186 Visa: Permanent Residency Through Employer Sponsorship
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Visa allows skilled workers to gain permanent residency in Australia through employer sponsorship. This visa is designed for individuals who have an Australian employer willing to sponsor them for a permanent role. Below, we cover the key requirements, steps, and benefits of obtaining a 186 visa.
🔍 Key Requirements for a 186 Visa – How to Get Employer-Sponsored PR in Australia
To qualify for the Subclass 186 visa, you must significantly:
✔ Have a nominating Australian employer offering a permanent full-time role.
✔ Work in an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
✔ Meet the skills and experience requirements for the nominated occupation.
✔ Demonstrate English language proficiency (unless exempt).
✔ Satisfy health and character requirements.
🔗 See the full Visa Information Hub for related employer-sponsored visas
📌 186 Visa Streams – Choosing the Right Pathway to PR
Overall, there are three pathways to obtain permanent residency through a Subclass 186 visa:
1️⃣ Direct Entry Stream
✔ Explicitly for skilled workers who have never worked in Australia or have limited work experience.
✔ Requires skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
✔ Provides direct permanent residency upon approval.
2️⃣ Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
✔ Firstly – for 482 visa holders who have worked for the same employer for at least 2-3 years.
✔ Does not require a skills assessment.
✔ Lastly, provides direct permanent residency upon approval.
🔗 Learn more about 482 Visa: How to Get Employer Sponsorship
3️⃣ Labour Agreement Stream
✔ Specifically for workers sponsored under a Labour Agreement between the employer and the Australian Government.
✔ Often used for unique skill shortages not covered by standard occupation lists.
✔ Explicitly conditions and requirements vary based on the specific agreement.
🔗 Find out about DAMA Visa: What You Need to Know
🔗 Steps to Secure a 186 Visa – Employer-Sponsored PR Process
1️⃣ Find an Employer Willing to Sponsor You
- Initially, ensure your employer is willing to nominate you for permanent residency.
- Check if your occupation is on the MLTSSL.
- Work with your employer to ensure they meet nomination requirements.
2️⃣ Employer Lodges a Nomination Application
- Certainly, the employer must apply to nominate you for the 186 visa.
- They must prove the genuine need for a permanent skilled worker.
- Finally, a labour market test may be required to show no available local workers.
3️⃣ You Submit Your 186 Visa Application
- Provide evidence of work experience, skills, and English proficiency.
- Submit health & character documents.
- Also – Pay the visa application fee!
4️⃣ Wait for Processing & Decision
- Processing times vary based on stream and occupation.
- Average processing time: 6–12 months.
- Above all – once approved, you gain Australian permanent residency.
🔗 Explore the Visa Information Hub for more employer-sponsored pathways
💡 Benefits of a 186 Visa – Why Choose This PR Pathway?
✔ In addition – Full work and study rights in Australia.
✔ However – No restrictions on employer or location after PR is granted.
✔ Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
✔ Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
✔ Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
📞 Need Expert Help with a 186 Visa?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Visa explicitly offers a secure pathway to permanent residency in Australia. Lastly if you need professional assistance, book a consultation with Simon Mander, a Registered Migration Agent with 22+ years of experience.
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