Australia’s 186 Visa, also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, offers a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. If you want to make Australia your long-term home and have an employer willing to sponsor you, the Australia 186 visa could be your ticket to a new life Down Under.
This guide takes you through the step-by-step process of obtaining an Australia 186 Visa, ensuring you are well-prepared for your journey to permanent residency.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before diving into the application process, it is essential to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the 186 visa. You must have an eligible occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list and be nominated by an approved Australian employer. Additionally, you must meet health and character requirements and demonstrate the necessary skills and qualifications for your nominated occupation. Ensuring your occupation is on the skilled occupation list is crucial. This list outlines occupations in demand in Australia, and your occupation must match one of these to be eligible for the 186 visa.
Step 2: Secure Employer Nomination
The next step is to secure a nomination from an Australian employer. Your employer must lodge a nomination application on your behalf, outlining details such as the position being offered, your qualifications and experience, and evidence of efforts to recruit Australian workers. Once the nomination is approved, you will receive a unique approval number to include in your visa application.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
With employer nomination secured, it is time to gather the necessary documents for your 186 visa application. Commonly required documents include a valid passport, proof of relevant skills and qualifications, evidence of English proficiency, and health and character assessments. You must also provide proof of your relationship with your nominating employer and any dependent family members included in your application.
Step 4: Lodge Your Visa Application
Once you have gathered all required documents, you can lodge your 186 visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal. The application will require you to provide personal information, details about your employment and qualifications, and evidence supporting your eligibility for the visa.
Double-check your application for accuracy and completeness before submission to avoid delays or complications.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Alongside your visa application, you must pay the relevant application fee. The fee amount varies depending on your location and the type of visa you’re applying for. Payment methods typically include credit cards, debit cards, or electronic funds transfers. Ensure payment is made in full to avoid delays in processing your application.
The application fee is a necessary part of the visa application process, so it is important to budget accordingly and ensure you have the required funds available. Remember that application fees are non-refundable, so double-check the fee amount and payment instructions before proceeding with your payment.
Step 6: Attend Health and Character Assessments
As part of the visa application process, you may undergo health and character assessments to ensure you meet Australia’s requirements for entry and residency. These assessments may include medical examinations, chest X-rays, and police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past ten years. Finish these assessments as soon as possible to prevent delays in processing your application.
Step 7: Await Visa Decision
After you submit your visa application and attend any required assessments, the Department of Home Affairs will begin processing it. Processing times can vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. You can check the status of your application using your ImmiAccount login details and monitor your email for any updates or requests for additional information.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey to obtaining an Australian 186 visa may seem daunting, just like trying to get a 489 visa in Australia. Still, you can navigate the process successfully with careful preparation and attention to detail.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking guidance from reputable migration agents or legal professionals, you will be well-equipped to pursue permanent residency in the Land Down Under.
