Australia Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa
The Australian Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa allows skilled workers nominated by their employers to live and work permanently in Australia. The Company Sponsorship 186 Visa is a two-stage process. First, you must be nominated for a specific skilled position in a company owned by an approved Australian employer. Once your nomination is approved, you can apply for an Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa. This visa offers a route to permanent residence that allows you to enjoy the same rights and benefits as Australian citizens, including access to health care, social security, and freedom to travel freely.
Australia Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa Essential Details
While the 186 Visa offers an attractive path to permanent residence, there are a few important aspects to consider:
SkillSelect System: SkillSelect is used to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa. Potential applicants must be invited to apply for a visa through this system. Employers can access the SkillSelect database to find suitable candidates to nominate.
Compliance with Sponsorship Responsibilities: Employers must adhere to sponsorship obligations, including ensuring that the terms and conditions of employment for sponsored workers are equivalent to those of Australian workers. Employers must also keep records and notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in the sponsored worker’s employment status.
Processing Times: Processing times for the Company Sponsorship 186 Visa may vary depending on individual circumstances and the workload at the Department of Home Affairs. It is essential to factor in possible delays when planning your immigration journey.
Visa Costs: There are costs associated with the Company Sponsorship 186 Visa application process, including visa application fees, skills assessments, and medical examinations.
Real Position Requirement: The Home Office carefully reviews employer nominations and applicants to ensure that the position nominated is real and not created solely to sponsor a visa.
Types of Australia Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa
Direct Entry
For skilled workers who have worked with their sponsoring employer for at least three years on a Company Sponsorship Temporary 482 Visa, this pathway allows them to upgrade to a permanent residence permit if they meet the necessary criteria.
Labour Force Agreement
The Employer Agreement pathway is for skilled workers nominated by an employer who has a labor agreement with the Australian government. It is often used for occupations not included in standard skilled occupation lists and where there are significant shortages.
Temporary Residence Transition
For skilled workers who have not worked in Australia or have worked for a shorter period, applicants' skills must be assessed by a relevant assessment authority and they must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
Australia Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa Application Process
Employer Nomination
There must be a sponsoring employer willing to nominate you for a specific position within their company. The employer will need to submit an application to the Department of Home Affairs demonstrating the genuineness of the position and your suitability for the role.
Skill Assessment
Your skills and qualifications will need to be assessed by a relevant Australian assessment authority to ensure that you meet the requirements of the occupation for which you are nominated.
Visa Application
Once your nomination has been approved, you can submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs. This application should include comprehensive documentation of your work experience, qualifications, skills assessments, and English language test results.
Health and Character Checks
You must meet Australia's health and character requirements, which involve undergoing a medical examination and meeting eligibility criteria such as character requirements.
Australia Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa Requirements
Skilled Occupation
The occupation you are nominated for must be on the published by the Australian Government. Medium, and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL), or Regional Occupations List (ROL)
Skill Level
You must have the skills and qualifications required for the position for which you are being nominated. This usually includes relevant work experience and educational qualifications assessed by the Australian Skills and Qualifications Authority (ASQA).
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency. A minimum IELTS score of 5 in general, with minimum scores in each section varies according to the occupational list (5 for MLTSSL and ROL, 4.5 for STSOL). Higher proficiency may be required for certain occupations or under certain conditions.
Accepted Exams and Scores for English Level
IELTS, can be Academic or General. An average score of 6, with a minimum of 5 in each section.
Occupational English Test, score equivalent to a B level in each section.
Pearson Test, with an average score of 50, with a minimum score of 36 in each section.
Test of English as a Foreign Language iBT, to score an average of 64 points, with a minimum score of 4 for listening and reading and a minimum score of 14 for writing and speaking.
Cambridge English Advanced Test, get an average score of 169 with a minimum score of 154 in each section.
Benefits of Australia Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa
Employer Sponsorship
Family Participation
Permanent Residence Opportunity
Work and Education
Citizenship Opportunity
Employer Sponsorship: Having an employer sponsor your visa application simplifies the process and increases your chances of success. The employer takes responsibility for demonstrating that your skills and qualifications are required for the position. It also increases the level of confidence in the applicant as you are recommended by someone who has lived and worked in Australia.
Family Participation: Visa holders can include close family members (spouse and children) in their application, allowing them to live, work and study in Australia.
Permanent Residence Opportunity: Unlike temporary visas, the Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa gives you permanent residency in Australia, providing long-term stability and peace of mind.
Work and Education: With an 186 Visa, you are not limited to working only for your sponsoring employer. You have the flexibility to change jobs and even study further in Australia.
Citizenship Opportunity: After fulfilling the residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship and enjoy all the rights and privileges of being an Australian citizen.
Australia Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa Support and Consulting
The Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa is a critical route for skilled workers seeking employment opportunities in Australia and for businesses aiming to address labor shortages. By understanding the application process, eligibility criteria, and benefits, employers and potential employees can make informed decisions about migration and employment strategies.
Compared to other visas, the application process can be complex. For comprehensive information and personalized advice, consider consulting a registered immigration agent who can guide you through each step and ensure your application complies with all relevant requirements. For further information and application, please contact us and ask for our advice at each stage of the application process.
Apply for Ozlinx Migration
Succeeding at the end of the immigration process to Australia requires careful planning and an understanding of the various pathways available. Whether you are a skilled professional, a student, or looking for opportunities in regional areas, there are options tailored to your circumstances. By staying informed and seeking guidance from reputable sources, you can make your journey to Australia safe and smooth.