The Australian Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residence visa that allows skilled individuals to work and live in Australia permanently under the sponsorship of an Australian employer. This visa is designed to meet Australia’s need for skilled workers. Immigrating to Australia and obtaining this visa requires a thorough understanding of the requirements, application process and associated challenges.

Main types of 186 visa: This visa is divided into three main streams, each with its own specific conditions:

Direct Entry Stream: This stream is for people who are in or outside Australia and have received a job offer from an Australian employer and intend to migrate to Australia permanently. The proposed occupation must be on Australia’s Medium and Long Term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL). The applicant must have a minimum score of 6 in each skill (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in the IELTS test or its equivalent in other tests such as PTE. The applicant must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience in the proposed occupation and be able to prove it with documents. Must have a positive skills assessment by the relevant Australian agencies.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream: This stream is for people who are currently in Australia and hold valid temporary work visas such as 482 (TSS) or 457 (previously). These skilled workers must be nominated by their employer for permanent residence in Australia. Typically, they must have worked full-time for their sponsoring employer for at least two years. They must be nominated by their employer for a 186 visa.
Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for people who are employed under an employment agreement with an Australian employer. The employer must be eligible to have an employment agreement. The occupation applied for must be listed on Australia’s In-demand Occupations List.

Age: Applicants must be between 18 and under 45 years of age (except for researchers and scientists).
English: Provide a valid English language certificate (such as IELTS with a minimum score of 6 in each skill or equivalent in PTE).
Health: Pass the required medical examinations and provide a health certificate.
Criminal record: Provide a certificate of no criminal record.
Job offer: Have a job offer from an Australian employer.
Work and educational experience: Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience in the field of the proposed job and relevant educational qualifications.