Employer Nominated
Subclass 186 Visa
Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition & Labour Agreement Visas
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa is for skilled workers that have been offered a nomination for a permanent position in an eligible occupation in Australia (via the DE stream).
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The 186 visa is also a common pathway (via the TRT stream) for 457/TSS visa holders who have the ability to transition to permanent residency after two or three years with their nominated employer. This is a pathway for 482 visa to PR.
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Only occupations that are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) are eligible for sponsorship via the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) via the Direct Entry pathway.
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Has Two Stages
First Stage – Employer Nomination
The Employer lodges a nomination for the applicant to work in their organisation. The nomination will include a specified occupation that is listed on the relevant legislative instrument, the terms and conditions of employment, and the business’s genuine need for the employee.
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Second Stage – Visa Application
The Nominee then lodges an application for a visa to work permanently in the company they have been sponsored by. They must show they have the required skills, English ability and meet health and character requirements.
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Transitional Arrangements For Subclass 457 Visa Holders
Transitional arrangements are in place for subclass 457 visa holders that held or had applied for a subclass 457 visa prior to 18 April 2017 which was subsequently granted. These transitional arrangements will allow these visa holders to apply for permanent residency via the Temporary Transition Stream (TRT) if they are under 50 years of age, have been sponsored on any occupation and have completed at least two years with their sponsoring employer.
The Three Streams Of The Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 186 Visa
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The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream – 482 Visa to PR
The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is for subclass 457/TSS visa holders who have worked with their employer under a 457/TSS Visa for a minimum of two or three years (depending on your circumstances) and has been offered permanent employment by their employer.
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The Direct Entry (DE) Stream
The Direct Entry visa stream enables applicants in certain occupations to be sponsored directly for permanent residency. Applicants must have at least three years of work experience, have a positive skills assessment, possess competent English skills, and be nominated in an eligible occupation.
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The Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement Stream is for skilled workers that are sponsored by an organisation that is a party to a negotiated Labour Agreement with the Australian government.
Employer Nomination Scheme Frequently Asked Questions
What is nomination approval? A nomination approval means the position nominated by your employer has been approved by the Department and you can lodge the associated visa application.
What documents do I need for a subclass 186 visa? Depending on the stream you are applying under you will need documents relating to your identity, skills, work experience and English ability.
Does a 186 visa expire? The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa is a permanent visa in Australia. This allows the applicant to live and work in Australia permanently.
What if I made a mistake on my application? As a visa applicant, you have an obligation to inform the Department of Home Affairs of any incorrect information that you may have given. This obligation remains even if you are subsequently granted a visa.
What should I do if I get a new passport? If your passport details have changed since you lodged your subclass 186 visa application, you can notify the Department of Home Affairs online through your Immi Account or through a paper Form 929.
What if my relationship breaks down when the application is pending? You may still be eligible to have your subclass 186 visa granted. Please contact our office for assistance.
What if I have changed my contact details? If your contact details have changed since you lodged your visa application, you can notify the Department of Home Affairs online through your Immi Account or through a paper Form 929.