Complete Guide to the 186 Labour Agreement Visa

Here's How the 186 Visa Can Help!

Thinking About Permanent Residency in Australia?

Are you looking for a way to permanently live and work in Australia? The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa might just be the perfect solution for you. If you’re a skilled worker and your employer is willing to nominate you, this visa lets you live and work in Australia indefinitely. However, understanding the ins and outs of the Labour Agreement Stream can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, Knowbal is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Ready to get started? let us help you secure your future in Australia!

Understanding the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

  1. Direct Entry Stream: This stream is for skilled workers who are outside Australia and have been nominated by an Australian employer.
  2. Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is specifically for employer-nominated skilled workers with a labour agreement, allowing them to work and live in Australia permanently. This could be the right option for you if you are already working, or plan to work, for an employer involved in a labour agreement.
  3. Temporary Residence Transition Stream: Designed for individuals who are already in Australia on a subclass 457 or subclass 482 visa, this stream allows them to transition to permanent residency after working with their employer for the required period.

Each stream has its own set of requirements, and knowing which stream you fall into is crucial for a successful application. If you’re considering applying through the Labour Agreement stream, it’s important to understand the specific criteria and benefits.

If you’re interested in applying for a Subclass 186 visa under the Labour Agreement stream, Knowbal can help you throughout the process, ensuring that you meet all the necessary requirements.

What is the 186 Labour Agreement Stream?

The Labour Agreement stream allows employer-nominated skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. This stream is specifically for workers who are employed under a Labour Agreement between their employer and the Australian government.

If you’re already working for an employer who has a labour agreement or planning to work with one, this stream could be the right option for you.

Benefits:

  1. Permanent Residency: You can live and work in Australia indefinitely.
  2. Work and Study: You’re free to work and study anywhere in Australia.
  3. Health Care: You can enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.
  4. Include Family: Your employer can include eligible relatives and family memebers to come to Australia.
  5. Travel: Enjoy the freedom to travel from and out of Australia for up to 5 years.
  6. Citizenship: You can apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the eligibility criteria.

The Labour Agreement stream offers significant benefits to skilled workers, and Knowbal can guide you through the process to ensure your application is successful.

Eligibility Criteria for the 186 Visa Labour Agreement Stream

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa under the Labour Agreement stream is a great opportunity for skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia. However, to be eligible for this visa, there are several important criteria you need to meet:

Be Working Under a Labour Agreement

To qualify, you must either currently be employed by an Australian employer under a labour agreement or plan to work for one in the future. The employer must be part of an approved labour agreement with the Australian government, which is a requirement for this visa stream.

Skills, Experience, and English Language Proficiency

You need to have the necessary skills and work experience for the job you’re nominated for. This includes demonstrating a suitable level of English language proficiency. Your employer’s labour agreement will specify the required qualifications and skills for the role, and you must meet these criteria.

Licensing and Registration

If the role you’re nominated for requires a specific license or professional registration in the state or territory, you will need to have these credentials. It’s essential to ensure you are qualified and authorized to work in your chosen field within Australia, unless exempted by the labour agreement.

Employer Nomination

Your employer must nominate you for the visa. This employer must be actively running a business in Australia and be a valid participant in a labour agreement. Without an employer nomination, you cannot proceed with the visa application.

Age Requirements

Typically, applicants must be under the age of 45 at the time of applying. However, if the labour agreement states otherwise, there may be exceptions. It’s important to check the specific age criteria listed in the agreement for your situation.

Health and Character Requirements

As part of the application process, you and your family members (if applying with you) must meet the Australian government’s health and character standards. This may include medical exams and providing police certificates.

No Adverse Information

Your application can be refused if there is any negative information about your employer or anyone associated with them, unless it is considered reasonable to overlook. The Australian authorities will assess this as part of the nomination process.

Visa History

If you have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused, it could impact your eligibility. This will be carefully reviewed by the immigration authorities during the decision-making process.

Meeting these eligibility requirements can seem complex, but Knowbal is here to simplify the process for you. Want to check your eligibility? Reach out to Knowbal!

Cost and Processing Time

Cost

The application fee for the 186 Labour Agreement visa starts from AUD 4,910

In addition to the main applicant’s fee, there is an additional charge for each family member included in your visa application. 

To get an estimate of the total cost involved, you can use the Visa Pricing Estimator

Please note that the estimator doesn’t account for the second instalment or other potential additional costs, so it’s important to consider these when planning your finances.

Processing Time

The processing time for the 186 Labour Agreement visa varies based on the stream you apply under. On average, processing times range from 5 months to 18 months. Specifically, for the Labour Agreement stream:

  • 50% of visa applications are processed in 5 months.
  • 90% of visa applications are processed in 9 months.

These times are subject to change, so it’s recommended to check the DHA’s Global Visa Processing Tool for the most current processing times.

Remember, you can monitor the status of your visa application and check if you’ve submitted all necessary supporting documents through your ImmiAccount.

At Knowbal, we’re here to guide you through every step of the visa application process. If you’re ready to apply for your 186 Labour Agreement visa or need more details, book a one-on-one consultation with us today to get started!

