The 186 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by their employer, that means you must have an employer to sponsor you. There are three streams available under the 186 visa: the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the Direct Entry stream, and the Labour Agreement stream.

Each stream has different requirements, so let’s discuss each one and the main requirements: 

1) Temporary Residence Transition Stream

This stream allows skilled workers nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently. It is available for Temporary Skill Shortage Visa(482) holders who:

• Have worked for the sponsoring employer for at least 2 years in the same occupation on the 482 visa.
• Can meet competent English requirements.
• Are under 45 years of age when applying (some exceptions may apply).
• For most occupations, no skills assessment is required.

So, after working on a 482 visa for the same employer, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

2) Direct Entry Stream

This is a permanent visa that allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely, meaning you become a permanent resident on the day the visa is granted. The 186 Direct Entry stream is available for applicants who:

• Are nominated by an Australian employer.
• Have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
• Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, unless exempt.
• Have a positive skills assessment, unless exempt.
• Have at least competent English.
• Are under 45 years old unless exemptions apply.

If your occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and an Australian employer wants to sponsor you, the 186 Direct Entry stream may be the best option for you, as it allows for quicker permanent residency without needing to apply for the 482 visa first and then transitioning through the Temporary Residence Transition stream. The 186 Direct Entry is a direct path to permanent residency.

3) Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is only applicable if you are sponsored by an employer through a tailored and negotiated labour agreement. 

The age, skills, and English requirements will be stated in the labour agreement, so some requirements will depend on the specific agreement you are applying under.

For all three streams, you can include family members in your application when you apply or before your visa is granted.

Once your 186 visa is granted in one of the 3 streams, you can:

• Stay in Australia indefinitely.
• Work and study in Australia.
• Enrol in Medicare.
• Sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia.
• Travel to and from Australia for 5 years.
• Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.