing the right stream and preparing your documents properly will make the process much easier.
If you’re not sure where to start or need help checking your eligibility, reaching out to a registered agent like KNNMigration can help you avoid delays and make your application process smoother.
