Understanding the Employer Nomination Scheme for Visa 186 Migration

A Smooth Path to Living and Working in Australia

Are you a skilled worker dreaming of making Australia your permanent home? The Employer Nomination Scheme (Visa 186) offers an incredible opportunity for talented individuals nominated by their employers to live and work in Australia permanently.

This visa can be your gateway to a stable and prosperous life in one of the world’s most vibrant countries. However, the process can be challenging, with eligibility criteria, paperwork, and submission protocols requiring detailed attention.

At Knowbal, we make the process simple and hassle-free. Our team of skilled migration experts is dedicated to guiding you through every stage of your Australian visa journey. From assessing your eligibility to preparing and submitting your application, we’re here to support you at every step.

Overview of the Streams

Visa 186 offers three distinct streams tailored to different circumstances. Each stream provides skilled workers the opportunity to live and work permanently in Australia as long as they meet specific requirements.

Direct Entry Stream

This pathway is for skilled workers nominated by their employer who meet the relevant eligibility criteria. It offers a direct route to permanent residency for those with the qualifications and skills Australia values.

Labour Agreement Stream

This option is available to workers employed under a labour agreement between their employer and the Australian government. It is tailored for those whose employment arrangements are specific to such agreements.

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

This stream is designed for individuals who already hold a temporary work visa and are transitioning to permanent residency with the support of their current employer.

Choosing the right stream is essential for a successful application. Knowbal is here to help you evaluate your options and decide which path is right for you.

Labour Agreement Stream

The Labour Agreement Stream is for workers employed under a special labour agreement between their employer and the Australian government. These agreements are designed to address specific skill shortages in industries or regions where standard visa options may not apply.

Eligibility Criteria:

Labour Agreement: You must be working under a labour agreement approved by the Australian government.
Skills and Licensing: You must have the qualifications, skills, and licences required for your role.
Age Limit: You must generally be under 45 years old when applying, unless the labour agreement allows for an exemption.
Visa Requirements: If you’re applying from within Australia, you must hold a substantive visa, such as a 457 or Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.
Health and Character Requirements: You and your family members must meet the necessary health and character checks.

This stream is a great option for workers in specialised roles under labour agreements.

Book a consultation with us!

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

The Temporary Residence Transition Stream is for skilled workers who are already living and working in Australia on a temporary work visa. If your employer wants to support your move to permanent residency, this stream could be the right choice for you.

Eligibility Criteria:

- Employer Nomination: Your employer must nominate you and have sponsored your temporary work visa, such as a 457 or TSS visa.
- Skills and Qualifications: You need to show you have the skills required to perform your job at a competent level.
- English Language Proficiency: You must meet the required level of English to ensure effective communication in your workplace.
- Health and Character Requirements: As with all streams, you and your family members must pass health and character checks to qualify.
If you’ve been working on a temporary visa and are ready to make Australia your permanent home, this stream is designed for you.
Book a consultation with us!

Knowbal is here to guide you through these options, ensuring your application is smooth and successful. Whether it’s Direct Entry, Labour Agreement, or Temporary Residence Transition, we’ll help you choose the best stream and support you at every step.

Knowbal Application Process

At Knowbal, we know applying for a Visa 186 can be stressful. That’s why we’ve created a simple and efficient process to make it easy for you.

Here’s how we assist you:

Initial Consultation
Assigning an Expert Agent
Document Gathering
Submitting the Application
Regular Updates

Your journey starts with a personalised consultation. During this step, we take the time to understand your situation, career goals, and visa needs. We assess your eligibility for the Employer Nomination Scheme and identify the best stream—Direct Entry, Labour Agreement, or Temporary Residence Transition—for your application.

We ensure you have a clear understanding of the process, the requirements, and the next steps. Our goal is to give you confidence in your decision to move forward.

Once you’re ready to proceed, we match you with a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your single point of contact throughout the entire process, providing personalised support and guidance tailored to your case.

Our agents are highly experienced and knowledgeable about Visa 186 requirements, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. With an expert by your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your application is in capable hands.

We know that preparing documentation can be one of the most daunting parts of the visa process. Our team works closely with you to collect, organise, and verify all the required paperwork, including:

Skills assessments
Employment records
Proof of eligibility (e.g., skilled occupation listing or labour agreement)
Health and character documents
Licences or memberships, if applicable

We’ll guide you on what’s needed, help resolve any issues, and ensure your documents meet immigration standards. This meticulous preparation reduces the risk of delays or refusals.

When all your documents are ready, we handle the submission of your Visa 186 application. Our team reviews every detail to ensure accuracy and compliance with Australia’s migration laws.

We focus on presenting a strong application that maximises your chances of approval. Whether it’s completing forms or responding to immigration queries, we take care of everything so you don’t have to.

Once your application is submitted, we continue to support you by providing regular updates on its progress. You’ll always know what stage your application is at and what to expect next.

If any additional information or documentation is required, we’ll inform you immediately and assist you in addressing it promptly. Our proactive approach ensures you’re never left in the dark.

At Knowbal, we believe in making your migration journey as smooth and straightforward as possible. With our step-by-step process, you can focus on planning your future in Australia while we take care of the details.

Take the first step towards permanent residency—get in touch with Knowbal today!

Why Choose Knowbal?

When it comes to your Visa 186 application, having the right team makes all the difference.

1 Expert Guidance

Our migration agents are experienced and fully registered. We know the rules and processes inside out and will guide you step by step. Whether it’s understanding the requirements or preparing your application, we’re here to make it easy for you.

