Subclass 186 Visa: Employer Nomination Direct Entry Stream Guide

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Key Takeaways:

A subclass 186 visa via the Direct Entry Stream requires nomination and meeting specific eligibility criteria, including age and work experience.
Mandatory documents include a valid skills assessment and professional qualifications; exemptions apply for certain academic or scientific roles.
Visa applicants may be exempt from some requirements if nominated by Australian universities or scientific government agencies.

Are you looking to take a significant step in your professional life by working in Australia? The Subclass 186 visa might be just what you need. This permanent work visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia, but it comes with specific requirements and processes. One of the most straightforward ways to obtain this visa is through the Direct Entry Stream. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Subclass 186 visa, from eligibility criteria to required documents, costs, and frequently asked questions.

Understanding the Direct Entry Stream for the Subclass 186 visa can be a key to unlocking your Australian dream. Whether you’re an experienced professional with a history in a skilled occupation or someone who has been nominated by an Australian sponsor, this pathway offers a structured route to permanent residency. Find out if you meet the criteria, what documents you’ll need, and the specific steps you must follow to navigate this process successfully. Let’s dive into the essential details to get you started on your journey to a new life in Australia.

What is a Subclass 186 Visa via the Direct Entry Stream?

Subclass 186 Visa: Employer Nomination Direct Entry Stream Guide

A subclass 186 visa through the Direct Entry Stream is a type of work visa in Australia granted upon nomination. Both you and your sponsor need to satisfy specific criteria for the Department to approve this visa.

How Can I Obtain a 186 Visa via the Direct Stream?

To be eligible for a 186 visa via the direct entry stream, you must meet the following requirements:

Occupation Listing: Your profession must be listed under the skilled occupations segment. Explore the full list here.
Work Experience: You should have at least three years of experience in your profession.
Licensing and Registration: If applicable, you must possess a valid work license, be registered, or belong to a professional group.
Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment is necessary.
Nomination: You need to be nominated by a sponsor based in Australia.
Age Requirement: You must be under 45 years old.

What Documents Are Required?

To ensure your application is complete, prepare the following documents:

Proof of your profession being listed in the skilled occupations segment.
Evidence of work experience, such as employment contracts and references.
Proof of work license, registration, or professional group membership if required.
Positive skills assessment.
Nomination details from your Australian sponsor.
Proof of age (e.g., passport or birth certificate).

What Are the Costs Involved?

The fees for the 186 visa may vary and it’s essential to check the latest updates on official government resources. For the most accurate and detailed information, visit the official Australian immigration website.

What happens if I don’t meet all the requirements?

If any requirement is not met, your application for the 186 visa may be denied. Ensure you thoroughly review each criterion and gather all necessary documentation.

Can I apply for this visa if I am over 45?

No, one of the essential eligibility conditions is that applicants must be under 45 years of age.

What if my profession isn’t on the skilled occupations list?

For the 186 visa via the direct entry stream, your profession must be listed under the skilled occupations segment. If it’s not, you may need to explore other visa options.

By following these guidelines and ensuring you meet all criteria, you can streamline your process in obtaining a subclass 186 visa through the Direct Entry Stream in Australia.

How Do I Get a Skills Assessment for the Direct Entry Stream?

To apply for the direct entry stream, you need a skills assessment report. This report is provided by relevant authorities listed in the skilled occupations section. You are responsible for contacting these authorities to get your skills assessment.

Assessment Validity: Your skills assessment must be current at the time of your application. If the authority hasn’t specified an expiry date, then it’s valid for three years from the issue date.

Who Is Exempt from the Skills Assessment and Other Requirements?

You might be exempt from age, skills assessment, and work experience requirements if you fall into one of the following categories:

Academic Positions:
Nominated for an academic role by an Australian university.
Positions include university lecturer or faculty head at Academic levels A, B, C, D, or E.
Scientific Roles:
Nominated as a scientist, researcher, or technical specialist by an Australian scientific government agency.
Special Category Visa Holders:
Worked for at least two years (excluding unpaid leave) out of the three years before your visa application.
Currently hold a special category visa 444 or visa 461.

Where Can I Find More Information?

For further details and authoritative information, visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. This resource will provide more comprehensive guidance on skills assessments and the requirements for the direct entry stream.

What Are the Sponsorship Requirements for Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream?

