The 186 visa is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to work for an employer in Australia. It is also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa. The 186 visa has three streams: the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the Direct Entry stream, and the Agreement stream.

The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for subclass 457/482 visa holders who have been working for their employer for at least two years in the same occupation as their nominated occupation. The Direct Entry stream is for people who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia, or who are ineligible for the Temporary Residence Transition stream. The Agreement stream is for people who are sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement.

To apply for the 186 visa, applicants need to meet the eligibility criteria for the stream they are applying for, find an employer to nominate them, and provide documentation to support their application. Once granted, the 186 visa allows successful applicants to live and work in Australia permanently, access to healthcare and education, sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia as permanent residents, and travel in and out of Australia as much as they want.

Here is a general overview of the eligibility criteria for each stream:

Temporary Residence Transition stream:

  • Hold a subclass 457 visa
  • Have worked for the same employer who is nominating you for the 186 visa for at least two years in the same occupation as your nominated occupation
  • Have an occupation on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations
  • Meet the English language requirement
  • Meet the health and character requirements

Direct Entry stream:

  • Have an occupation on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations
  • Have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation
  • Meet the English language requirement
  • Meet the health and character requirements

Agreement stream:

  • Be sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement
  • Meet the requirements of the labour agreement
  • Have an occupation on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations
  • Meet the English language requirement
  • Meet the health and character requirements

It’s important to note that these are just the basic eligibility criteria and that there may be additional requirements that you need to meet depending on your individual circumstances and the stream you are applying for. Before applying for the 186 visa, it’s important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and seek professional advice if necessary.

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If you are looking for permanent residency in Australia, FourSquare Migration can help. With years of industry experience, our team is committed to helping individuals secure their right to live and work in Australia. Contact us today!