Australia Employer Nomination Subclass 186 Visa
Looking to secure permanent residency in Australia through employer sponsorship? Smart Geek Visas offers expert guidance for the Australia Employer Nomination Subclass 186 Visa, helping skilled overseas workers and their families achieve Australian PR. With 17+ years of experience, 30,000+ success stories, and personalised support, we ensure smooth 186 visa applications, accurate employer nominations, and faster approvals. Trust Smart Geek Visas, your top-rated Australia PR consultant, to navigate the complex migration process and turn your Australian dream into reality!
What is the Employer Nomination Subclass 186 Visa?
The Australia Employer Nomination Subclass 186 Visa is a permanent residency (PR) visa designed for skilled overseas workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer. This visa allows successful applicants to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, providing access to Medicare (Australia’s healthcare scheme), employment rights, and a clear pathway to Australian citizenship. The Subclass 186 Visa is ideal for professionals with specialised skills who wish to secure Australian PR through employer sponsorship. A major advantage is the ability to include eligible family members (such as spouses, partners, and dependent children) in the application, ensuring they also enjoy permanent residency rights, work and study opportunities, and healthcare benefits under Australia’s national system.
Streams under Subclass 186 Visa
The Australia Employer Nomination Subclass 186 Visa offers three distinct streams to suit different skilled migration pathways.
Direct Entry Stream – Ideal for skilled workers applying directly from overseas or within Australia, this stream is perfect if you meet the skills and qualifications but haven’t worked in Australia before.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRT) – Designed for 457 or 482 visa holders who have worked with the same employer for 2–3 years and are now transitioning to permanent residency (PR).
Labour Agreement Stream – For workers nominated under special labour agreements between Australian employers and the government, catering to industry-specific skills shortages.
What Does the Subclass 186 Visa Let You Do?
The Employer Nomination Subclass 186 Visa gives you and your family the right to live in Australia as permanent residents, offering a range of valuable benefits that improve your lifestyle, career, and long-term security. Here’s what you can enjoy with this visa:
- Live, work, and study in Australia with no time limit.
- Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Travel freely in and out of Australia for 5 years.
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for Australian visas.
Eligibility Criteria for Australia Subclass 186 Visa
To apply for the Subclass 186 Visa, you must meet several key requirements that vary slightly depending on the visa stream. Below are the general conditions you need to fulfil:
- Be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
- Be under 45 years old (some exemptions apply).
- Meet competent English language standards.
- Pass health and character assessments.
- Have the necessary skills and work experience for the nominated job.
- Meet specific stream conditions (e.g., skills assessment for Direct Entry, 3 years with employer for TRT).
How to Apply for Australia Employer Nomination Subclass 186?
Applying for the Australia Employer Nomination Subclass 186 Visa involves several important steps that ensure both you and your employer meet the necessary requirements for a successful application. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Stage 1: Check if you meet the 186 visa eligibility and the specific stream requirements.
Stage 2: Ask your employer to lodge the nomination with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
Stage 3: Collect all required documents, including ID, skills assessment, health, and character certificates.
Stage 4: Submit your online visa application and pay the applicable visa fee.
Stage 5: Wait for your application to be processed (this may take several months).
Stage 6: Receive your visa approval and officially begin your permanent residency journey in Australia.
Required Documents for Subclass 186 Visa
To successfully apply for the Australia Employer Nomination Subclass 186 Visa, you must prepare and submit a detailed set of documents that support your eligibility and application claims. Having all documents ready in advance helps avoid delays or rejections. Here’s what you’ll need:
- English proficiency certificate (from the past 3 years).
- Police clearance and completed Form 80 for character assessment.
- Skills assessment report or proof of licensing/registration.
- Updated resume or CV.
- Identity documents (passport, birth certificate).
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Signed Australian Values Statement.
- Health assessment and medical results.
- Age exemption documents (if you qualify).
- Dependent or family member documents (if they are part of the application).
Processing Time for Subclass 186 Visa
The Australia Employer Nomination Subclass 186 Visa processing time can vary depending on which stream you apply under, how complete your application is, and the current workload of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Providing all required documents correctly and promptly can help avoid unnecessary delays. Below is an estimated timeline for each stream:
| Visa Stream | 50% of Applications | 90% of Applications |
| Direct Entry Stream | 8 months | 18 months |
| Labour Agreement Stream | 6 months | 9 months |
| Temporary Residence Transition | 13 months | 18 months |
Keep in mind that these are average timelines, and actual processing can be faster or slower based on individual case complexity or additional checks requested by DHA. It’s always a good idea to work with experienced migration experts like Smart Geek Visas to ensure your application is handled efficiently from start to finish.
Why Choose Smart Geek Visas for Your 186 Visa Journey?
Choosing the right migration partner can make all the difference in your Australia Employer Nomination (Subclass 186) Visa success. At Smart Geek Visas, we bring deep expertise, proven success, and a client-first approach to help skilled professionals achieve their Australian permanent residency goals smoothly and confidently. Here’s why we stand out:
- 17+ years of Australian immigration expertise.
- 30,000+ successful PR and work visa cases.
- Stream-specific eligibility and document guidance.
- End-to-end employer nomination and visa support.
- Transparent online process and personalised assistance.
- Dedicated support until final visa approval.
With Smart Geek Visas by your side, you’re not just getting paperwork help — you’re gaining a trusted migration partner who will guide you at every step, ensuring your dream of moving to Australia becomes a well-managed, successful reality.
FAQs – Australia Employer Nomination Subclass 186 Visa
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What is the Employer Nomination Subclass 186 Visa?
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Can I Include Family Members in My Subclass 186 Visa Application?
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Is There an Age Limit for Applying for Subclass 186?
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Do I Need to Meet English Language Requirements for Subclass 186 ?
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How Long Does It Take to Process the Subclass 186 Visa?
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