Visa Subclass 186 Requirements Explained for Skilled Migrants

Australia offers multiple pathways to permanent residency (PR) for skilled professionals, and one of the most popular is the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 visa. If you are looking to secure PR through employer sponsorship, it’s essential to clearly understand the Visa Subclass 186 Requirements. This guide explains everything—from the nomination process to English conditions and PR eligibility—helping applicants and employers prepare successfully.

What is the Subclass 186 Visa?

The Subclass 186 Visa is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers, nominated by an approved Australian employer, to live and work in Australia indefinitely. It offers long-term benefits, including Medicare, access to social services, and eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship.

The Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 includes three streams:

• Direct Entry Stream – For skilled applicants who meet strict age, skills, and English requirements.
• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream – For workers already on a subclass 482 or other temporary skilled visa who have worked for their sponsoring employer.
• Labour Agreement Stream – For applicants sponsored under a labour agreement between their employer and the Australian Government.

This article focuses on the Subclass 186 Visa direct entry requirements, the most common pathway for new skilled migrants.

Why Understanding Subclass 186 Visa Requirements Matters

The Australian migration process is detailed and competitive. Missing one document or failing to meet any 186 visa conditions can result in delays or refusal. Both applicants and employers need to understand the eligibility requirements to maximize success. Seeking advice from an Immigration Agent Perth ensures your application is handled correctly.

186 Direct Entry Visa Requirements

To apply through the direct entry stream, applicants must meet strict Visa Subclass 186 Requirements:

1. Occupation Eligibility

• Your nominated job must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• You must hold a valid positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.

2. Age Requirement

• You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
• Exemptions apply for high-income earners, academics, or medical practitioners.

3. English Language Proficiency

Meeting the 186 visa English conditions is critical. Applicants must show at least competent English:

• IELTS: 6 in each band.
• PTE Academic: Minimum 50 in each band.
• TOEFL iBT: Comparable scores.

Exemptions apply to citizens of English-speaking countries or those with extended study in English.

4. Skills Assessment

• A positive skills assessment is mandatory unless exempt.
• This ensures qualifications and experience align with Australian standards.

5. Health and Character

• Applicants must meet health requirements through approved medical checks.
• Police clearances are required for all countries lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.

186 Nomination Requirements

Since the visa cannot be self-sponsored, employers must meet the Subclass 186 nomination conditions:

• Approved Business Sponsorship – The employer must be a legally operating business in Australia.
• Genuine Position – The nominated role must be full-time, ongoing, and genuine.
• Salary Benchmark – The wage offered must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and market salary rate.
• Compliance Record – The business must not have breached workplace or migration laws.

Only after an employer lodges a valid nomination can the applicant proceed with their visa application.

186 PR Visa Conditions

Because this is a permanent residency visa, stricter 186 visa conditions apply:

• Meeting all direct entry or TRT stream requirements.
• Having a valid employer nomination.
• Providing complete documentation (health, skills, English, and character).

Once granted, the Subclass 186 Visa allows applicants and their families to:

• Live and work permanently in Australia.
• Access Medicare and social services.
• Sponsor relatives to migrate.
• Apply for citizenship when eligible.

Age Limit for Subclass 186 Visa

The general Subclass 186 Visa age limit is 45 years, but exemptions exist:

• Senior academics nominated by universities.
• High-income earners above the Fair Work threshold.
• Medical practitioners in regional areas.

186 Visa Application Process

Applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 involves:

1. Employer Nomination – Employer submits nomination proving genuine position and salary benchmarks.
2. Skills Assessment & English Test – Applicant provides assessment and English results.
3. Visa Application – Lodged with supporting documents (identity, police checks, health exams).
4. Processing Time – Generally between 5–12 months depending on the stream.

Common Challenges with Visa Subclass 186 Applications

• English Test Failures – A major cause of refusals; preparation is essential.
• Skills Assessment Delays – Can take months, so early action is crucial.
• Employer Ineligibility – If the business does not meet nomination conditions, the application may fail.
• Incomplete Documentation – Missing health or police checks often delay processing.

Benefits of Meeting 186 Visa Requirements

Successfully meeting the Subclass 186 Visa requirements gives you:

• Permanent residency from the start.
• No work or location restrictions.
• A direct pathway to Australian citizenship.
• The ability to include family members in your application.

Final Thoughts

The Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 visa is one of the strongest pathways to permanent residency in Australia. By understanding and preparing for the Visa Subclass 186 requirements, both applicants and employers can improve their chances of a smooth approval process.

If you’re applying for the Subclass 186 Visa, seeking advice from a professional such as an Immigration Agent in Perth can simplify the process, ensure compliance, and help you secure your PR in Australia.