186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa

Yes, you can include immediate family members, such as your spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children, in your subclass 186 visa application. Dependent children typically include those under 18 years of age, or those aged between 18 and 23 who are financially dependent on you, such as students. Upon approval of your visa application, all included family members will also be granted permanent residency. This status entitles them to live, work, study, and access healthcare benefits, such as Medicare, in Australia indefinitely. Migration Launchpad will assist you in ensuring that your family members are correctly documented and included, streamlining their pathway to permanent residency alongside you.

Generally, applicants applying through the Direct Entry stream of the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa are required to obtain a positive skills assessment. This assessment confirms that your qualifications, skills, and employment experience align closely with your nominated occupation. Certain occupations or applicants who have completed specific education or employment criteria within Australia may be exempt from this requirement. Given the importance of accurate skills assessments in your visa outcome, it’s crucial to confirm whether your occupation requires one. Our experienced consultants at Migration Launchpad can assist you in understanding your specific skills assessment requirements, guiding you step-by-step through the assessment process.

Yes, once your subclass 186 visa has been granted, you receive permanent residency status, which provides complete flexibility regarding employment. This means you are no longer restricted to your original sponsoring employer and can freely change jobs or employers without needing further approval or a new visa nomination. However, it’s advisable to remain employed with your sponsoring employer for a reasonable period after your visa is granted to demonstrate genuine intent during the application process. At Migration Launchpad, we can clarify your obligations and options, ensuring you fully understand your rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident.

The subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa grants permanent residency, meaning it does not expire. Once approved, you and any family members included in your application have the right to remain in Australia indefinitely. Permanent residency status allows you to access numerous benefits, including unrestricted rights to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia. Additionally, after meeting the residence and eligibility criteria, you can apply for Australian citizenship if you choose. Migration Launchpad can provide detailed guidance on maintaining your permanent residency, including how travel conditions apply after the initial five-year travel facility expires and how to renew your Resident Return Visa (RRV) for ongoing international travel.

If your employer feels uncertain or hesitant about navigating the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme nomination process, Migration Launchpad can provide dedicated, personalised support. Our experienced migration specialists offer clear, comprehensive guidance to your employer, ensuring they understand each stage, including meeting requirements related to business legitimacy, market salary rates, training obligations, and Labour Market Testing (where applicable). We will liaise directly with your employer, simplifying documentation, clearly outlining compliance requirements, and confidently addressing any complexities or concerns they might have. This ensures a smooth nomination and sponsorship process, reducing stress for both you and your employer.