To sponsor you for the Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream, your sponsor must meet specific criteria:

Their business must operate legally.
They should not have any harmful situations or cases linked to their business.
The offered position must be relevant to their business, not to unrelated businesses.
The employer should have a genuine need for hiring you for the nominated position.
The job must be full-time and ongoing for at least two years (the contract should not limit the position to only two years).
If your salary is under AUD 250,000 per year, your employer must pay at least the annual market salary rate, calculated by the employer.
Your future employer must confirm your eligibility for necessary licenses, registrations, or memberships at the time of nomination.
They must pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy when submitting the nomination application.
Proof of compliance with Australian work laws and regulations should be provided.

What Documents Do I Need for Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream?

For the Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream, you will need to submit the following documents:

Passport: A copy of the pages with all your information.
National ID Card: If applicable.
Name Change Documents: Proof of any name changes.
Professional Credentials: License, membership card, or professional registration.
Medical Practitioners (Doctors):
Unconditional or general medical registration from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Conditional specialist registration allows practice without extra training or supervision.
Legal Practitioners (Barristers or Solicitors): Proof of ability to practice in Australia.
Skills and Qualifications: CV, diplomas, certificates, etc.
Exemptions: Proof if exemption from skills assessment requirements, age requirements, and work experience.
English Language Skills: Documents proving your proficiency.
Assistance Forms:
Form 956a
Form 956
Good Character: Evidence of good character.

What Documents Are Needed for Family Members?

For any family members accompanying you, submit:

Passport and Identity Documents: For each family member.
Marriage Certificate: If applicable.
Adoption Documents: If applicable.
Proof of Relationship: Such as birth certificates.
English Language Proficiency: Proof that your partner has a functional level of English.

What Additional Documents Are Required for Children?

For children under 18, include:

Parental Consent: Form 1229
Statutory Declaration: From the other parent.

For children over 18 dependent on you, provide:

Proof of Dependency
Form 47a: Document dependency on you for at least 12 months before the application.
Current Studying Proof: Evidence they are currently studying.

For more details on the nomination process and requirements, you can visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.

Employment Contract Details

Your sponsor needs to provide the employment contract for the position. This contract must include:

Base salary
Compensations

These should be equivalent to what Australian citizens or permanent residents receive.

Proof of Business Operation

Your sponsor must show that the business is legally operating and running. This includes:

Evidence of the need for an employee in your position.

Financial Statements

Your sponsor must submit an audited balance sheet, profit and loss statement for the latest fiscal year, along with a comparison to the previous year. These financials should be updated to within three months before lodging the nomination.

Business Activity Statements

If your sponsor’s financial statements are older than three months, they must also provide business activity statements for each complete quarter from the end of the fiscal year to the nomination date.

For Businesses Operating Less Than a Year

Sponsors running a business for less than a year need to include:

Business activity statements for each quarter
Bank statements from the commencement of operations to the nomination date

Organizational Chart

A complete organizational chart should be provided, detailing:

Company positions
Managerial structure
Staff roles

Position Details

The position’s full name and the ANZSCO code are essential. This code is used by Australia and New Zealand to categorize job positions by required skills.

Job Description

Details about the position should cover:

Responsibilities
Duties
Work hours

Additional Evidence (If Applicable)

If relevant, provide:

Proof that the position is currently held by a temporary resident
Evidence that this role was previously filled and reasons for vacancy (e.g., retirement, health issues)
Proof of increased business activities
Overtime documentation for employees in the nominated profession
Detailed expansion plans if the business is growing

Health Workforce Certificate Requirement

For specific positions, such as:

General practitioner (ANZSCO 253111)
Medical practitioner- not elsewhere specified (ANZSCO 253999)
Resident Medical Officer (ANZSCO 253112)

Your sponsor needs a Health Workforce Certificate from a rural workforce agency.

Salary Proof

Your sponsor must provide clear evidence of your salary. If your annual salary is less than AUD250,000, they need to show that they will pay you the annual market salary rate. The evidence must be:

Compelling
Clear

Unsupported or unlabeled salary descriptions on how the annual market salary rate was calculated will not be accepted.

For further details on the nomination process and requirements, refer to the Department of Home Affairs. This official site offers comprehensive and up-to-date information.

What is the Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream Application Process?

How Do I Get Nominated for Visa 186?

To apply for the Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream, follow these steps:

Obtain a Nomination: Your sponsor must nominate you through the ImmiAccount. This involves submitting a nomination application and receiving a Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
Sponsor Qualifications: Ensure your sponsor meets eligibility criteria. This includes paying the levy fund and an application fee of AUD540. “Your sponsor must complete the nomination application and receive a TRN.”

