The Australian Subclass 186 Visa, popularly referred to as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, offers permanent residency in full-time employment to skilled workers nominated by Australian employers. A common way of applying under the visa is Direct Entry, which is for applicants who have not worked in Australia but meet specific qualification and experience criteria.
186 Visa Direct Entry Stream: What is It?
Individuals who have never really worked in Australia or have worked for only a short time in an eligible occupation and are applying from overseas can utilize the Direct Entry stream of the 186 visa. Skilled workers who possess the required qualifications and work experience may find this stream applicable if they are applying for their visas from outside Australia or have held a 457 or 482 visa for only a short time. The visa provides the holders with permanent residence. It is the most common pathway for employers to provide international talent to fill skill shortages.
Requirements for the 186 Visa Direct Entry
The main eligibility criteria require that the applicant is below 45 years of age on the date of application, where this will be the date when the sponsorship nomination application is submitted, that they are sponsored by an Australian employer for a medium-to-long-term position on the MLTSSL, that they exhibit competent English, that they have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, and that they have a positive skills assessment for their nominated occupation.
Employer Nomination Requirements
The employer nominating the candidate must be actively engaged and lawfully operating in Australia. They must be offering a full-time position in an eligible occupation for more than two years. Further, they meet salary benchmarks and the working conditions accorded to the overseas worker must be no less favourable than those applicable to Australians. As for the nomination application, it involves the submission of detailed information about the business and the position to be filled.
How to Apply for 186 Visa Direct Entry Steps
The application process commences with the employer lodging a nomination application on behalf of the applicant. Following nomination approval, the applicant must submit their visa application within six months. This involves uploading documents to demonstrate qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, and positive skills assessment. Since health and character checks are also required, these will help to finalize the visa approval as well.
Processing Time and Outcome
Processing times can vary but usually do fall within the six to eleven-month time frame depending on complexity and the provision of accurate documentation. The approval of the 186 visa means granting permanent residency that also allows entry to Medicare, along with rights to work and study, and a pathway toward Australian citizenship.
Conclusion
The 186 Visa Direct Entry stream is a lucrative option for skilled workers seeking a long-term future in Australia.