What are the processing times for the subclass 186 visa?

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (SC 186) is a Permanent Residency visa. With this visa you and your family can live, work, and study in Australia permanently, with a pathway to citizenship. This visa has 3 streams thorough which you can apply for PR. You have to select the most approriate stream according to your circumstances for a successful outcome for your visa application. The 3 main streams are:

1. Direct Entry Stream: If you are applying for the  186 visa directly, you can explore this stream whether you are onshore or offshore. If you currently hold any temporary visa other than the 482 visa and you are hoping to apply for PR directly then this stream is for you.
2. Temporary Residence Transition stream: You can apply for this stream if you are currently holding an 482 visa.
3. Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for applicants whose employers have an agreement with the Australian government.

Processinig times for Direct Entry stream

• 50% processed: 12 months
• 90% processed: 18 months

Processing times for Temporary Transition Stream

• 50% processed: 14 months
• 90% processed: 18 months

Processing times for Labour Agreement Stream

• 50% processed: 5 months
• 90% processed: 9 months

Before lodgment 

• Employer nomination application- This is an application that has to be made with the 186 visa application or before the 186 visa application. At this stage the employer has to nominate you to the position in their business.
  • Delays may occur when collecting documents as there are BAS to be taken for 4 quaters, profit and loss statements, tax returns, Australian Market Salary Rate reports and other documnets from the business.
• Visa application lodgment- This is the stage where your 186 visa is lodged. You dont have to wait for the nomination application to be approved to apply for the 186 visa.
  • There may be delays here when collecting documents as the department requires the applicant to submit police checks, health checks, English tests and travel and residential history etc

After Lodgment

The department will start assesing the application and there can be delays if the department makes an Additional information requests  or “requests for more evidence” . 

• Having incomplete documents and not having translated copies of relevant documents
• Having concerns on your health report or exemptions
• Having concerns on your police checks
• Complexity of one’s work history or qualifications
• Whether the applicant is onshore or offshore
• Whether there are multiple dependents on your application

• Prepare a checklist beforehand, ensure all documents are valid, translated and certified
• Apply for police checks early.
• Do medical exams as soon as the department requests
• Keep contact details and passport info updated
• Respond promptly and fully when Department requests more information
• If eligible, lodge nomination and visa together (if allowed)

• If you are on a substantive visa at the time you lodge your visa, you will typically be granted a Bridging Visa A, depending on your circumstances to remain lawfully while awaiting decision.
• Your Briding Visa A does not have travel rights. And if you wish to travel while on your Bridging visa A, you will need a Bridging Visa B.
• If you travel while on your Bridging visa A, you will have to apply for a new visa to enter Australia again.