TL;DR

• The 186 TRT visa lets skilled workers on 457 or 482 visas stay in Australia permanently after 2 years of employment with their sponsor.
• You must meet requirements like skills, English proficiency, and have worked with your employer for 2 years.
• This visa gives you benefits like Medicare, the ability to sponsor family members, and a path to citizenship.
• The application involves gathering documents, submitting online through ImmiAccount, and waiting for a decision.
• You must follow Australian laws and report any changes to the Department of Home Affairs.

Are you currently working in Australia on a 457 or 482 visa and hoping to make your stay permanent? The 186 TRT visa offers a straightforward pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who have been employed with their sponsoring employer for a minimum of 2 years. Specifically, the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream of the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is tailored for workers like you. This stream allows you to transition from a temporary work visa to permanent residency, giving you the chance to secure your future in Australia. Whether you’re looking to build a long-term career or enjoy the benefits of permanent residency, the 186 TRT visa offers a great opportunity.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the 186 TRT visa, from eligibility and benefits to the application process. We’ll also provide practical tips on how to prepare your application successfully.

Please note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

What is the 186 TRT Visa?

The 186 TRT Visa, also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, allows skilled employees who are nominated by their employer to permanently live and work in Australia. Specifically, the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream is designed for workers who have spent at least two years in Australia on a temporary work visa (like the subclass 457 or 482) and are now seeking to transition to permanent residency. This visa provides a pathway for those who have already contributed to the Australian workforce on a temporary basis to settle permanently.

Streams Available in Subclass 186:

1. Direct Entry Stream: For skilled individuals who are nominated by their employer and have not previously worked in Australia or are not transitioning from a temporary work visa.
2. Labour Agreement Stream: For workers who are nominated by employers with a labour agreement, typically for specific roles within an agreement between the employer and the Australian government.
3. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: For workers who are nominated by their current employer after holding a 457 or 482 visa for at least 2 years and are looking to transition to permanent residency.

For those who have been working under the 457 or 482 visa and are nominated by their employer, the TRT Stream offers a smooth pathway to permanent residency.

Now that you understand the 186 TRT visa, let’s dive into the benefits this visa offers to permanent residents in Australia.

Benefits of the 186 TRT Visa

The 186 TRT visa provides you with several key advantages, making it a highly sought-after option for skilled workers seeking a permanent life in Australia.

1. Permanent Stay

Once granted, the 186 TRT visa allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely. You won’t have to worry about renewing your visa every few years.

2. Work and Study

As a permanent resident, you can work and study anywhere in Australia. This opens up many opportunities for personal and professional growth.

3. Access to Medicare

Enjoy the benefits of Australia’s public health care system, Medicare, which covers medical and hospital expenses.

4. Sponsor Family Members

You get to sponsor eligible relatives to join you in Australia, such as your spouse, children, or other family members.

5. Freedom to Travel

The 186 TRT visa allows you to travel in and out of Australia for 5 years. After that, you may need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to maintain your permanent residency status.

6. Pathway to Australian Citizenship

After fulfilling the required residency period, you could apply for Australian citizenship, which would grant you full rights, including the right to vote.

7. Access to Government Benefits

As an Australian PR, you will have access to certain Australian government payments and benefits (after a waiting period).

These benefits make the 186 TRT visa a great option for skilled workers. But what does it take to qualify for this visa? Let’s explore the eligibility criteria in more detail.

Eligibility for the 186 TRT Visa

To qualify for the 186 TRT visa, you must meet several eligibility criteria. Below is a breakdown of what you need to succeed in your application:

1. Required Skills and Qualifications:

You need to have the necessary skills and qualifications required to perform the tasks of your nominated occupation. This may require you to take a skills assessment to check your qualifications and work experience.

2. Two Years of Eligible Sponsored Employment:

You must have been employed by your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years on a subclass 457 or 482 visa in the 3 years prior to applying for the 186 TRT visa.

3. Age Limit:

Typically, you must be under 45 years of age when applying. However, there are exemptions for certain occupations and cases:

1. Academic (e.g., university lecturer).
2. Scientist, researcher, or medical practitioner who has worked in a regional area for at least 2 years on a 457 or 482 visa.
3. Applicants with high earnings (Fair Work High Income Threshold) may also be exempt.

