The Subclass 186 Visa Processing Time 2025 for Australia

What Is Subclass 186 Visa For Migrating to Australia?

The employer nomination subclass 186 is a permanent resident visa for migration to Australia, has the following features:

1. It is a visa for permanent residence only for skilled employees nominated by their employers.
2. Australian employers are permitted to nominate skilled foreign employees to work in Australia on a subclass 186 permanent residence visa, under the Employer Nomination Scheme or ENS.
3. To apply for this visa, there are primarily two processes: a nomination by an Australian employer and a visa application by a foreign skilled worker.
4. Applicants can be living in or outside Australia while applying for the 186 Visa.
5. Applicants must have a valid visa or a bridging visa A, B, or C when applying for the 186 Visa Australia while living in Australia.

186 visa processing time after nomination approval

After the approval of an 186 visa nomination, the processing time for the visa application varies based on the stream but generally falls between 4 to 9 months.

You Must Read – 186 Visa Checklist – Important Details For Employer Sponsored Visa 186

How Long Does It Take To Become A 186 Visa Holder?

186 Visa Processing Time varies on a variety of factors. Make sure all the relevant documents, health reports, and police certificates are submitted properly. There are instances when applications get approved within two weeks too! It all depends upon the workload of the migration officers and how perfect your nomination and application are.

The nomination and Visa application can be both submitted together, but to be on the safe side about your employer’s 457 sponsorship obligation, lodge the nomination first, followed by the application once the nomination gets approved. This also delays the process but it makes sure the process takes place properly.

Read More – 10 Useful Things To Know About 186 Visa Requirements

Subclass 186 Visa Processing Time in 2025 for Australia

Here are the processing times for Subclass 186 Visas in various streams, including Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, Labour Agreement, and Visa to Permanent Residency:

 Visa 186 Processing Time Direct Entry Stream: (Direct Entry Pathway)

• 25% of applications: 4 Months
• 50% of applications: 08 Months
• 75% of applications: 11 Months
• 90% of applications: 18 Months
• Median processing time for offshore applicants in November 2022: 35 days

Visa 186 Processing Time Temporary Residence Transition Stream: (Transition Pathway)

• 25% of applications: 7 Months
• 50% of applications: 13 Months
• 75% of applications: 11 Months
• 90% of applications: 18 Months
• Median processing time for offshore applicants in November 2022: 25 days

Visa 186 Processing Time Labour Agreement Stream: (Agreement Pathway)

• 25% of applications: 4 Months
• 50% of applications: 06 Months
• 75% of applications: 11 Months
• 90% of applications: 09 Months
• Median processing time for offshore applicants in November 2022: 35 days

Visa 186 Processing Time Subsequent Entrant Stream:

• Processing times information is not available.

Subclass 186 Visa to Permanent Residency to Processing Time:

You can apply for Subclass 186 visa after working with the nominating employer for 3 years.

• 25% of applications: 3 Months
• 50% of applications: 8 Months
• 75% of applications: 12 Months
• 90% of applications: 13 Months

Transfer of Subclass 186 Visa Nomination:

• There are no provisions for the transfer of Subclass 186 visa nomination.

Subclass 186 Subsequent Entrant Processing Time:

• Processing times information is not available.

Before Applying For The 186 Visa:

1. You must get your skills assessed. That assessment will be proof that you have the required skills and qualifications to do the job for which you are being sponsored.
2. You must make sure that you share the current English test results for this visa. You can give the English exams again if you want.
3. You must fulfill health requirements.
4. Criminal and civil punishments can be applied to any individual who requests or offers an advantage in return for visa sponsorship.

Collect All The Required Documents

In order to earn the employer nomination scheme subclass 186, it is requested that you must collect and provide accurate documents and information with your visa application. The list of documents which one must provide are:

• Identity documents should be a national identity card and proof of a change of name (marriage certificate).
• Registered and authorized license which proves your employer registration.
• Qualification documents must state that you have the required skills for the sponsored job role in Australia.
• Age exemption documents to prove that you are exempt from the age eligibility criteria.
• Character documents must be provided.
• If you are traveling with your partner, you must provide all the partner documents which prove your relationship.

After You Apply For This Visa

There are certain tasks that must be performed by the applicant in order to get their visa successfully

1. You will have to do health examinations if you haven’t done that before.
2. You can be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) for legal verification.
3. You might be asked to give more documents to verify the information that you have provided in your visa application.

You can be in or outside of the country when your visa gets approved. Thus, in order to prevent delays owing to your application faults, it is always advisable to seek the help of an expert group of migration agents who have handled such cases for years now and will help you sail you through the process smoothly, starting from analyzing your visa holding possibilities to helping you get the necessary nominations, documents, and qualifications to finally get a successful 186 visa. Book your consultation with Migration Agent Adelaide today.

186 Visa Processing Time After Medical

Medical assessments typically take 2-4 weeks once completed. Depending on your case, background checks and character evaluations may remain ongoing. Once all clearances are confirmed, the Department usually finalizes the decision within 1 to 3 months.

Q&A

Is 186 visa difficult?

Being employer-nominated, securing the 186 Visa can present more challenges compared to certain other visa types. However, the prospect of attaining permanent residency makes the effort highly rewarding. Luckily, you’ve found the right resource – our IDP migration agents specialize in the application and processing of 186 Visas. Their expertise ensures a smooth and efficient process, guiding you through the complexities of securing this visa and paving the way for potential permanent residency. Trust in our agents to navigate the intricacies and make pursuing the 186 Visa a seamless and worthwhile endeavor.

How much does the Subclass 186 visa cost in Australia?

As of May 2025, the visa application charges for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) are as follows:

Visa Application fees:

• Primary Applicant: AUD 4,770

• Additional Applicant (18 years or older): AUD 2,385

• Additional Applicant (under 18 years): AUD 1,190

Nomination Fee:

• AUD 540

Please note that these fees are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to use the Visa Pricing Estimator provided by the Department of Home Affairs.