Employee Nomination Visa (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) allows skilled individuals to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis through sponsorship by an approved Australian employer. This visa is a pathway to permanent residency and is suitable for both onshore and offshore applicants.
General Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Subclass 186 Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Occupation must be listed on the 186 Visa Occupations List.
- Must be nominated by an eligible Australian employer.
- Achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6 in each component or an equivalent English language test result.
- Fulfil all health and character requirements.
- Employers can only nominate candidates when no suitable Australian worker is available for the position.
- If applying from within Australia, the applicant must hold a Bridging Visa A, B, or C.
Visa Streams
1. Direct Entry Stream
The Direct Entry Stream is designed for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer who meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be nominated by an eligible Australian employer.
- Occupation must be listed on the 186 Occupations List.
- Must demonstrate competent English proficiency.
Visa Duration:
- This stream grants permanent residency, allowing individuals to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
2. Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement Stream allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently when nominated by an employer operating under a Labour Agreement.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be nominated by an eligible employer.
- The employer must hold a valid Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.
3. Temporary Residence Transition Stream
The Temporary Residence Transition Stream provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who have been employed by an eligible employer under specific temporary visa conditions.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be nominated by an eligible employer.
- Must currently hold a 457 Visa, TSS Visa, or a Bridging Visa A, B, or C.
- Must have worked full-time for the nominating employer for at least 3 years.
Key Benefits of the SC 186 Visa
- Permanent residency in Australia.
- Unlimited work and study rights.
- Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Eligibility to sponsor family members for permanent residency.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship (subject to meeting residency requirements).
For further assistance with your Subclass 186 Visa application, it is recommended to consult FTS Visa’s registered migration professionals or a legal advisor to ensure all requirements are met and the process is streamlined.