186 Visa: Direct Entry, Requirements, Processing Time & PTE Score Guide

186 Visa: Direct Entry, Requirements, Processing Time & PTE Score Guide
Posted by admin
on February 24, 2025
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The subclass 186 visa, more generally known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, is one of the permanent occupancy visas targeting skilled employees who desire to live and function in Australia. With this visa, competent professionals will be supported by a qualified Australian employer, permitting them to ultimately acquire permanent residency. 

It has three streams: Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement. Thus, the 186 visa australia is a wonderful way for professional migrant workers to develop their careers or ensure a good fate in the country.

186 Visa Requirements

186 Visa Australia Application Steps

The following are the very important steps associated with the 186 Visa application:

  1. Employer Nomination: A nomination application and evidence that a nominated employer has fulfilled specific requirements, including being an eligible Australian employer, are necessary.
  2. Visa Application: Once your nominating employer is approved, your visa application must be made within six months. Make certain all instructed papers are supplied so nothing is hindered in the procedure.
  3. Skills Inspection: A skills review is compulsory for the Direct Entry stream to ensure that your credentials meet the work requirements.
  4. Health and Personality Checks: You must satisfy health and character conditions and possess medical tests and police approval certifications.

Migration agents in Adelaide can make this intricate procedure more manageable and boost your odds of acceptance.

Subclass 186 English Requirements PTE

(186 Visa English Requirements PTE)

One key requirement for the 186 Visa is English language proficiency. PTE scores are required to be of a minimum benchmark standard for competent English. For most streams currently, a score of 50 or above in all sections is usually required. Test scores become invalid two years after sitting; applicants need to check that their scores are valid at application time.

Read More:- The Subclass 186 Visa Processing Time 2025 for Australia

Subclass 186 Visa Processing Time 

186 visa direct entry processing time

The processing time of a Subclass 186 Visa differs based on the stream in which you submit your application:

  • Agreement Pathway: 

50% processed in 04 Months

90% processed in 07 Months

  • Direct Entry Pathway:

50% processed in 06 Months

90% processed in 17 Months

  • Transition Pathway: 

50% processed in 14 Months

90% processed in 17 Months

Note: We’re currently experiencing a high number of applications in this group, which has affected the usual timeframes for allocation and assessment.

Employer-Sponsored Visa 186 Conditions

You have to fulfill the subsequent provisions for the Employer Sponsored Visa 186

  • Employer Nomination: You must have an employer nomination by an authorized employer from the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Skill Level: Your aptitudes and capabilities should satisfy the measures mandated for your designated profession.
  • Work Background: Usually, you have to have at least three years of appropriate work knowledge.
  • Age Limit: Must be less than 45 years old unless an immunity is involved.
  • Health and Character: Must pass a medical examination(s) and have police clearance certificates.

Working with a competent Migration Agent will help you to comply with these criteria easily.

Read More:- 186 Visa Checklist – Important Details For Employer Sponsored Visa 186

Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Direct Entry

Visa 186 Direct Entry:

The Direct Entry (DE) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 is for applicants who:

  • Have not ever worked in Australia or are currently employed in Australia temporarily. 
  • Have a positive skills assessment for their chosen occupation. 
  • Meets the requirements of the English language proficiency test. 

This stream is quite a good choice for skilled professionals seeking to establish themselves in Australia directly.

Visa Subclass 186 PTE Score

PTE Score For 186 Visa:

English proficiency is a crucial requirement for the visa subclass 186. The PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic is a widely acknowledged English examination taken by Australian immigration management. To complete the English criteria, you normally require a minimum score of: 

  • Achieve a minimum score of 50 in each section of the PTE for the Temporary Residence Transition stream. 
  • Demonstrate competent English (minimum scores) for the Direct Entry stream.

The best migration agent in Adelaide can help you achieve the right PTE score and ensure your results are submitted appropriately.