2 Complete Support

We take care of everything for you, so you don’t have to worry about missing a step.

We check your eligibility and find the best visa stream for you.
We help you collect and organise all your documents.
We handle the application process from start to finish.
We manage any communication with the immigration authorities.

With us handling the details, you can focus on planning your future.

3 Proven Success

We’ve helped hundreds of people successfully get their visas. Our experience and care make the difference. Whether it’s solving problems or guiding you through appeals, we work hard to get you the best results.

4 Personalised Service

We know that everyone’s situation is different. That’s why we take the time to understand your needs and create a plan just for you. You’ll have a dedicated agent to guide you through the process and provide support whenever you need it.

At Knowbal, our goal is to make your visa process smooth and successful. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Choose Knowbal for a stress-free migration experience—book your consultation today, and let’s get started!

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:

“I recently had the pleasure of working with Sushanti at Knowbal for my 482 visa application. Impressed with the entire experience, from the initial consultation to the final submission of paperwork, the process was smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Very professional, responded. Highly recommend Knowbal Migration, Sushanti > 100”

“I am thankful to Knowbal Immigration for their outstanding support in helping me secure my 189 visa. A special thanks to Rishavbhai and Kunalbhai for their professionalism, and expert guidance throughout the process. I highly recommend Knowbal Immigration to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy immigration agent. They truly go above and beyond to ensure all successful outcome. Thanks again for your incredible service.”

“I had an amazing experience with Knowbal Migration! I got my 186 Visa as a Chef 👨🏻‍🍳 in less than 3 months. A huge thanks to Sushanti for her outstanding support, expertise, and clear guidance throughout the process. She made everything structured and manageable, always addressing my concerns with patience and professionalism. Her timely updates and attention to detail gave me peace of mind. Special thanks to Shweta for her valuable assistance. Both went above and beyond to ensure a smooth, successful outcome. I highly recommend Knowbal Migration for their professionalism and reliability. Thank you for making this possible!”

“Knowable migration and Shushanti made the immigration process smooth and stress-free. They were knowledgeable, responsive, and guided me through each step with clarity. Their attention to detail and dedication kept everything on track, and I always felt well-informed. Highly recommend Shushanti and knowable migration to anyone needing reliable, professional immigration support!”

I am incredibly grateful to Knowbal Migration for their outstanding assistance throughout my 407 visa process. Their expertise and dedication made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. A special thanks to Mr. Rishav, whose constant support and timely updates were invaluable. He was always available to answer my questions and provided clear guidance on every requirement needed for the visa application. His professionalism and commitment to ensuring a successful outcome were evident in every interaction. From the initial consultation to the final approval, Knowbal Migration demonstrated a high level of knowledge and efficiency. I felt well-informed and confident throughout the entire process, knowing that I was in good hands. Thank you once again, Knowbal Migration, and especially Mr. Rishav, for your exceptional service. I highly recommend Knowbal Migration to anyone in need of visa assistance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the processing time for Visa 186?

The processing time for Visa 186 depends on the stream you apply under and the complexity of your application. Here’s a breakdown:

Direct Entry Stream: Typically takes 7 to 17 months, but it may vary based on demand and the completeness of your application.
Labour Agreement Stream: Processing can take 2 to 6 months, as it involves additional approvals related to the labour agreement.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream: Usually processed within 12 to 17 months, provided your documents are in order.

To avoid delays, it’s crucial to ensure your application is accurate and complete. At Knowbal, we help you submit a well-prepared application to speed up the process.

How much does a Visa 186 application cost?

The application fee for Visa 186 is AUD 4,770. This cost applies to the main applicant, and additional charges may apply for:

Dependents: Extra fees for family members included in the application.
English Language Tests: If required, you may need to pay for an English test.
Skills Assessment: Depending on your occupation, you might need to pay for a skills assessment by a recognised authority.

We’ll provide a clear breakdown of all costs during your consultation to ensure there are no surprises.

What happens if my nomination is refused?

If your employer’s nomination is refused, it usually means the Australian government believes the nomination did not meet the required criteria.

In that case, you can:

Appeal the Decision: In some cases, you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Reapply: You can address the issues raised in the refusal and submit a new nomination.

At Knowbal, we’ll assess the reason for the refusal and guide you on the best course of action to strengthen your case.

Is the Visa 186 hard to get?

Visa 186 requires meeting specific criteria, and the application process can be challenging without expert guidance. Common difficulties include:

Understanding eligibility requirements for each stream.
Providing accurate and complete documentation.
Managing skills assessments and nomination processes.

While it may seem difficult, having professional help can make the process much smoother. At Knowbal, we simplify the journey by handling the complex parts for you, increasing your chances of success.

What documents do I need for Visa 186?

You’ll need to provide several important documents to support your application. These may include:

Identity Documents: Passport, birth certificate, and any other relevant identification.
Skills and Qualifications: Proof of your qualifications, work experience, and a positive skills assessment if required.
Licences or Registrations: Relevant to your occupation, if mandatory in your state or territory.
English Language Proof: Results from an approved English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL, if required.
Health and Character Checks: Medical reports and police clearances for you and your family members.
Employer Nomination Documents: Provided by your employer to support your nomination.

We’ll help you prepare and organise these documents to ensure they meet the requirements.

Still have questions? Contact Knowbal today for expert advice and support with your Visa 186 application!

Secure Your Future in Australia Today

Take the first step towards permanent residency with Visa 186. Let Knowbal guide you through the process with expert support and personalised care.

Contact us now to start your journey to a new life in Australia!