Learn About 186 Visa, 186 Visa Checklist and Processing Time

Learn About 186 Visa, 186 Visa Checklist and Processing Time
Posted by Migration Agent Adelaide
on January 24, 2018
1498

Australia is such a beautiful country. It’s no surprise that folks wish to immigrate to the country, or perhaps simply to pay a visit for some days. However, it’s not invariably simple to obtain a visa and permission to enter Australia. There is this whole visa process that may sound overwhelming to you. You need to have a really excellent guide who cans more or less walk you through the procedure and prepare you for actual application of the visa. This blog will help you understand the immigration procedure for Australia and particularly about Visa 186 together with 186 visa checklist.

Migrating to Australia

Australia is a fine country to live in. With breathtaking natural picturesque beauties, sunny climate and uniquely amazing wildlife Australia is a haven for nature lovers. And it is not just nature here. You will find vast cities here that boast a relishing lifestyle with the numerous opportunities for both the natives and immigrants. Some Australian jobs are even better paying than in the USA or the UK.

If you are considering migrating to Australia, you must first need to understand the procedure of migration – everything before and after the application.

Selecting a visa

The first and really important step in immigration to Australia is selecting the visa. There are many options for you but you have to select the one that fits you the best. A particular visa called subclass comes under a category of visa. Some visas have further specification as the stream. For smooth processing, you have to select the stream perfectly. Some of these visas are:

  • Student Visa
  • Worker Visa
  • Parent Visa
  • Partner Visa

While there are many work visa options, this blog will specifically explain you the work visa for Australia subclass 186.

Visa 186

Individuals who wish to move to Australia as a skilled professional, Visa 186 is a permanent work visa for them. They should be nominated and offered a permanent role by an Australian employer. That is why it is also called the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS). One thing to remember is that the job, under which you have applied, must fall into the official list of skilled occupations of Australia.

What does the visa let you do?

You can also include your family members (the dependents) in your visa application. The visa 186 lets you and any family members who have also been granted this visa to:

  • Stay in Australia permanently
  • Work in Australia on a skilled job
  • Study in Australia (you and your family)
  • Enrol your family in Medicare (Government’s scheme for medical expenses)
  • Sponsor eligible family members and relatives for permanent residence visas
  • Apply for Australian Citizenship when you become eligible for it
  • Travel in and out of Australia for up to 5 years from the grant of this visa

Eligibility criteria for Visa 186

Visa applicants in all streams must show that they satisfy the given criteria, including that they:

  • possess the required skill level to hold out the duties and responsibilities of the appointed position
  • meet age requirements (under 45 years of age at the time of application)
  • meet English language needs (most probably IELTS score)
  • hold registration or relevant licenses to work in their appointed occupation
  • meet health and character necessities

Please note that the requirements mentioned above are not final. Other criteria may apply depending on the occupation for which you are applying. It is better to contact a registered migration agent Adelaide for more details.

Required documents

Below is the 186 visa checklist that tells you the documents required for obtaining the Visa 186.

  • Application form duly filled and signed
  • Identity documents of all the persons included in the application
  • Copies of biological pages of the passport
  • Evidence of relevant skills and work experience
  • Proof of English language competency
  • Character certificate issued by the local police or magistrate

186 Visa Processing Time

186 visa processing time 2025 australia

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa generally has processing times ranging from 4 to 18 months, depending on the stream:

  • Agreement Pathway:

    • 50% of applications are processed in 4 months

    • 90% are done within 07 months

  • Direct Entry Pathway:

    • 50% take around 06 months

    • 90% are completed within 17 months

  • Transition Pathway:

    • 50%: 14 months

    • 90%: 17 Months

Note: We are currently experiencing a high number of applications in this group, which has led to affect in allocation and assessment timeframes.

There are certain technicalities associated with visa applications that you may find difficult to understand and manage on your own. To understand the process, you can book a Migration Agent Adelaide free consultation and get your queries resolved.

FAQ

What is a visa 186 direct entry?

The Subclass 186 Direct Entry Visa is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It’s ideal for people who have little or no work experience in Australia. This visa lets you live and work in Australia permanently, offering a pathway to settle long-term and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency.

What are the fees for the Subclass 186 Visa?

The Subclass 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) has a base application fee of AUD 4,770 for the main applicant. If you’re including family members, there are additional charges: AUD 2,385 for each adult dependent (18 years or older) and AUD 1,190 for each child under 18.

In addition to the visa fees, the sponsoring employer is required to pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy. This levy is AUD 3,000 for businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10 million, and AUD 5,000 for those with a turnover of $10 million or more.

What is the current success rate for the Subclass 186 visa?

186 visa success rate

The success rate for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa is generally high, especially for well-prepared applications. While exact percentages vary, many industry experts estimate approval rates of around 85% to 90% for eligible applicants with complete documentation and strong employer support. Onshore applications often have faster processing times. Choosing the right stream—Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition—and meeting all criteria significantly improves your chances of visa approval.

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