186 Visa – Employer Nomination Scheme

The 186 Visa, also called the Employer Nomination Scheme, offers skilled workers a chance to live and work permanently in Australia. With employer sponsorship, this visa provides a stable pathway to residency for qualified individuals.

Interested in learning how holding this visa will help you get a home loan approval in Australia? Learn more about the 186 visa!

186 Visa Eligibility Requirements

Visa requirements
Visa requirements

To be eligible for the 186 Visa, you must meet several visa requirements. Check out this list before you apply for this visa:

  • Have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job
  • Have a nomination by an Australian employer which is approved within six months prior to visa application
  • Meet health and character requirements
  • Have evidence of at least Competent English
  • Aged under 45 years old at the application time unless any exemption
  • Meet stream requirements, including passing a skills assessment

Benefits You Get on 186 Visa

As the visa holder of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa, skilled workers, along with their family members (partner/spouse and child/stepchild), can get several benefits, including:

  • Live, work, and study in Australia with no period limitation
  • Apply for permanent Australian citizenship
  • Enrolling in Medicare for free health care
  • Visit Australia for 5 years from the granted visa date
  • Sponsor other eligible relatives for an Australian permanent residence

186 Visa Pathways

Applying for a visa for a home loan
Applying for a visa for a home loan

Based on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs, you have three options for 186 visa application pathways in Australian immigration, the cost of which starts from AUD 4,115.00.

Please note that this visa is exclusively available for Permanent Resident applications, and therefore, temporary visa fees do not apply.

Here are the visa options:

Direct Entry Stream

This direct entry visa stream is for skilled workers applying from outside Australia or those who haven’t worked for their nominating employer before. It’s ideal for applicants with the required experience in Australia’s medium—and long-term employment market.

Requirements:

  • Nominated by an Australian employer.
  • Meet the skills required for the occupation.
  • Pass the English Language requirement.
  • At least 3 years of work experience.
  • Under 45 years of age.
  • Pass health and character checks.

Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for workers nominated by employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian government, filling roles that cannot be sourced locally.

This option is suitable for visa applicants currently working (or will be working) for the said employer.

Requirements:

  • Nominated by an employer who is under a labour agreement for a nominated occupation.
  • Have the necessary skills as per the agreement.
  • Under 45 years of age (with exceptions).
  • Pass health and character checks.

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

This stream is for workers in Australia on a temporary visa, such as a subclass 457 visa or 482 visa, who have worked full-time for their employer for at least 2 years of work in the last 3 years.

Requirements:

  • Nominated by your current employer.
  • Worked for the employer on a 457 or 482 TSS visa for at least 2 years.
  • Under 45 years of age.
  • Meet health and character requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can holders of the 482 visa apply for the 186 visa?

Yes, holders of the 482 visa can apply for the 186 visa through the Temporary Residence Transition Stream after working with their employer for at least 2 years in the last 3 years.

What is the process for lodging a 186 visa application?

The lodgement of your visa application involves being nominated by an Australian employer, gathering required documents, and submitting the application online through the Department of Home Affairs.

What is the minimum wage for a visa 186 application?

The latest minimum wage requirement for the subclass 186 visa application is $73,150.00. This way, you’ll be eligible to apply.

Am I eligible to get a home loan on an 186 visa?

Yes, you are eligible as long as you fulfill the requirements.

Do I need to apply for FIRB approval on an 186 visa?

No, you don’t need to apply for FIRB approval.

Do I need to pay for the Foreign Buyer Stamp Duty/Surcharge?

No, you don’t need to pay for the Foreign Buyer Stamp Duty/Surcharge.

Conclusion

When working in Australia as a permanent resident, it’s essential to apply for a 186 visa to ensure legal employment. This will also make it easier to obtain approval for a home loan in Australia. 

Professional Home Loans is prepared to assist individuals holding 186 visas or other professionals in applying for quick home loan approval in Australia or other regions. Get in touch with us to schedule a free consultation!