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Amit Taya (Perth): +61 426 488 909 | Harmandeep Kaur (Adelaide): +61 8 8120 4199
Amit Taya (Perth): +61 426 488 909 | Harmandeep Kaur (Adelaide): +61 8 8120 4199
The 186 visa is also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186). This is one of the most sought-after ways for skilled people to live in Australia permanently. But, one of the most important catches here is the 186 visa processing time.
Applicants must make an extra effort to understand the different aspects that affect the processing time of this visa. If you are looking to apply for this visa, make sure to read this blog to the end for more clarity on the matter.
The processing time for the 186 visa requirements can vary depending on your specific stream and circumstances. But in general, it can range anywhere from 5 months to 16 months. There are a couple of different streams, and understanding them is important.
If you apply for the 186 visa with the temporary residence transition (TRT) stream, it can take five to nine months. This requires you to have an employment duration of approximately three years and above on a 482 or 457 visa.
50% processed in 13 Months
90% processed in 18 Months
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You can also apply for the 186 visa direct entry stream. This could take a processing time of about seven to twelve months. This time frame is for applicants meeting the necessary requirements without a previous three-year employment contract with the employer.
The processing time for applying for the 186 visa through the agreement stream can take nine to sixteen months. This is for applicants under a labour agreement who have the sponsorship of their employer.
50% processed in 5 Months
90% processed in 9 Months
It is no secret that every applicant for the 186 visa must undergo a health checkup beforehand. While this is understandable, the bigger question is how much longer it will take after completing all the necessary medical procedures. In most cases, it does not take much longer after your medical paperwork reaches and gets cleared by the Department of Home Affairs.
Generic 186 Visa Processing Timeline After Medical
While the medical process is important, there are other relevant factors that can influence the timeline. There are things like employer nomination approvals or police approvals that can directly affect the processing time for the 186 visas. It is better you leverage the expertise of a registered migration agent Perth to get a better idea on this front.
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Now that you have clarity on the 186 visa processing time, we must examine the steps for this application properly. Here is a breakdown of all the steps you need to follow:
The first step is to determine if the applicant qualifies under any of the 186 visa streams. This could be anyone from direct entry to the agreement stream or TRT. This means you must meet all the qualifications in terms of age, language, and skills.
The employer will nominate you to the Department of Home Affairs, and the processing time can vary. Once the nomination gets the necessary approval, you can proceed to the following step.
The third step requires you to gather all the necessary documentation for the visa. This will include everything from proof of employment to identification, police and health checks.
Thanks to the adoption of the internet, you can finally lodge an online application for the portal. But the only thing to remember here is to complete all papers correctly without any errors or mistakes whatsoever.
Every applicant for the 186 visa must undergo a health checkup and police clearance to get the job done. The Department of Home Affairs will evaluate these aspects of the application and reach a conclusion accordingly.
There is nothing you can do in this final step but wait for the decision from the department. However, you can track the application’s progress regularly and keep yourself updated with the latest information. Make sure you promptly respond to the Department of Home Affairs in case they reach out for more information.
Also Read: Subclass 186 Visa: Everything You Need To Know
If you are planning to get a permanent visa, the 186 visa is an excellent way to proceed. You can get this visa and adhere to all the 186 visa conditions after granted and realise your career goals easily. Another thing that you can do here is to leverage the expertise of a registered migration agent in Perth and increase your chances of clearance.
The Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream is a permanent residency visa designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It allows successful applicants to live and work in Australia permanently. This stream is ideal for individuals who have not worked in Australia on a temporary visa with the same employer and possess the necessary skills and qualifications for a nominated occupation without needing a transitional visa pathway
About: 186 visa 2 years commitment
The Subclass 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme visa) requires both the sponsoring employer and the nominated employee to demonstrate a genuine intention to work together for at least two years. Although the employer must offer a permanent, full-time role with a two-year commitment, and the employee must show intent to remain in the position for that time, there is no legal penalty enforced by the Department of Home Affairs if the arrangement ends earlier after the visa grant.
The long processing time for the 186 visa is often caused by a high number of applications, incomplete or complex submissions, and changes in government policies or processing priorities. Additional delays may occur if the employer’s nomination takes longer to be approved or if health and character checks require more time. To avoid such delays, applicants should submit a complete and “decision-ready” application, ensuring all required documents are included and health and police checks are completed early.
A key update to the 186 visa is that, from December 7, 2024, any work completed between the submission and approval of a nomination now counts toward the two-year work requirement under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. Additionally, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has increased to $73,150 effective July 1, 2024. Other key requirements include being under 45 years old (unless exempt), nominated by an employer for a permanent role, having at least three years of relevant work experience for the Direct Entry stream, and meeting English language, health, and character criteria.
While there’s no officially guaranteed “fast track” for the Subclass 186 visa, you can increase your chances of a quicker decision by submitting a complete and accurate application with all required supporting documents. However, certain pathways, such as the Specialist Skills Stream, do offer expedited processing (around 7 days), providing faster outcomes for highly skilled professionals.
The 186 visa nomination fee is AUD 540 for most applications. However, this fee is waived for the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) and Labour Agreement streams when the nominated position is located in a regional area. For the Direct Entry stream, the nomination fee is always required, no matter the location.
Employers must also pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which is separate from the nomination fee and varies based on the business’s annual turnover.
Direct Entry Stream:
Fee: AUD 540 (mandatory in all locations)
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:
Non-Regional: AUD 540
Regional: Fee waived (Nil)
Labour Agreement Stream:
Non-Regional: AUD 540
Regional: Fee waived (Nil)