The Knowbal Visa Application Process

At Knowbal, we are dedicated to making the visa application process as smooth as possible. Here’s how we can help you with your Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa application:

1. Initial Consultation

We begin by taking the time to fully understand your unique situation. We’ll discuss your background, your career goals, and help you determine if the 186 visa Labour Agreement stream is the right choice for you. During this consultation, we’ll answer any questions you have and give you a clear understanding of the process ahead.

2. Assigning an Expert Migration Agent

Once we know what you need, we assign a dedicated and experienced migration agent to your case. This expert will work with you personally, providing step-by-step guidance throughout the application process. With their support, you’ll feel confident every step of the way.

3. Document Preparation

Throughout the entire process, we will keep you in the loop with regular updates. You’ll receive progress reports and be notified of any additional steps or information required. We make sure you’re always informed, so you never feel out of the loop.

4. Submitting the Application

Once all documents are ready, we’ll handle the submission of your application on your behalf. We take care of all the details, ensuring everything is correctly filled out and submitted in a timely manner, so you can focus on other important aspects of your life.

5. Ongoing Updates

We keep you updated throughout the entire process. You’ll receive regular progress reports and be informed immediately if any follow-up actions are needed. Our team is always available to answer any questions or provide additional support when required.

Knowbal’s expert team ensures that your Employer Nomination Scheme visa application is handled efficiently and effectively. Book your consultation today to get started!

Why Choose Knowbal ?

Choosing the right migration agent is critical to a successful visa application. Here’s why Knowbal is the preferred choice for so many:

1

Expert Advice

At Knowbal, we stay up to date with the latest changes in immigration policies. This means you’ll receive the most accurate and reliable advice, tailored to your unique situation. We ensure you make informed decisions throughout the process.

2

Personalised Approach

Every client’s case is different, and we treat yours that way. We take the time to understand your needs and offer bespoke solutions and support. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your path to permanent residency is smooth and clear.

3

Proven Success

With years of experience and a proven track record, Knowbal has helped countless clients successfully secure their Australian permanent residency. We pride ourselves on delivering results, ensuring your application is handled professionally and efficiently.

4

Constant Communication

We know how important it is to stay informed. That’s why we believe in regular, clear communication. You will receive frequent updates on your application’s progress and any next steps, so you’re always in the loop.

5

End-to-End Support

From your initial consultation to your visa’s final approval, Knowbal offers comprehensive support at every stage of your application. Our dedicated team is with you the whole way, making sure all requirements are met and that your visa process is as stress-free as possible.

We believe that the best testament to our service is the success of our clients. Here’s what a few of our clients have to say about their experience with Knowbal:

Client Success Stories - Hear from People Who’ve Made It!

We believe that the best testament to our service is the success of our clients. Here’s what a few of our clients have to say about their experience with Knowbal:

Maulik Kumar Patel
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“My partner and I are over the moon with the exceptional service provided by KNOWBAL MIGRATION AND EDUCATION in helping us secure our partner visa. From the initial consultation to the final approval, Nirav and Ravinder guided us through the complex process. We highly recommend KNOWBAL MIGRATION AND EDUCATION to any couple seeking to navigate the partner visa process.”
Aarti Chaudhary
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“Thank you so much for all your help with our partner visa!!! Your expertise has been invaluable in the process. To have the visa granted in such a short time has been a great news for us You are a life saver as far as we are concerned! Thank you Rishav for putting up with my 100s of questions and always being so good to reply straight away. We appreciate all your help and would recommend you to everyone we know.”
Hr Patel
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“A special thanks to Trushen Bhai and the Knowbal Migration team for their exceptional support and guidance. We couldn’t have achieved this without their help. I highly recommend Team Knowbal for their outstanding work in assisting with Student visa applications.“
Milan vala
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“A massive thank you to Nileshbhai and the team at Knowbal Migration, especially Sushanti, who handled my case with such care and attention. The entire visa process for my wife felt so much easier with their support—they kept us updated, patiently answered all our questions, and guided us every step of the way. I highly recommend Knowbal Migration to anyone seeking smooth, stress-free visa support.”

Each story is unique, but they all share one thing in common—a smooth, reliable experience with Knowbal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The 186 Labour Agreement Visa allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia if they are nominated by an employer who is part of a labour agreement with the Australian government. This visa enables workers to stay in Australia indefinitely, access healthcare, and even apply for Australian citizenship later, if eligible.

The standard application fee for the 186 visa Labour Agreement stream is approximately AUD 4,910. This fee varies based on factors such as the applicant’s situation or additional services required, so it’s always best to check the most up-to-date fee schedule.

Yes, once your 186 Labour Agreement Visa is granted, you must continue working with the employer who nominated you for the entire duration of the visa. If you change employers before the visa’s validity ends, it may affect your visa status and future applications. You are also required to begin employment within 6 months of:

  • Entering Australia, if the visa was granted outside of Australia,
  • The visa grant date, if the visa was granted while you were in Australia.

It’s essential to follow the conditions set by both your employer and the visa to maintain your visa status.

Yes, you can include your immediate family members, such as your spouse or partner, and dependent children, in your 186 Labour Agreement Visa application. They will also be granted permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia alongside you.

Have more questions? Contact us today

Ready to Secure Your Future in Australia?

Let Knowbal guide you through the 186 Visa application process with expert support every step of the way.