If you’re planning to apply for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, one of the most important things you need to know is the 186 visa processing time. This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently, and understanding the processing time will help you plan accordingly and manage expectations.
In this article, we will walk you through the factors affecting the processing time for the 186 visa, how long it typically takes, and tips to help speed up your application process.
What is the 186 Visa?
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residence visa designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely and provides a pathway to Australian citizenship. The visa is available under three different streams:
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: For individuals who have held a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482) or certain other temporary work visas for at least three years and are nominated by their employer for permanent residency.
- Direct Entry (DE) Stream: For individuals who have never held or do not currently hold a TSS visa and are nominated for permanent residency by their employer.
- Agreement Stream: For individuals sponsored by an employer through a labor agreement.
Each stream has different eligibility requirements, and the processing times can vary based on these factors.
What is the Typical Processing Time for a 186 Visa?
The 186 visa processing time varies depending on the stream under which you apply.
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: Processing time for this stream typically ranges from 4 to 8 months. This stream is available to individuals who have been working with their employer on a temporary visa (such as the Subclass 482 visa) for at least three years.
- Direct Entry (DE) Stream: The processing time for this stream can take anywhere from 5 to 10 months. Since this stream is for applicants who haven’t held a temporary work visa or whose work experience does not meet the requirements for the TRT stream, it often involves a more detailed review and can take longer.
- Agreement Stream: This stream is usually processed within 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the labor agreement and the documentation provided.
The processing time is also affected by factors such as the completeness of your application, the volume of applications being processed by the Department of Home Affairs, and any requests for additional information or documents.
Factors Affecting the 186 Visa Processing Time
Several factors can influence how long it takes for your 186 visa application to be processed. These include:
- Completeness of Your Application: A complete and well-prepared application, including all necessary documentation, will help streamline the process and prevent delays. Make sure all forms are filled out accurately, and provide supporting documents such as your resume, references, and evidence of qualifications and work experience.
- Current Demand for Applications: Processing times can fluctuate depending on the number of applications received by the Department of Home Affairs. During periods of high demand, such as after changes to immigration policies or during certain times of the year, processing times may be longer.
- Complexity of the Case: If your application requires additional verification or if there are concerns about your qualifications, work experience, or health and character assessments, the processing time may be extended. In some cases, the Department of Home Affairs may request additional documents or conduct further investigations, which can add to the processing time.
- Health and Character Checks: All applicants for a 186 visa are required to undergo health checks and character assessments. If there are any issues or delays in obtaining the necessary clearances, it may slow down the processing time.
- State/Territory Nomination (for some streams): If your application requires state or territory nomination (as is the case for some categories), the processing time may depend on how long it takes for the state or territory to assess and nominate your application.
How to Speed Up the 186 Visa Processing Time
While you can’t control all the factors influencing your visa processing time, there are steps you can take to help ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible:
- Submit a Complete Application: Make sure you provide all the necessary documents when submitting your application. Double-check that everything is accurate, including your work experience, qualifications, and health assessments.
- Be Proactive with Your Employer: Work closely with your employer to ensure they complete their part of the nomination process in a timely manner. Delays in employer nomination can extend the overall processing time.
- Consult an Immigration Agent: An experienced immigration agent can help guide you through the application process, ensuring that you provide the right documents, meet all eligibility requirements, and avoid common mistakes that could cause delays.
- Respond Quickly to Requests: If the Department of Home Affairs requests additional information or documents, make sure you respond as quickly as possible. Delays in providing requested documents can extend processing times.
Final Thoughts
The 186 visa provides skilled workers with a valuable pathway to permanent residency in Australia. While the processing time for the 186 visa varies depending on the stream and individual circumstances, on average, it takes between 4 and 10 months to process. By ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner, you can help minimize delays and increase the chances of a smooth and successful application process.
If you’re unsure about the process or want expert guidance, consulting our immigration agent in Perth can be a great step to ensure your 186 visa application is handled efficiently.