186 Visa
TSS/482 Employer-Sponsored Work Visa Overview
- Temporary to Permanent Residency Stream: This category applies to applicants who previously held a 457 visa and have worked for their current employer in the nominated occupation for at least 2 years. The employer must also offer a permanent position.
- Direct Permanent Residency Stream: This stream applies to applicants who have never worked in Australia or have worked only briefly in Australia. It is also available to applicants who previously held a 457 visa but do not meet the requirements for the Temporary to Permanent Residency Stream.
- Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for applicants who are sponsored by employers under a labour agreement or regional migration agreement. (This is a government-authorized category and is not suitable for general applicants).
186 Visa Application Requirements
- Age under 45 years;
- Nomination by an Australian employer that is recognized;
- Occupational assessment completed and passed (some applicants may be exempt);
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience (some applicants may be exempt);
- Competent English with a score of 4×6 in IELTS (valid within 3 years);
- Good health;
- No criminal record.
186 Visa Application Process
Employer nomination within Australia;
- Determine the nominated occupation according to the applicable STSOL and MLTSSL occupation lists for employer sponsorship;
- Complete the occupational assessment;
- Prepare for the IELTS exam;
- The employer submits the nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs;
- Once the employer nomination is approved, submit the visa application within 6 months;
- Department of Home Affairs phone interview;
- Medical examination;
- Visa approval.
*Note: For the direct application category, the key difference between the 186 and 187 visas is that for the 186 visa, the employer must meet training requirements, whereas the 187 visa does not have this requirement.
186 Employer-Sponsored Immigration Processing Time
- Employer nomination stage: Approximately 6 months.
- Visa application stage: Approximately 12-16 months.
- 186 Employer-Sponsored Immigration Visa Application Fee
Visa Application Fee
- Main applicant: AU $4,045.00
- Dependent over 18 years old: AU $2,025.00
- Dependent under 18 years old: AU $1,010.00
Language Training Fees
- The main applicant applying directly for the 187 visa needs an IELTS score of 4×6. If the main applicant submits the visa application without an IELTS score of at least 4.5 overall, a language training fee of AU $9,800.00 must be paid before the visa is granted.
- For spouses or dependent children over 18 who have not achieved an IELTS score of 4.5 overall, a language training fee of AU $4,890.00 per person must be paid.
*Note: The above policies and fees are subject to the final information published by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.