What Happens After My Sponsor Sends Me the TRN?

Once your sponsor has the Transaction Reference Number (TRN):

Receive the TRN: Your sponsor must send this number to you. You will need it when applying for the Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream.

When is My Nomination Accepted?

Your nomination must be approved before applying for the visa:

Nomination Approval: Your application can only proceed after your sponsor’s nomination is accepted. It may be rejected for reasons such as a proposed salary below the Department’s specifications.

How Do I Apply for the Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream?

After nomination approval, begin your application:

Initiate Your Application: Use ImmiAccount to apply for the Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream.
Prepare Documents: Have all required documents scanned or photographed, adhering to Immigration office rules.
Submit Within Six Months: Complete your application within six months of nomination approval. Pay your visa fee in the ImmiAccount to finalize your submission.

What is the Levy Payment for 186 Visa?

Your sponsor must pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy, based on their business size and employment period:

Small Business: AUD3000 (annual turnover under AUD10 million)
Large Business: AUD5000 (annual turnover of AUD10 million or more)

For detailed information on eligibility and procedures, visit the official Australian Government Immigration website.

What Are the Costs for Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream?

The primary applicant for the Visa 186 through the direct entry stream must pay AUD4,045. Additional charges apply for each family member you include in your application.

For any family member over 18 who cannot demonstrate their English proficiency, a second installment fee of AUD4,890 is required.

For more details on Australian visa fees, refer to the official Australian Government website.

How Long Does It Take to Process a Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream Application?

Processing times for the Visa 186 direct entry stream typically range from 6 to 11 months.

A complete application may result in a shorter processing time.
Incomplete applications might extend the processing period.

How Long Can I Stay with a Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream?

The Visa 186 direct entry stream grants permanent residency in Australia. As a permanent visa, you can stay indefinitely.

Can I Bring Family Members with Me on a Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream?

Yes, you can bring certain family members:

Your partner or spouse
Your minor children or your partner’s minor children
Dependent adult children of either you or your partner
Minor or dependent adult grandchildren or step-grandchildren

Additionally, family members who hold a visa 457 or a subclass 482, obtained as your family members, can also be included.

Note: Include all your family members in the application, even if they don’t travel with you. All family members, whether traveling with you or not, must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.

What Work Experience Do I Need for Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream?

To qualify:

You must have at least three years of relevant work experience.
Your experience must directly relate to the position nominated by your sponsor.

Can I Apply for Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream While in Australia?

If you are in Australia, you can apply for the Visa 186 direct entry stream if you hold:

A substantive Australian visa
A Bridging visa A, B, or C

You can submit your application from within or outside Australia.

By following these steps and guidelines, you can successfully navigate the process of applying for a Visa 186 direct entry stream and bring your family along with you while ensuring all requirements are met.

External Resources for Subclass 186 Visa: Employer Nomination Direct Entry Stream Guide

Official Australian Government Websites and Immigration Resources

Department of Home Affairs – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (subclass 186)

Homepage: Department of Home Affairs
Specific Guidance on Direct Entry Stream: Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Direct Entry Stream

Skill Occupational List

Detailed List of Eligible Occupations: Skilled Occupation List

Skills Assessments and Assessing Authorities

Information on Required Skills Assessments: Skills Assessment and Assessing Authorities

Visa Application Forms

Health Workforce Certificates

Requirements for Medical Practitioner Positions: Health Workforce Certificate

Visa Fees and Charges

Detailed Fees Information: Visa Pricing Estimator

Additional Resources for Applicants and Sponsors

Nomination Process and TRN Number

Information on Nomination Process: Employer’s Nomination Process

Skilling Australians Fund Levy

Levy Information: Skilling Australians Fund Levy

Character Requirements

Overview of Character Requirements: Character Requirements

English Language Requirements

Proving English Language Proficiency: English Language Requirements

Processing Times

Visa Processing Times: Visa Processing Times

Services and Support

Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA)

Resources for Hiring Registered Migration Agents: MARA Home
Find a Registered Migration Agent: Registered Migration Agent Search

Health and Character Documents

Health Examinations

Understanding Health Requirements: Health Examinations

Police Checks

Getting an Australian Police Check: AFP National Police Checks
Overseas Police Check Information: Countries and Requirements for Police Checks

Application and Visa Management

ImmiAccount

Creating and Managing Visa Applications: ImmiAccount

By using these official resources, applicants, and sponsors can ensure they have the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information required for successfully navigating the Subclass 186 Visa Employer Nomination Direct Entry Stream process.