4. English Language Requirement:

You need to demonstrate that you meet the English language requirement unless exempt. Typically, a competent level of English is required, which can be proven by an approved test like IELTS or PTE Academic.

5. Health and Character Checks:

You, along with your family members, must undergo health and character checks. This might involve taking a medical exam and providing police clearance.

6. Licensing or Registration:

If your occupation requires licensing or registration, you must meet those requirements and provide the necessary documents.

Now that we know the eligibility requirements, let’s look at how to apply for the 186 TRT visa and what steps are involved in the process.

Application Process for the 186 TRT Visa

Applying for the 186 TRT visa involves a series of steps to ensure that all criteria are met and your visa application is submitted correctly. Here’s how you can apply:

Step 1: Before You Apply:

Ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready, such as:

1.   Skills assessment (if required).
2.   English test results (if applicable).
3.   Proof of employment with your sponsor.
4.   Health and character documentation.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents:

Collect all the required supporting documents, including your work history, qualifications, English proficiency evidence, and health clearance.

Step 3: Submit Your Application Online via ImmiAccount:

After your documents are ready, submit your application through the ImmiAccount portal. Make sure everything is complete and accurate before submitting.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision:

Processing times vary. You can always check the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website for the estimated processing times for the 186 TRT visa.

Step 5: Visa Outcome:

If the visa is granted, you’ll receive your visa grant number and the visa’s start date.

If refused, you’ll be informed of the reasons for visa rejection and whether you have the right to appeal the decision.

Now that you understand the application process, let’s discuss the obligations that come with holding the 186 TRT visa.

Obligations on the 186 TRT Visa

Once you have your 186 TRT visa, there are several obligations you must follow to maintain your status as a permanent resident.

1. Comply with Australian Laws:

You and your family members must abide by all Australian laws during your stay in the country.

2. Notify Changes:

You must inform the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your personal details, such as your address, contact information, or relationship status.

3. Work and Stay in Australia:

The visa allows you to work and stay in Australia indefinitely, but you must continue to meet the employment conditions as outlined in your visa grant.

4. Sponsor Family Members:

As an Australian PR, you can sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia. Ensure you meet the criteria for family sponsorship.

5. Travel Conditions:

The 186 TRT visa allows you to travel in and out of Australia for 5 years. After that, you’ll need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to return as a permanent resident.

With these obligations in mind, let’s wrap up with some final thoughts on the 186 TRT visa and how it can help you secure your future in Australia.

Final Thoughts

The 186 TRT visa is an excellent pathway for skilled workers to transition from a temporary visa to permanent residency in Australia. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely while enjoying the benefits of permanent residency.

Tips for Applicants:

1. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements, including work experience, skills, and English proficiency.
2. Gather all necessary documents early to avoid delays in your application.
3. Don’t forget to keep track of your health and character requirements.

If you need assistance with your 186 TRT visa application or have questions about the process, Knowbal Migration & Education is here to guide you. Our team can help ensure your application is complete and that you meet all the requirements for a successful visa outcome.

Book a consultation with Knowbal today, and let us help you take the next step towards permanent residency in Australia!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for a 186 TRT visa if I’m outside Australia?

Yes, you can apply for the 186 TRT visa if you are outside Australia, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. You will need to be nominated by your employer and have the required skills and work experience.

2. How long does it take to get a decision on my 186 TRT visa application?

Processing times for the 186 TRT visa vary. It usually takes several months for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application. You can check the current processing time on their website for more accurate updates.

3. Do I need to take an English test if I’m from an English-speaking country?

No, if you are from an English-speaking country (e.g., the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland), you do not need to take an English test for the 186 TRT visa.

4. Can my family join me on the 186 TRT visa?

Yes, you can include your family members (spouse, children, etc.) in your 186 TRT visa application. They will also receive permanent residency if your application is approved.

5. What happens if my employer changes during the 186 TRT visa application process?

If your employer changes during the 186 TRT visa application process, you will likely need to get a new nomination from the new employer. This could affect your application, so it’s important to inform the Department of Home Affairs about any changes in employment.

Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!