What is the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186?
The Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 is a permanent visa designed for skilled workers who are nominated by employers based in Australia. With this visa, you can stay in the country as a permanent resident along with your family.
It includes three main pathways: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement. While all lead to the same outcome, the way you qualify depends on your situation. Direct Entry is for those who already meet the skill level needed. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is usually for those who’ve already been working in Australia for a while on a temporary visa. The Labour Agreement path involves an arrangement between an employer and the Australian Government.
Once the visa is approved, you can live and work anywhere in the country. You’ll also be eligible for Medicare and may apply for citizenship later on.
How Long Is the 186 Nomination Processing Time?
The 186 nomination processing time refers to how long it takes for your employer’s nomination part of the application to be reviewed. This usually happens alongside your own visa application, especially if you send both together.
Most subclass 186 applications are decided within several months. In many cases, 50% of the applications are finalized within 5 months. More straightforward ones can be completed sooner. But keep in mind, these timeframes can shift depending on how complete your application is, whether extra checks are needed, and how many others are being processed at the time.
There are no shortcuts through the system. If the employer nomination isn’t complete or needs more details, this may slow everything down. Providing the right evidence from the start helps a lot.
What Are the 186 Visa Direct Entry Requirements?
To qualify through Direct Entry, you’ll need to meet specific 186 visa direct entry requirements. These rules are set by the Department and are not flexible unless exemptions apply.
Here’s what you must meet if you’re using the Direct Entry stream:
- You must be nominated by an approved employer in Australia.
- Your occupation must be listed on the 186 DE Occupation LIst.
- You should have at least three years of full-time work experience in your occupation.
- You’ll need a skills assessment from the relevant body unless exempt.
- You must be younger than 45 years of age unless you fall under special exemptions.
- You must meet the English language requirement known as Competent English. For most people, this means IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
- You must also meet the health and character checks required for all visa types.
Each of these steps needs to be completed properly. If you miss one, your application could be refused. It’s important that both the employer and the applicant understand the conditions from the beginning.
Is Direct Entry Faster? Understanding the 186 Direct Entry Processing Time
Some wonder whether Direct Entry leads to faster approval. That depends on how you define “faster.”
If we’re talking about 186 direct entry processing time, half of the applications are finalised in 5 months, and 90% are done within 17 months. For the Transition stream, it takes longer to reach the halfway point, around 13 months, but 90% are still finalised by 17 months, same as Direct Entry. The Agreement stream is quicker overall, with 50% processed in just 81 days, and 90% within 6 months.
So the Direct Entry path doesn’t always move faster once lodged, but the big difference is when you can apply. The Transition stream often needs you to spend a few years with your sponsoring employer on a temporary visa first. Direct Entry doesn’t have that delay. If you’re already eligible, you can apply right away.
In that sense, even if the handling time is similar, Direct Entry can save you years by letting you skip the waiting period before applying.
Who is eligible for the 186 direct entry?
The 186 visa works best when certain pieces are already in place. Your role, your employer, your plans, all of that helps decide if it’s a good match.
This visa is a good fit if you:
- Have an employer ready to nominate you.
- Meet the skill, age, language, and experience requirements.
- Want to live in Australia permanently.
- Prefer not to go through points-based migration or regional programs.
Unlike the Skilled Independent visa (189), which uses a points system and doesn’t need an employer, the 186 visa depends on sponsorship. It’s not for people without a job offer. If you have that offer, this pathway can give you permanent residency and remove the need to apply again in the future.
You also won’t be tied to one state or territory, and once you’re approved, you can change employers later if needed, after you meet the required work period post-visa grant.
If you don’t qualify yet but plan to meet the requirements later, the 186 visa could still be part of your plan , just not today. Some applicants begin with a temporary work visa and move on to the 186 after a few years.
Start your 186 employer nomination scheme visa journey. Contact us now.
