What is the Comprehensive 186 Visa Checklist: How to Get It?

The 186 visa, also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, allows talented professionals to gain permanent residency in Australia. This visa requires sponsorship from an Australian employer and is offered through three streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement. 

Although each stream addresses unique situations, they all aim to address the lack of skills in different areas of the Australian economy.

Basically, an employer can sponsor adequately skilled persons from around the world to live and work in Australia via the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).

Although, the employee has to pass all the required tests and get a Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Visa from a registered Australian employer. To know more about subclass 186 visa types, 186 visa checklist, different visa types, how to get it and everything in between. Let’s get started. 

Subclass 186 Visa Checklist for Different Types

Direct Entry Stream 

The Direct Entry Stream allows talented workers nominated by employers to live and work permanently in Australia. 

  • This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia without restrictions.
  • Sponsor eligible family members to travel to Australia.
  • Enroll in Australia's public healthcare plan, Medicare.
  • Travel to and from Australia for five years.
  • After a specific waiting period, you can get specific Australian Government benefits and payments.

Eligibility Subclass 186 visa checklist: 

  • Have an eligible occupation.
  • Have at least three years of relevant work experience in your occupation. Unless specifically exempted from the skills evaluation requirement. 
  • Be licensed, registered, or a member of a professional body if it is mandatory in your proposed state.
  • Have a positive skill appraisal.

Except if you were nominated as:

  • An academic working as a university lecturer or faculty head at an Australian university.
  • The Australian government's scientific agency employs scientists, researchers, and technicians.
  • Holding a Special Category (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa and having worked for the nominated employer in the nominated role for at least two years during the last three years before applying for the visa.
  • Be recommended by an eligible Australian employer and submit your application within 6 months of the nomination approval.
  • Unless an exemption exists, you must be under 45 when you apply.

Further Subclass 186 visa checklist that you need to follow: 

  • Meet the health requirements for both you and your family members who apply for this visa alongside you.
  • Meet the character requirements.
  • Sign the Australian value statement.
  • Not owe any obligation to the Australian Government.
  • Not having a prior application or a canceled visa
  • You cannot marry or engage in a de facto relationship before visiting Australia.

 186 direct entry visa checklist 1: 

  • Health examination
  • Approved employer and nomination Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
  • Identity 186 visa document checklist, such as a current passport.
  • Proof of any license, registration, or professional membership.
  • Proof of your talents and qualifications can include a positive and valid skill assessment, a curriculum vitae CV or résumé, and proof of job experience.
  • Character documents include Overseas police certificates and Australian police certificates.
  • Partner 186 visa document checklist includes the partner's identity and character documents, as well as the current marriage certificate.
  • Documents proving a de facto connection include shared bank account statements, billing accounts in joint names, joint leases or mortgages, and proof that you have both lived at the same home.
  • Your partner's evidence of fluent English.
  • Identity documents, birth or marriage certificates, and other proof of relationship are required for dependents under the age of 18.
  • Form 1229, is a permission form for granting an Australian visa to a kid under the age of 18. 
  • For dependents 18 years old or older, please submit identity documents, evidence of relationship, and character documentation.
  • Please provide Form 47a, Details of a Child or Other Dependent Family Member Aged 18 or Over, as confirmation of the relationship.
  • Before applying, prove that the family member has been financially reliant on you for at least 12 months. Proof they stay with you. Their tax returns as evidence that they are presently enrolled in classes

Processing times

  • 50% of applications: 7 months
  • 90% of applications in 17 months

How can I apply for a 186 visa in Australia?

  • Step1: Gather all 186 visa document checklists and a nominated employer and position in your occupation
  • Step 2: Apply for an online visa. ImmiAccount
  • Step 3: The Department is going to notify you of your visa outcome.

Cost: The main applicant's visa costs AUD 4770.

To know more about how to get an 186 visa through the Direct Entry Stream, connect with a leading immigration agent in Adelaide. 

Labour Agreement Stream 

The Labour Agreement Stream is ideal for applicants who are already or will be working for an employer who is a signatory to a labor agreement.

Eligibility for Subclass 186 Visa Checklist: 

To be eligible to apply for this visa, you must

  • Currently or will be working for your employer under a labor agreement.
  • Have appropriate English language skills, experience, and talents based on the work agreement.
  • Be licensed, registered, or a member of a professional body if it is mandatory in your proposed state.
  • Be nominated by an approved Australian employer whose business is actively and legitimately functioning in Australia and is part of a labor agreement.
  • You must be under 45 years old when you apply unless exempted by the labor agreement.   

Condition 

If you are in Australia, you must have a substantive 457 or TSS visa issued under a labor agreement.

The 186 Visa Checklist for the Labour Agreement Stream: 

  • Meet the health requirements for both you and any family members who apply for this visa alongside you.
  • Fulfill the necessary character requirements.
  • Sign the Australian value statement.
  • have no debt to the Australian government.
  • Not have had a visa canceled or a previous application denied.
  • You cannot marry or engage in a de facto relationship before visiting Australia.
  • Approved employer and nomination Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
  • identity document, like a valid passport.
  • Character documents include police certificates from Australia and outside.
  • Documents proving partner identity and character, as well as a recent marriage certificate.  

