The 186 sponsorship visa, officially known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa, allows skilled workers to obtain permanent residence in Australia through employer nomination.
This visa provides a pathway for foreign professionals to live and work permanently in Australia, provided they meet skill, experience, and employer requirements.
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What Is the 186 Sponsorship Visa?
The 186 sponsorship visa is a permanent residency visa that enables Australian employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers for long-term employment. Unlike temporary visas, this pathway grants immediate permanent resident status upon approval.
Applicants must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
Streams Under the 186 Visa
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
For workers who previously held a Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa and have worked with their employer for the required period.
Direct Entry Stream
For applicants who have not worked in Australia or who do not qualify under the transition stream.
Labour Agreement Stream
For applicants sponsored under a formal labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.
Employer Requirements
To sponsor under the 186 sponsorship visa, employers must:
- Be actively and lawfully operating in Australia
- Nominate a genuine full-time position
- Offer a salary that meets market rate requirements
- Demonstrate a need for the position
- Comply with Australian workplace laws
Employers must submit a formal nomination application before the visa is granted.
Applicant Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 186 sponsorship visa, applicants must:
- Be nominated for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Have at least three years of relevant work experience (Direct Entry stream)
- Possess a positive skills assessment (if required)
- Meet English language requirements
- Be under the age limit unless exempt
- Pass health and character checks
Eligibility varies slightly depending on the stream selected.
Benefits of the 186 Visa
- Permanent residency upon approval
- Ability to live and work anywhere in Australia
- Access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
- Opportunity to sponsor eligible family members
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
This visa provides long-term stability compared to temporary sponsorship routes.
Application Process
- Step 1: Employer lodges nomination application
- Step 2: Applicant submits visa application
- Step 3: Provide supporting documentation
- Step 4: Undergo medical and police checks
- Step 5: Await Department of Home Affairs decision
Processing times vary depending on application volume and stream type.
Costs Involved
- Visa application charge
- Nomination fee (employer)
- Skilling Australians Fund levy (employer)
- Skills assessment fees
- Medical examination costs
Employers are responsible for certain sponsorship-related fees under Australian law.
Common Challenges
- Meeting English language standards
- Obtaining positive skills assessment
- Proving genuine position requirement
- Changes in skilled occupation lists
Proper documentation and compliance with nomination requirements improve approval chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 186 visa permanent?
Yes. The 186 sponsorship visa grants permanent residency upon approval.
Can I include family members?
Yes. Eligible family members can be included in the application.
Is age a requirement?
Applicants are generally required to be under 45 years of age unless exempt.
Final Thoughts
The 186 sponsorship visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residence in Australia for skilled workers nominated by an employer. Meeting eligibility requirements and preparing accurate documentation significantly increases approval success.