The Subclass 186 Visa, also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa, is a popular visa category for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas or those already in Australia. Here, we will delve into the various aspects of the Subclass 186 Visa, including its pathways to citizenship, application requirements, costs, and the process involved.

Visa Subclass 186 to Citizenship

One of the primary attractions of the Subclass 186 Visa is its potential pathway to Australian citizenship. Once you have been granted this visa, you become a permanent resident of Australia. As a permanent resident, you have the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely. After meeting certain residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship.

The general criteria for applying for citizenship include:

1. Residency Requirement: You must have lived in Australia for four years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident.
2. Good Character: You must be of good character, which involves passing a police check.
3. Language Proficiency: You may need to demonstrate proficiency in English.
4. Knowledge of Australia: You must have an understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship.

Visa Subclass 186 Direct Entry

The Subclass 186 Visa offers three streams, one of which is the Direct Entry Stream. This stream is for applicants who are nominated by their employer under the Direct Entry pathway.

Requirements for Direct Entry Stream:

1. Employer Nomination: Your employer must nominate you for a position that is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
2. Skills Assessment: You must have a positive skills assessment for the occupation.
3. Work Experience: Typically, you need to have at least three years of relevant work experience.
4. English Proficiency: You must meet the English language requirements, which generally involves scoring at least 6 in each component of the IELTS test or equivalent.

Visa Subclass 186 Checklist

Applying for the Subclass 186 Visa involves gathering and submitting various documents. Here is a comprehensive checklist to ensure you have everything you need:

1. Employer Nomination:

   • Approved nomination by your employer
   • Nomination reference number

2. Personal Documents:

   • Valid passport
   • Birth certificate
   • National ID card (if applicable)

3. Skills and Experience:

   • Positive skills assessment
   • Evidence of work experience (e.g., payslips, employment contracts, reference letters)
   • Relevant qualifications and transcripts

4. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic test results

5. Health and Character:

   • Health examination results
   • Police clearance certificates

6. Other Documents:

   • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
   • Evidence of de facto relationship (if applicable)
   • Proof of any dependents

Australian Visa Subclass 186 Price

The cost of applying for a Subclass 186 Visa includes several components. As of 2024, the application fees are:

1. Primary Applicant: AUD 4,240
2. Additional Adult Applicant: AUD 2,120
3. Additional Child Applicant: AUD 1,060

These fees are subject to change, so it is advisable to check the latest fee structure on the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a Migration Agent in Perth.

186 Visa Australia Requirements

The requirements for the Subclass 186 Visa depend on the stream you are applying under. Here are the general requirements:

1. Nomination by an Approved Australian Employer: Your employer must be willing to nominate you and meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Relevant Occupation: Your occupation must be listed on the eligible skilled occupation list.
3. Skills Assessment: You must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
4. Work Experience: Generally, at least three years of relevant work experience is required.
5. English Language Proficiency: You need to meet the English language requirements.
6. Health and Character: You must undergo a health examination and provide police clearance certificates.

Visa Subclass 186 TRT

The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is another pathway under the Subclass 186 Visa. This stream is for workers who have been employed with the same employer on a Subclass 457 or 482 visa for at least three years.

Requirements for TRT Stream:

1. Continuous Employment: You must have worked for your employer for at least three years while holding a Subclass 457 or 482 visa.
2. Employer Nomination: Your employer must nominate you under the TRT stream.
3. English Proficiency: You must meet the required English language levels.
4. Age Limit: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application (with some exceptions).

Visa Subclass 186 Fee

The fees associated with the Subclass 186 Visa include the application fees mentioned earlier. Additionally, there might be costs for:

1. English Language Tests: Fees for IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic tests.
2. Skills Assessment: Fees charged by the assessing authority.
3. Health Examinations: Costs for medical examinations required for the visa.
4. Police Clearance Certificates: Charges for obtaining police checks from various countries.

Visa Subclass 186 Employee

For the Subclass 186 Visa, the employee (visa applicant) needs to:

1. Ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria.
2. Work with their employer to gather and submit all necessary documents.
3. Undergo health and character checks.
4. Meet the required English language proficiency.
5. Pay the applicable fees and submit the visa application.

Conclusion

The Subclass 186 Visa is a significant pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Australia. It requires a thorough understanding of the various streams, eligibility criteria, and application processes. Given the complexity, consulting with a professional can be immensely beneficial.

For personalized assistance and expert guidance on your Subclass 186 Visa application, consider reaching out to the best migration agents in Perth or a trusted visa agent in Perth. These professionals can help ensure that your application is complete and has the best chance of success, helping you navigate the journey to permanent residency in Australia efficiently and effectively.