Tips from our migration consultant for you to receive a Subclass 186 visa faster

A Subclass 186 is considered phase 2 of a Subclass 482. However, there are 2 different streams in this visa. That’s why many people find it hard to choose which stream is suitable for them. In this article, our professional migration consultant will provide you with everything you need to know about a Subclass 186 visa.
Table of Contents
Benefits of holding a Subclass 186 visa
The requirements of Subclass 186 visa
Step-by-step of a Subclass 186 visa
Processing times of a Subclass 186 visa
What documents and papers are required when it comes to Australian Parents visas?
Responsibilities of the Subclass 186 visa applicants
- I want to stay in Australia permanently with a Skilled visa. Which of those 3 streams of Subclass 186 visa is suitable for my purpose?
- Can I apply for an Australian citizenship after my Subclass 186 visa grant?
- Where should I apply for a Subclass 186 visa?
- Can I use my skills assessment for a Subclass 482 visa for the skills assessment for Subclass 186 visa?
What is a Subclass 186 visa?
This visa allows Australian business/organization/employers to nominate/sponsor suitable skilled workers from overseas to Australia to work for them.
Visa holders will become permanent residents immediately when the visa is granted. A Subclass 186 visa has 3 different streams including:
- Direct Entry Stream.
- Labour Agreement Stream.
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream.

Direct Entry Stream
To apply for this stream, you must be sponsored/nominated by an eligible Australian business organization/employer.
Your occupation must be on the Medium and Short – term Skills Strategic Occupation List and you must meet the requirements of this visa stream (see the below requirements).
Labour Agreement Stream
To be eligible for this stream, you must also be sponsored/nominated by an eligible business organization/employer.
The crucial requirement of this stream is that the employer needs to have a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government (the DHA) before being able to sponsor overseas employees. See the below requirements for applicants.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
This stream is for those who have held and satisfied the condition of a Subclass 482 Visa for at least 3 years. The applicant needs to continuously be sponsored/nominated for this visa stream by the eligible employer and meet other requirements (see below).
Benefits of holding a Subclass 186 visa
With this visa, applicants can enjoy 5 of these amazing benefits.
Residence benefits |
|
Free entries benefits |
|
Social security benefits | Enrol in Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare. |
Education benefits | Having full study and work rights. |
Sponsor family member benefits | Can sponsor another eligible family member |

To have a full understanding of those 5 benefits, you should contact VEM now. Our professional migration consultant gives detailed information and explanations for you and your family.
The requirements of Subclass 186 visa
For applicants
- Must be sponsored/nominated by a suitable Australian business/organization.
- Must have an occupation which is nominated and on the Medium and Short – term Skills Strategic Occupation List (except for the Labour Agreement stream).
- Must have at least 3 years experience related to your occupation (except for the Labour Agreement stream).
- Must pass the skills assessment to show you are able to perform skills and work in the nominated position.
- Must be registered, licensed or a member of a professional organization if it is required in the state or territory you intend to work and stay.
- Must be working under Labour Agreement terms and conditions (if apply in labour agreement stream).
- Must meet standard English, health and character requirements.
- Must be under 45 years old (if apply for Direct Entry Stream) and under 50 years old (if apply for Temporary Residence Transition Stream).
For sponsors
- Must be an eligible Australian business/organization to sponsor/nominate overseas workers .
- Must have a current Labour Agreement longer than 6 months (if sponsoring employees under Labour Agreement Stream).
- Must pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) for any nomination application submitted.
- Must be the applicant’s current sponsor if you sponsor/nominate your worker through Temporary Residence Transition Stream.
- Other requirements.
If you’re still wondering whether you fit these requirements or not, contact VEM now so that our consultant can assist you directly. Mr Phong Cao is a professional migration consultant. He’s capable of giving you the most suitable advice and tips for your specific case.
Step-by-step of a Subclass 186 visa
- Step 1: Checking if you meet the requirements.
- Step 2: The employer lodge a sponsorship application for the applicant.
- Step 3: The Australian Government approves the sponsorship.
- Step 4: Making the application.
- Step 5: Your application is processed and placed in a queue.
- Step 6: Adding any required documents and paying the second instalment (if needed).
- Step 7: Being granted a visa.

Mr Phong Cao (CEO of VEM) is licensed by the Australian Government (MARN: 1577877). That’s why he must follow the visa processing process of each of his clients and he must be responsible for his own consultancy.
Hence, when working with VEM, you’ll know exactly the stages of your application process and be assured that our advice will be honest and abide by the Australian laws.
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 | 6 months | 6 months | 12 months |
90% of applications are processed within | 9 months | 24 months | 21 months |
In order to prepare the necessary papers for your application, make sure you contact VEM for accurate consultancy. Therefore, you don’t have to waste extra waiting time if there’s a visa rejection.

Cost of a Subclass 186 visa
Types of charges and fees | The amount of money (AUD) | |
For the visa applicant | For the accompany member | |
First instalment | 4,115 |
|
Second instalment | 9,800 |
|
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.
Here at VEM, we not only provide all Australian visa services but also English courses which are specifically designed to meet your abilities and migration goals.
The Australian migration regulations are updated constantly. Mr Phong Cao is a member of the Australian Migration Institute (MIA: 12648), so when working with VEM, clients will also be informed about any new changes in the Subclass 186 visa fees.
What documents and papers are required when it comes to Australian Parents visas?
The applicant | Identification papers |
|
Skill assessments | Provide proof of your skill assessments results. | |
English certificates |
| |
The sponsor |
| |
The accompany applicant |
|
These papers can usually get a bit overwhelmed and complicated so it may take a long time to complete. Additionally, all of these documents must be translated into English.
That’s why you should contact VEM from the start if applying for an Employer Nomination Scheme visa is your intention.
Responsibilities of the Subclass 186 visa applicants
A Subclass 186 visa brings many wonderful benefits to its applicants. Therefore, it requires the applicants to carry out certain responsibilities.
- Follow the Australian laws.
- Start to work within 6 months when
- Arriving in Australia: if receiving the Subclass 186 visa grant offshore.
- The visa grant: if receiving the visa approval onshore.
- Work for the employer for at least 2 years.
Frequently asked questions
All of those 3 streams will allow applicants to live in Australia indefinitely.
The answer is yes. You may contact VEM so that we can assist you with this.
You can choose to apply for it onshore or offshore depending on your situation.
Unfortunately no.
«»
VEM hopes this article has given you a general understanding about a Subclass 186 visa. Don’t hesitate to call us via our hotline to book an immediate consultation or leave a comment down below. VEM will contact you back right away.
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
Please contact us for more support!