The Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Visa is an employer-sponsored visa issued to overseas skilled workers in Australia. These workers need to be nominated by their respective Australian employers, and this visa allows them to stay permanently in this country. To access its benefits, it will be necessary to make your application correctly. Go through these crucial tips that will help you obtain your visa hassle-free.
Be Aware of the Three Streams
There are three streams under this visa, each with some specific requirements. So, while applying, make sure you are fully aware of all the details.
Direct Entry Stream
Under this stream, you can stay and work in Australia permanently if your employer has sponsored you. 3-year work experience is necessary.
Labour Agreement Stream
You can be granted a visa under this stream when your sponsoring employer has a labor agreement with the Australian Government.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
Temporary Residence Transition Stream is granted to those workers who have worked as full-time or part-time employees for an employer while holding a relevant visa.
Meet the General Eligibility Requirements
Regardless of the stream you choose, you have to meet the general Subclass 186 Visa requirements.
For the company, the following are some key eligibility criteria.
- The company should be lawfully and actively operating in Australia.
- The company should show a genuine need for a skilled worker in the nominated position.
- The position needs to be full-time and available for a minimum of 2 years from the visa grant start date.
- The company should have the strength to keep the employee for at least 2 years in that position.
Also, make sure that:
- The job role you are being nominated for should be an occupation listed on the current MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List).
- The company offers you a yearly salary of $53900, equivalent to the annual market salary rate.
Satisfy the Stream-specific Eligibility Requirements
Because three streams have three different eligibility criteria, you have to satisfy them to make your application successful.
Direct Entry Stream
- You must undergo a skills assessment for the nominated occupation. Make sure an appropriate assessing authority conducts it.
- You must be under 45 years of age.
- A minimum of 3 years of post-qualification work experience is necessary for the nominated occupation.
- Having competent English is necessary.
- If applicable, you must meet mandatory registration, licensing, and professional membership requirements.
- You need to meet the necessary health and character requirements.
Labour Agreement Stream
- If you make your Subclass 186 Visa application inside Australia, hold a TSS 482 Visa or Subclass 457 Visa at the time of application.
- You must currently or will work for an Australian company with a labor agreement with the Federal Government. The labor agreement will guide you about the necessary English language skills, occupational skills, and experience for the nominated position.
- Depending on the state or territory you will work in, you may be required to be a member of a professional organization.
- Your age must be below 45 years.
- Satisfying the health and character requirements is also necessary.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
- You should have held a 482 Visa or a 457 Visa for a minimum of 3 years during the last 4 years.
- You must have a competent level of English language proficiency.
- You have to perform all the tasks genuinely for the nominated job position.
- You must not be above 45 years.
- Depending on the state or territory your employer is based in, make sure you have met the necessary registration, licensing, or professional membership requirements.
- For this stream, too, you must fulfil the health and character requirements.
Keep in mind that the Temporary Residence Stream applies to two batches of applicants.
- If you have held your 457 Visa before 18 April 2017, the Department of Home Affairs will consider you under the transitional provisions. You will be exempt from several conditions if they grant you under this provision. For example, you can receive your visa if you have only 2 years of experience in the same or related occupation.
- However, if you have held your 482 or 457 Visa after 18 April 2017, your occupation should be listed on the MLTSSL. Also, you must have been employed for a minimum of 3 years.
Check the Application Procedure
An Employer-Sponsored Visa 186 application procedure is a lengthy process. But, once you know all the steps, it will not be a difficult task at all.
Stage 1: Verify Whether You Meet Your Eligibility Requirements
We have already discussed the general and stream-specific eligibility requirements. Before starting the application procedure, verify whether you meet all of them.
Stage 2: Ask Your Australian Company to File the Nomination
In the next step, you must ask your Australian employer to lodge the nomination with the Department of Home Affairs. Without it, you cannot proceed with your application. Once the nomination is approved, you will have 6 months to apply for the visa.
Stage 3: Gather Your Documents
Like any other visa, 186 Visa also requires the proper submission of specific documents and the completed application form.
Stage 4: Submit Your Online Application
Australian visa applications have become much easier with the online application facility available. You need to open and log in to your ImmiAccount on the website.
Upload the scanned copies of all the documents and pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
Stage 5: Wait for the Decision
The Department of Home Affairs may take several months to decide on the application. They may ask you for additional information while processing it.
Stage 6: Obtain the Visa and Start Working
If the Department approves your application, you will receive visa grant details via email. Once you get your visa, you are eligible to start working in Australia.
You can work closely with a migration agent Adelaide for professional guidance.
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