TL;DR
- The 186 Visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently, with three streams: Direct Entry, Labour Agreement, and Temporary Residence Transition.
- Skills assessments are required for the Direct Entry Stream, but not for the other two streams, unless requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Skills assessments verify your qualifications meet Australian standards and are valid for 3 years. If it expires, you need a new one before applying.
- Exemptions from the skills assessment include academics, scientists, and New Zealand citizens with 2 years of relevant work experience.
- Application cost is AUD 4,910, and processing may take several months depending on the stream.
Are you a skilled worker eager to make Australia your permanent home, but feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of the process? The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) offers a fantastic opportunity for you to live, work, and contribute to Australia’s vibrant workforce. However, we understand that the application process can feel overwhelming, especially the skills assessment, a key step that checks if your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. The skills assessment can be a challenge, as it requires you to show that your skills match the requirements of your nominated occupation.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the skills requirements and the process involved, and clarify any exemptions that could make your application easier. Our aim is to provide clear, actionable insights to help you successfully understand the process and take the next step towards Australian PR. Let’s break it down together and help you make your dream a reality.
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.
Understanding the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)
The subclass 186 visa allows skilled employees nominated by an Australian employer to live and work permanently in Australia. It is a highly sought-after pathway for those looking to gain permanent residency in Australia through employment. This visa has three streams, each catering to different situations:
1. Direct Entry Stream
This stream allows skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer to apply directly for permanent residency. It’s perfect for those who meet the required skills but haven’t held a temporary visa before applying.
2. Labour Agreement Stream
For workers nominated by employers who are party to a labour agreement. If you currently work, or will work, for an employer involved in a labour agreement, this stream might be your option.
3. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
The TRT stream is for skilled workers who have held a Temporary Work (subclass 457) or Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa for a minimum period of time with the same employer. It allows these workers to transition to permanent residency through their current employer’s nomination.
- Application Cost: The application cost for all streams is AUD 4,910.
The 186 Visa offers a range of benefits, including:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study anywhere in Australia
- Access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
- Sponsor eligible relatives to join you in Australia
- Travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
The 186 Visa is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers to make Australia their permanent home. With a clear understanding of the 186 visa streams and their benefits, it’s time to explore the skills assessment process for this visa.
Understanding the Skills Assessment Requirement for the 186 Visa
A skills assessment is an important part of the 186 visa application process for certain streams. The skills assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. Here’s how it works:
What is a Skills Assessment?
A skills assessment is a process conducted by a skills assessing authority to evaluate whether your qualifications, work experience, and professional skills meet the standards required to work in your nominated occupation in Australia. This assessment ensures that overseas workers have the required competencies and are capable of performing the tasks expected in their specific occupation.
Who Conducts the Assessment?
The assessment is carried out by a designated assessing authority. These authorities are recognised bodies in Australia responsible for evaluating the skills and qualifications of foreign workers. Each occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) has a specific assessing authority. For instance, Engineers Australia assesses engineering qualifications, while the Australian Computer Society assesses qualifications in IT.
What is Assessed?
The assessing authority will examine several factors:
- Educational Qualifications: The authority will assess whether your qualifications meet the Australian equivalent for the nominated occupation.
- Work Experience: The authority will also evaluate your previous work experience to ensure it aligns with the Australian standards for your occupation. For many occupations, you may be required to demonstrate that you’ve worked full-time for at least 3 years in your nominated role.
- English Language Proficiency: Some assessing authorities also require proof of English language proficiency, ensuring you can effectively communicate in the workplace.
When is a Skills Assessment Required?
When you apply under the Direct Entry Stream, a skills assessment is mandatory before submitting your application. However, under the Labour Agreement Stream or Temporary Residence Transition Stream, a skills assessment may not be required at the time of application.
The Department of Home Affairs might still request a skills assessment if needed before making a decision.
What Happens if Your Skills Assessment Expires?
Skills assessments are valid for 3 years. If your assessment has expired by the time you apply for the visa, you may need to get a new assessment. Skills assessments are important for some streams of the 186 Visa, especially the Direct Entry Stream. Make sure you contact the appropriate assessing authority early in the process.
Now that you understand the skills assessment process, let’s go over the steps involved in getting your skills assessed.
Getting a Skills Assessment (Steps)
A skills assessment is a key step in the 186 Visa process. Let’s break down the steps you need to follow to ensure a successful assessment.
Step 1: Contact the Assessing Authority
Contact the relevant assessing authority for your occupation to begin the skills assessment process. Each authority has different procedures, timeframes, and fees, so make sure to check their guidelines and prepare accordingly.
Step 2: Receive Your Assessment
Once the assessing authority has reviewed your qualifications and work experience, they will provide you with a skills assessment result. If the result is positive, you can submit it with your visa application. If the result is negative, you won’t be able to proceed with your application.
Getting a positive skills assessment is important for your 186 visa application. Starting the process early ensures that you meet all the necessary requirements before submitting your application.
While most people need a skills assessment, there are exemptions to this requirement. Let’s take a look at who can bypass this step.
Exemptions from the Skills Assessment Requirement
In some cases, you may be exempt from the skills assessment requirement for the 186 visa. Here’s who qualifies for an exemption:
- Academic Exemption: If you are nominated as an academic (e.g., faculty head or university lecturer at Academic Level A, B, C, D, or E), you do not need a skills assessment.
- Scientific Exemption: If you are nominated as a researcher, scientist, or technical specialist by an Australian government scientific agency, you are also exempt from the skills assessment.
- Special Category Visa Holders: If you hold a Special Category (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa and have worked for your employer in the nominated position for at least 2 years in the last 3 years, you’re exempt from the skills assessment requirement.
These exemptions make it easier for certain individuals, such as academics or New Zealand citizens, to apply for the 186 Visa without undergoing a skills assessment.
Final Thoughts
The 186 Visa is a remarkable opportunity for skilled workers to secure Australian PR and establish a long-term future. Understanding the details of the skills assessment process and knowing if you’re exempt can greatly improve your chances of a smooth and timely application. By preparing thoroughly, you can avoid common challenges and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
At Knowbal, we help and support you every step of the way. From understanding the skills assessment to guiding you through the entire visa process, we’re committed to making your journey to permanent residency as simple and efficient as possible.
Ready to turn your dream of living and working in Australia into reality? Don’t wait any longer, get expert advice and personalised support with your 186 Visa application today.
Contact Knowbal now and take the first step towards your Australian future!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a skills assessment necessary for the 186 visa?
For applicants under the Direct Entry Stream, a skills assessment is mandatory. However, applicants under the Labour Agreement Stream or Temporary Residence Transition Stream may not need a skills assessment initially.
2. What English skills are required for the 186 visa?
Applicants typically need to show proficiency in English, with tests like IELTS or PTE accepted as proof of language ability.
3. What is the work experience requirement for the 186 visa?
Applicants must have at least 3 years of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation to qualify under the Direct Entry Stream.
4. Who is exempt from the skills assessment requirement for the 186 visa?
You are exempt if you are nominated as an academic, scientist, or researcher, or if you are a New Zealand citizen with 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated position.
5. How long does it take to process the 186 visa application?
Processing times vary, but it typically takes several months for the Department of Home Affairs to process your 186 visa application.
6. What happens if my skills assessment expires?
If your skills assessment expires, you will need to obtain a new one before submitting your 186 visa application.
Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!