Documents proving a de facto connection include shared bank account statements, billing accounts in joint names, joint leases or mortgages, and proof that you have both lived at the same home.

Evidence of functional English from your partner

Identity documents, proof of relationship (such as a marriage or birth certificate), and other documentation for dependents under or above the age of 18.

Before applying, prove that the family member has been financially reliant on you for at least 12 months. Include proof that they live with you, their tax records, and proof that they are presently studying.

Processing durations

  • 50% of applications: 70 days.
  • 90% of applications: Four months.

How to Apply for this visa? 

  • Step 1: It involves gathering all necessary documents, nominating an employer, and selecting a position in your occupation.  
  • Step 2: Apply online for a visa ImmiAccount
  • Step 3: The Department will inform you of the status of your visa.

The visa costs for the 186 visa Australia checklist is around AUD4770 for the primary applicant.

Temporary Residence 

The Temporary Residence Transition Stream allows talented workers nominated by their employers to reside and work in Australia.

  • This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
  • Encourage family members who qualify to travel to Australia.

Eligibility for 186 visas Australia checklist: 

  • To apply for the Subclass 186 visa checklist, you must hold a subclass 457, TSS, or comparable bridging visa (A, B, or C).
  • Have worked for your employer full-time for at least three years while on a subclass 457 or TSS visa.
  • Have been nominated by an Australian employer and approved in the six months preceding the 186 visa application checklist. 
  • Have an eligible occupation
  • Be licensed, registered, or a member of a professional body if necessary by your intended state.
  • Before being nominated for a subclass 186 visa, you must have worked for your sponsored employer for at least three or four years while holding a subclass 457 or subclass 482 visa.
  • Recommended by the employer who sponsored your temporary work visa and applies within 6 months of the nomination's approval.
  • You must be under 45 years old when applying unless an exemption exists.
  • Meet the health requirements for both you and any family members who apply for this visa alongside you.
  • Sign the statement of Australian values.
  • Possess at least a basic understanding of English
  • Have no debt to the Australian government.
  • Not had a prior application denied or a visa revoked.

State of Condition 8515, Prior to entering Australia, you are not permitted to get married or engage in a de facto partnership.

The 186 Visa Checklist for Temporary Residence: 

  • English test result, if applicable
  • Health assessment
  • Identity documents, such as a valid passport
  • Proof of any license, registration, or professional membership.
  • Documents proving your qualifications and skills.
  • Character documents include police certificates from Australia and outside.
  • Partner 186 visa document checklist includes the current marriage certificate and the partner's identity and character documents.
  • Documents that demonstrate a de facto relationship include combined bank account statements, joint mortgage or lease agreements, billing accounts in both names and proof that you have shared a residence.
  • Partner's proof of functional English
  • For dependents under 18 or above, submit identifying documents and proof of relationship, such as a birth or marriage certificate. 
  • Before applying, prove that the family member has been financially reliant on you for at least 12 months.
  • Proof they live with you, their fiscal records, or proof they are currently studying

If you have any questions related to the subclass 186 visa checklist, connect with the leading Migration agent in Adelaide. 

Processing durations

  • 50% of applications: Twelve months.
  • 90% of applications: 17 months

Procedure for 186 visa application checklist: 

  • Step 1: Compile all of the paperwork
  • Step 2: Use Visa ImmiAccount to apply online
  • Step 3: The Department will inform you of the status of your visa.

The visa costs AUD4770 for the primary applicant.

To Conclude 

All in all, applying for a Subclass 186 Visa is a significant step toward securing permanent residency in Australia. Whether you are applying through the Direct Entry, Labour Agreement stream, or Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, having the right 186 visa document checklist and meeting eligibility requirements is crucial.

The 186 visa checklist and process may seem complex, but with careful preparation and the right guidance, it can be a smooth journey. If you're unsure about any step, consulting a migration expert can make all the difference.

And if you are looking for the leading migration agent adelaide - then Visafast Migration consultancy can assist you. We have a team of professionals who can assist you with Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Visa.  

To know more about us and how we can help you, book a free consultation call right away. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) 

Can I apply for a 186 visa without sponsorship?

No, you cannot apply for a 186 visa without sponsorship. This visa requires an employer in Australia to nominate you. The employer must be an approved sponsor and meet specific criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.

What is the difference between 186 TRT and Direct Entry?

The TRT stream is for those who have worked with their employer on a 482 or 457 visa for at least two to three years and want to transition to permanent residency.

The Direct Entry stream is for skilled workers who don’t meet TRT requirements. It is for those who have at least three years of experience in their occupation and a positive skill assessment.

What is the Comprehensive 186 Visa Checklist: How to Get It?
Rohan Mehta 11 February 2025
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