186 Visa: Employer Sponsored Permanent Residency
What Is the Subclass 186 Visa?
If you’ve got skills and you’re set on building a life in Australia, the Subclass 186 visa offers a straightforward way to become a permanent resident. Eligible Australian employers can sponsor skilled workers from overseas for ongoing positions, helping you secure your future in the country.
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186 Visa Streams: Direct Entry, TRT and Labour Agreement
There’s more than one way to get permanent residency through the 186 visa. Which path you take depends on your work history, how long you’ve been in Australia, and your employer’s situation.
You and your sponsor must genuinely intend to marry, and generally must have met each other in person, as adults, since the relationship began
The 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream may allow eligible 482 visa holders who have completed at least two years of sponsored work in their occupation to transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 visa.
The Labour Agreement stream is used by employers that have an approved labour agreement with the Australian Government. The agreement sets out the occupations and conditions under which the employer can sponsor overseas workers, helping businesses recruit for specific roles where they cannot find suitable workers locally.
Choosing the right pathway is an important part of a successful 186 sponsorship visa application. Your occupation, work history, current visa and employer’s circumstances can all affect which stream is available to you.
186 Permanent Residency Eligibility and Age Limits
- Eligibility for a 186 PR visa depends on the stream you apply through. In most cases, you will need an Australian employer willing to nominate you for a genuine, permanent position.
- For many applicants, the general age limit is under 45 at the time of application. However, exemptions may apply in some circumstances.
- Your employer must also meet nomination requirements. This means 186 sponsorship involves more than simply receiving a job offer. Both parts of the application must be carefully prepared.
186 Visa Costs, Processing Times and How to Apply
Getting the documentation right matters here — if you’re unsure what counts as strong enough evidence, askbefore you submit, not after.
- Applying for a Subclass 186 visa is a big step, so it is important to understand the costs and process before you begin. The total cost can vary depending on your circumstances, the visa stream you apply through and whether you include eligible family members in your application. You may also need to budget for additional expenses, such as skills assessments, health checks, police certificates and other supporting documents.
- Processing times can also vary. They may change over time and depend on factors such as the visa stream, the complexity of your application and whether all required information has been provided.
- The basic process is: your employer lodges a nomination for your position, then you submit your visa application. Details matter here, so you should make sure your paperwork is right and complete to keep things moving.
- Need more advice? My Australian Career can help you understand your options and guide you through the process. Get in touch today to take the next step towards permanent residency in Australia.
FAQs
Q: Can I change employers after my 186 visa is granted?
A: The Subclass 186 visa gives you permanent residency, so you are not permanently tied to your sponsoring employer after the visa is granted. However, the position offered and the employer’s intention to employ you must be genuine when the application is made and when the visa is decided.
Q: What happens if my circumstances change after I apply?
A: You should report changes such as getting married, separating, having a child, changing employers or losing your job to the Department of Home Affairs. Some changes could also affect your application or the documents required.
Q: Can I apply for another visa while my 186 application is being processed?
A: In some circumstances, yes. However, applying for another visa or allowing your current visa to expire can have important consequences for your immigration status and your 186 application. It is important to understand your options before making changes.