Employer Sponsored Visa (Subsclass 186)
What is Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186)?
The Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer. It offers three streams to suit different circumstances:
Temporary Residence Transition Stream – for 457 or 482 visa holders who have worked for their sponsor for at least three years
Direct Entry Stream – for applicants nominated directly by an employer where no suitable Australian worker is available
Labour Agreement Stream – for workers sponsored under a negotiated labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government
Key Eligibility Criteria
Across all streams, you must generally:
Be under 45 at time of application (some exemptions apply)
Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent)
Satisfy health and character checks
Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
Hold a 457 or 482 visa in the same occupation for at least 3 years with your sponsor
Be employed full-time by that sponsor at the same level of remuneration
Direct Entry Stream
Obtain a skills assessment for your occupation
Have at least 3 years’ relevant work experience (unless waived by a closely related PhD)
Be nominated in an occupation on the Medium-Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or a state-nominated list
Labour Agreement Stream
Be sponsored under a labour agreement negotiated by your employer
Meet any additional terms specified in the agreement
Benefits of the 186 Visa
- Permanent Residency – live, work and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely
- Family Included – include your spouse/partner and dependent children
- Medicare Access – Australia’s public health system from day one
- Pathway to Citizenship – eligible for citizenship after meeting residency requirements
- No Further Sponsorship Needed – once granted, you’re free to change employers
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Employer Lodges Nomination: Your employer applies to DHA to become a sponsor (if not already approved) and nominates your position.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather identity, skills assessment (if required), employment references, English test and health/character evidence.
- Apply Your Visa Application: Apply online via ImmiAccount within the validity of the nomination.
- Complete Health & Character Checks: Attend any medical exams and police clearances as requested.
- Visa Grant: Once approved, you and your family receive permanent residency visas.
Why Choose PG Migration Group?
- Employer Sponsorship Specialists: Decades of experience guiding employers through nomination approvals and compliance audits.
- Stream Selection Expertise: We analyse your work history and employer situation to pick the fastest, most secure stream.
- Comprehensive Documentation: From employment contracts to skills assessments, we ensure your application is airtight.
- Post-Grant Support: Advice on relocation, partner work rights and next steps toward citizenship.
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