How to be granted subclass 186 visa in 2023?

Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa. Eligible applicants can apply directly for subclass 186 or while holding a suitable subclass 482 visa. Let’s read on and get advice from our qualified and experienced consultant.
Table of Contents
The benefits of subclass 186 visa
The requirements of subclass 186 visa
Step-by-step of a subclass 186 visa application
Processing times of a subclass 186 visa
Required documents for subclass 186 visa application
The cost of a subclass 186 visa
Responsibilities of the subclass 186 visa applicants
- Can I gain work experience outside Australia before applying for visa 186?
- Where should I be when applying for visa 186?
- Is there any way to be exempt from the English language requirement when applying for a 186 visa?
- Can I use work experience while holding visa 500 and 485 to apply for visa 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream?
What is a subclass 186 visa?
Employer Nomination Scheme visa – Subclass 186 is a visa that allows skilled workers, who are sponsored by their employer, to live and work in Australia permanently.
A Subclass 186 has 3 different streams as follows:
- Direct Entry stream
- Labour Agreement stream
- Temporary Residence Transition stream
Contact VEM to know which stream suits you best!

The benefits of subclass 186 visa
With this visa, applicants can enjoy 5 of these amazing benefits.
Residency | Live in Australia permanently. |
Health care | Access to Medicare – Australia’s public health care scheme. |
Work and study | To work and study in Australia without limits. |
Multiple entries | Travel to and from Australia for 5 years. After 5 years, you need to apply for a Resident Return visa (RRV). |
Family member | Allow your eligible family members to come to Australia with you. |
Citizenship | Apply for Australian citizenship when meeting the requirements. |

When being granted the 186 visa you officially become an Australian permanent resident, however you need to fulfil the conditions applicable to the visa.
The requirements of subclass 186 visa
General requirements
Whether you apply for any stream of Australia 186 visa, you have to meet the following requirements:
- Under 45 years of age at the time of making visa application.
- Must be sponsored by an eligible Australian employer.
- Must achieve a competent English level (Ielts 6.0).
- Must meet the health and character requirements.
- No criminal record.
- No debt to the Australian government.

Specific requirements
Temporary Residence Transition stream |
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Direct Entry stream |
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Labour Agreement stream |
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Each stream of subclass 186 visa has different requirements, so it’s best to carefully check whether you meet them all.
To make sure whether you meet all the requirements, please contact VEM. Our registered migration consultant will assist you.
Step-by-step of a subclass 186 visa application
- Step 1: Checks whether the employer meets the requirements to be able to sponsor the applicant.
- Step 2: The employer submits a nomination for the applicant.
- Step 3: The applicant prepares the documents and submits the application.
- Step 4: The applicant provides additional documents (if required).
- Step 5: The applicant receives a Australia 186 visa.
Being registered for practice (MARN: 1577877), experienced and also a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), Mr. Peter Cao always ensures your visa application is legal and well-treated.

Processing times of a subclass 186 visa
Your visa processing times will depend greatly on the accuracy of your documents and papers. Specifically,
Direct Entry Stream | Labour Agreement Stream | Temporary Residence Transition Stream | |
75% of applications are processed within | 11 months | 12 months | 11 months |
90% of applications are processed within | 12 months | 13 months | 12 months |
Note that how your application is prepared may impact your Subclass 186 visa processing time. A “ready make decision” visa application will help you get the visa grant in the earliest time.

Required documents for subclass 186 visa application
For the applicant | Identification papers |
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Skill assessments | 186 visa skills assessment result. | |
English certificates |
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Health and character | Proofs that you meet the health and character requirements. | |
For the sponsor |
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For additional applicant |
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To avoid any disadvantages to your 186 visa application, it’s best to have assistance by a professional expert.

The cost of a subclass 186 visa
For the visa applicant | For the accompany member | |
First instalment | AUD4,640 |
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Second instalment | AUD9,800 |
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Note: The 186 visa fees listed above do not include a 1.4% surcharge.
If the additional applicant is over 18 years old and doesn’t have an IELTS certificate with a minimum band score of 4.5, a second instalment fee is compulsory.

Applicants who do not meet the English requirements may be allowed to pay the second instalment.
Responsibilities of the subclass 186 visa holders
- Comply with Australian laws.
- Begin the employment within 6 months of:
- Entering Australia (if you’re outside Australia when being granted the visa)
- Being granted the visa (if you’re in Australia)
- Work for the sponsor employer for at least 2 years.
The visa could be cancelled if you fulfil these responsibilities. Contact VEM for further advice.
Frequently asked questions
All three streams of visa 186 can help you to live in Australia permanently.
No, you don’t need to.
You can be in or outside Australia.
Yes, as long as they meet the Subclass 186 visa requirements for dependent applicants.
Yes, if you have a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland.
You may have your visa cancelled. Contact a migration consultant for advice.
No. Experience while holding a Subclass 500 visa may not be accepted but may be accepted holding Subclass 485 visa.
It depends. Contact a migration consultant for assistance.
It depends on your circumstances.
You need to find another sponsor.
No, unless your current sponsor (employer) has an accepted reason to leave you.
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Contact VEM for further assistance!
Find out more about other Australian visa:
I would like to have a direct job there in australia for Ive had an experience in australian based company here in philippines
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