The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa is a pathway for skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia. This visa is designed for individuals who are nominated by their Australian employer and have the necessary skills for the job. It provides a stable and secure pathway to permanent residency for skilled professionals.
Overview of Subclass 186 Visa Streams
The subclass 186 visa has three main streams:
Direct Entry Stream: This stream is for skilled workers who are nominated by their employer and meet the required criteria, including having at least Competent English and relevant work experience.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream: This stream is for existing subclass 457 or subclass 482 visa holders who are nominated by their employer and have worked for them full-time for at least two years.
Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for skilled workers who are nominated by their employer under a labour agreement. This stream is typically used for specific industries or regions with unique labour needs.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for the subclass 186 visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Nomination by an Australian Employer: Applicants must be nominated by an Australian employer who is actively and lawfully operating in Australia.
Occupation on the Relevant List: The nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
English Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate Competent English, which can be proven through an approved English test such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
Skills Assessment: Applicants must have their skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation.
Health and Character: Applicants must meet health and character requirements, including a medical examination and police clearance.
Points Calculation
While the subclass 186 visa does not have a points test like the subclass 189 visa, applicants must still meet certain criteria to be eligible. These criteria include:
Age: Applicants must be under 45 years old.
English Proficiency: Competent English is required.
Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Work Experience: Relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
Documentation and Costs
The application process requires several documents, including:
Completed Application Form (Form 80 or 956)
Nomination by the Employer: Documentation proving the employer’s nomination, including business registration and financial documents.
Employment Contract: A contract of employment between the applicant and the employer.
Job Description: A detailed job description for the nominated position.
Skills Assessment Documents: Results from the relevant skills assessment authority.
English Test Results: IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL results.
Medical Examination Results: Form 8502.
Police Clearance Certificates: From each country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
The visa cost varies depending on the stream and the processing time. Employers and applicants should check the latest fee schedule provided by the Department of Home Affairs.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
One of the significant advantages of the subclass 186 visa is that it provides a pathway to permanent residency. Once granted, the visa holder and their accompanying family members can live, work, and study in Australia as permanent residents. They can also enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme, and apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa
Permanent Residency: Live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
Family Inclusion: Include eligible family members in your application.
Health and Education: Access to Medicare and educational facilities.
Citizenship Pathway: Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Travel: Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
Conclusion
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is a valuable opportunity for skilled professionals to make Australia their home permanently. By attracting top talent and providing a clear pathway to permanent residency, this visa contributes to Australia’s economic growth and cultural diversity. The visa’s reliance on employer nomination ensures that applicants are filling genuine skill shortages in the Australian labour market.
For more detailed information and to start your application, visit the
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