The Subclass 186 visa, also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, is a popular pathway for skilled workers to achieve permanent residency in Australia. This visa allows skilled workers, who are nominated by an Australian employer, to live and work permanently in the country. It provides a valuable opportunity for individuals with the right qualifications and work experience to secure their future in Australia, along with their immediate family members.
What is the Subclass 186 Visa?
The Subclass 186 visa is designed for skilled workers who have been offered a full-time job by an Australian employer. It is divided into three streams:
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: This stream is for workers who already hold a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482) or a subclass 457 visa and have been employed by their sponsoring employer for at least three years. The TRT stream provides a smooth transition from a temporary visa to permanent residency.
- Direct Entry Stream: This stream is for skilled workers who have not previously worked in Australia or have only worked for a short time. Applicants in this stream must be nominated by an employer and meet the skills assessment requirements for their occupation.
- Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for skilled workers who are sponsored by an employer under a labour agreement. Labour agreements are negotiated between the Australian government and specific employers, allowing them to sponsor overseas workers in industries that are experiencing labour shortages.
Key Requirements for Subclass 186 Visa
To apply for the Subclass 186 visa, there are specific requirements that applicants and employers must meet:
- Nomination by an Australian Employer: The first step in applying for a Subclass 186 visa is securing a nomination from an Australian employer. The employer must be actively operating in Australia and demonstrate the need for a skilled worker to fill a position that cannot be met by the local workforce.
- Skills and Qualifications: Applicants must have the required skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation, which must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). In most cases, a skills assessment is necessary to verify that the applicant meets Australian standards.
- Work Experience: For both the TRT and Direct Entry streams, applicants must have relevant work experience in their field. For the TRT stream, at least three years of full-time work with the nominating employer on a 457 or TSS visa is required.
- Age: Generally, applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application. However, there are exemptions in certain cases, such as for senior executives or individuals earning a high salary.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, usually by taking an approved English language test like IELTS or TOEFL. There are specific score requirements depending on the stream you are applying through.
- Health and Character Requirements: Like most Australian visas, applicants must meet the health and character requirements. This involves undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates to ensure the applicant poses no health or security risk to Australia.
Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa
The Subclass 186 visa offers numerous benefits for skilled workers and their families:
- Permanent Residency: The visa grants permanent residency status, allowing individuals to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. After meeting the residency requirements, Subclass 186 visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship.
- Work and Study Flexibility: Visa holders can work for any employer in Australia, without restrictions, and can pursue further education or training in any field.
- Social Benefits and Healthcare: As permanent residents, Subclass 186 visa holders have access to Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare) and can receive social benefits, such as pensions and unemployment support.
- Family Inclusion: The Subclass 186 visa allows applicants to include their immediate family members in the application, granting them the same rights to live, work, and study in Australia.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After a few years of holding the Subclass 186 visa, visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship, which comes with additional benefits like voting rights and the ability to obtain an Australian passport.
Conclusion
The Subclass 186 visa is a valuable opportunity for skilled workers to achieve permanent residency in Australia. With several streams available, it offers flexibility for workers who are already in Australia or those applying from overseas. By meeting the required skills, work experience, and employer nomination criteria, individuals can take a significant step towards securing their future in Australia and enjoying the many benefits of permanent residency.