Subclass 186 Two-Year Commitment

Temporary Residence Transition stream applicants must demonstrate a two-year commitment to their employer. This means:

  1. Your nominating employer has employed you in the occupation nominated for at least two years.
  2. Complying with your visa conditions, including any employment-related responsibilities. 

Failure to fulfil this commitment may jeopardise your visa status or prospects in Australia. 

186 Visa Australia Occupation List

The 186 Visa is available to people whose professions are on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The list contains in-demand occupations in Australia, including:

  • Engineers
  • IT Specialists
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Teachers

Before you apply, ensure that your profession is on the list and that you qualify. Using a Migration Agent will help clarify your eligibility based on your profession.

Read More:- 10 Useful Things To Know About 186 Visa Requirements

186 Visa Direct Entry Employer Nomination Scheme

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) under the Direct Entry stream allows skilled workers to gain permanent residency. The requirements for employers are as follows:

  1. The nominated position must be genuine and necessary.
  2. The position should match the occupation list.
  3. The employer must comply with Australian workplace laws, such as providing a market salary.

For employers processing their nominations, going to a professional migration agent in Adelaide can provide invaluable assistance.

Documents for 186 visa direct entry requirements

To apply for a subclass 186, one has to provide key supporting documents that affirm eligibility for approval. They enable a less complex process while approving the application. Here’s a checklist of all the crucial documents: 

  1. Identification Documents: 
  • Passport (bio-data page) 
  • Birth certificate or other identification
  1. Skills and Qualifications:
  • Skills positive report (in case of applying through Direct Entry stream)
  •  Educational documents and transcripts
  1. Work Experience: 
  • Employment reference letters
  • Contracts or payslips proving a minimum period of three years of relevant working experience
  1. English Proficiency: 
  • Valid test results in the English language, like PTE or IELTS, meeting the standard scores
  1. Health and Character Checks:
  • Police approval certifications from all nations where you’ve lived for over 12 months in the past 10 years 
  •  Medical examination results 
  1. Employer Nomination Documents: 
  • Employer’s nomination approval letter 
  •  Employment contract detailing the position, salary, and job role

Submissions have to be complete and accurate to avoid delay, so it is important to get professional assistance from experienced migration agents in Adelaide to ensure your application is perfect.

Conclusion

The 186 Visa is a wonderful possibility for trained professionals who desire to set up a permanent presence in Australia. It is versatile and helpful, making it an appealing choice for migrants. For a smooth application procedure, pursue the assistance of the best migration agent in Adelaide, who can deliver expert guidance and support.

FAQ

How much does a 186 visa cost?

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, Subclass 186, involves a tiered fee structure. The main applicant must pay a visa fee of AUD 4,770. For dependent family members, the charges differ: each dependent aged 18 or older incurs an additional fee of AUD 2,385, while dependents under 18 are charged AUD 1,190 each.

What are the 2-year commitment requirements for the 186 visa?

186 visa 2 years commitment

The 186 visa, or Employer Nomination Scheme visa, involves a 2-year commitment between the employer and the employee. While not a legally binding condition, both parties are expected to show genuine intent: the employer must intend to offer employment for at least two years, and the employee must commit to working with the sponsor for that period. This mutual commitment is important for meeting the Department of Home Affairs’ criteria and demonstrating the legitimacy of the visa application.

What is the PTE score requirement for Proficient English?

(Proficient English PTE Score)

A PTE score of 65 or above is widely accepted as a level of Proficient English, equivalent to B2 on the CEFR. This level of English is often a key requirement for Australian permanent residency (PR) visas and academic admission.

Essential Points:

  • Proficient English (PTE): A score of 65 or higher

  • CEFR Level: Corresponds to B2 proficiency

  • For Immigration: Required for many Australian PR visa pathways

  • For Universities: Commonly required for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs

  • Superior English: A PTE score of 79 or higher, needed for certain visa subclasses or advanced academic courses

This scoring system ensures applicants meet the necessary English language skills for immigration, work, and study in Australia.

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