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Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 - Labour Agreement Stream
Secure PR Through Your Employer with the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 – Labour Agreement Stream
The Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 – Labour Agreement Stream is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers nominated by an employer operating under an approved labour agreement with the Australian Government. This stream supports employers who need overseas talent in roles that may not fit standard nomination requirements, offering eligible employees a structured route to permanent residency in Australia.
At Knowbal Migration, we help you and your employer manage the Labour Agreement Stream with clarity and confidence. We confirm the agreement terms, ensure your role and conditions align with what’s approved, and prepare a strong nomination and visa application that meets compliance expectations. Our approach is evidence-driven and future-focused—so your PR pathway is well-planned, well-documented, and decision-ready.
Overview for Subclass 186- Labour Agreement stream
- Permanent residency via a Labour Agreement
This stream is for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer that is operating under an approved Labour Agreement. - Employer nomination comes first
Your employer must lodge (and have approved) a nomination under the Labour Agreement before your visa can be granted. - Live and work in Australia permanently
If granted, you become a permanent resident, with the ability to live and work in Australia long-term (and study if you choose). - Include eligible family members
You can include your partner and dependent children in the application. If granted, they receive permanent residency as well. - Requirements depend on the agreement
Eligibility settings (such as occupation coverage, skills/qualifications, work experience, English and any concessions) are determined by the specific Labour Agreement your employer is using.
Cost: AUD4,910.00. | for latest cost estimation check here
Eligibility for Labour Agreement stream - Subclass 186
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Applicants of any nationality may be eligible, provided they meet the visa criteria, and the nominated role is covered by the employer’s approved Labour Agreement. |
| Nomination (Employer requirements) | You must be nominated for a position by an employer who is a party to an approved Labour Agreement. The nomination must be approved and not withdrawn. |
| Occupation | The nominated occupation must be included in the approved Labour Agreement and align with the agreement in terms of that occupation. |
| Age | Generally, you must be under 45 at the time you apply, unless an age of concession applies under the relevant instrument for this stream. |
| English test | You must have Competent English, unless an English concession applies under the relevant instrument for this stream. |
| Skills / Qualifications | You must have the skills, qualifications, and employment background required by the Labour Agreement for the nominated occupation. |
| Work experience | Work experience requirements are based on the Labour Agreement terms for the nominated occupation (some agreements specify minimum years and/or the type of experience). |
| Skills assessment (if applicable) | If a skills assessment is required under the agreement/occupation, you must hold a suitable skills assessment at the time of decision. |
| Licence / Registration (if required) | If the role requires licensing, registration, or membership in the State/Territory where the position is located, you must hold it (or be eligible to obtain it) as required, unless exempt under the labour agreement. |
| Location at lodgement | You can generally apply in or outside Australia. If applying in Australia, you must be lawful at lodgement (e.g., holding a substantive or eligible bridging visa). |
| Bridging visa criteria (if applying in Australia) | If you hold an eligible Bridging Visa A, B, or C while in Australia, check your conditions (work/travel limits) and ensure you remain lawful throughout the processing. |
| Study requirements | There is no standard Australian study requirement for this stream, unless the Labour Agreement includes a study/training condition. |
| Qualification type | Must match what the Labour Agreement expects for the role (e.g., trade qualification, diploma/degree, registration pathway), where applicable. |
| Health requirement | You must meet Australia’s health requirements. Medical examinations may be required. |
| Character / AFP | You must meet character requirements. Police checks (including AFP if applicable) may be required depending on your circumstances. |
| Health insurance | This is not usually a specific 186 eligibility criterion, but if you are on a temporary visa/bridging visa, you should maintain any required health cover until your status changes (and/or Medicare eligibility applies). |
| Location at time of grant | The visa can be granted in or outside Australia, but you must not be in immigration clearance at the time of grant. |
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme – Subclass 186 Labour Agreement stream can feel complicated, but Knowbal is here to support you at every stage. Here’s how we simplify the application process
Initial Consultation
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Assigning an Expert Agent
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Document Preparation
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
Submitting the Application
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
FAQs
It’s a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers whose employer is operating under an approved labour agreement with the Australian Government. It’s commonly used when standard 186 requirements don’t fit the employer’s workforce needs, and the labour agreement provides approved occupations and specific conditions.
Your employer must hold an active, approved labour agreement that specifically allows permanent residency nomination under the 186 Labour Agreement stream. The nomination must match the agreement’s approved occupation, location, and employment conditions. Confirming the exact agreement terms is a critical first step. You can search for your employer on this link to verify if the employer has an approved labour agreement: List of Current Labour Agreements.
It can. Labour agreements may include specific conditions or concessions that differ from standard 186 rules (for example, around occupations, experience, English level, or age). However, the requirements you must meet will be determined by the agreement terms and your individual circumstances.
Common issues include the nominated role not matching the labour agreement terms, salary and employment conditions not meeting approved requirements, weak evidence that the position is genuine, incomplete employment records for the nominee, or inconsistencies between nomination details and the visa application.
Changing employers is risky during processing. Your 186 application is tied to the nominating employer and their labour agreement. If you leave the role, or the employer can no longer nominate you, your application may fail unless a valid alternative pathway is available.
Yes. Eligible family members can be included, but it’s important to prepare their documents early (identity, relationship/dependency evidence, and any required checks) so the application remains complete and decision ready.
The strongest applications usually include clear alignment to the labour agreement occupation, a well-defined position description, evidence the role is genuine and ongoing, confirmation that salary conditions meet approved terms, strong proof of the nominee’s experience and skills, and consistent documentation across the nomination and visa application.
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