The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia indefinitely. This visa is particularly relevant for Nigerians who have the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience and who are looking for opportunities to settle in Australia through employer sponsorship. It offers a pathway to permanent residency and ultimately, Australian citizenship.
This blog post explores the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and common challenges Nigerian applicants might face when applying for the Subclass 186 visa. We also provide external links for further reading and detailed explanations to help you successfully navigate this visa route.
Overview of the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
The Subclass 186 visa is designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian employer. It allows visa holders to work and live in Australia permanently. This visa has three streams that cater to different applicants:
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: For those who have already worked with their employer in Australia on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa.
- Direct Entry Stream: For those applying directly from outside Australia or who have not worked long enough on a TSS visa.
- Labour Agreement Stream: For workers whose employer has a formal agreement with the Australian government to sponsor employees.
For Nigerian professionals, this visa is an attractive route to establish long-term residency in Australia. It provides an opportunity for skilled individuals to contribute to the Australian economy while enjoying the many benefits of permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria for Nigerian Applicants
Before applying for the Subclass 186 visa, Nigerian applicants must meet several criteria depending on the stream under which they apply. These requirements ensure that applicants have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience for their nominated occupation.
1. Employer Nomination
Nigerian applicants must first be nominated by an Australian employer who is approved by the Department of Home Affairs. The employer must demonstrate that they have tried to find a suitable Australian worker but could not fill the position with a local candidate.
- Tip: Nigerian professionals should focus on industries facing labor shortages, such as healthcare, engineering, information technology, and construction, where employers are more likely to sponsor skilled foreign workers.
2. Age Requirement
Applicants must generally be under the age of 45 at the time of application. However, some exemptions exist for individuals with high-level skills, those on the Temporary Residence Transition stream, or those earning an exceptionally high salary.
- Exemption: If you have been working in Australia on a TSS visa for at least three years and are applying under the TRT stream, the age limit may not apply.
3. Skills and Qualifications
To be eligible for the Subclass 186 visa, Nigerian applicants must have the skills and qualifications that match the requirements of their nominated occupation. This involves obtaining a skills assessment from a relevant Australian assessing authority.
- For example, an engineer might require a skills assessment from Engineers Australia, while healthcare professionals might need an assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
- Tip: The skills assessment process can take several months, so it is crucial to start early. Ensure that your qualifications are fully recognized by the relevant Australian authority.
4. English Language Proficiency
Nigerian applicants must meet the English language requirement by taking an approved English test, such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English). The required scores vary based on the stream, but applicants typically need a score of at least 6.0 in each component of the IELTS test.
- Exemption: Some applicants may be exempt from the English language requirement if they have already proven their proficiency when applying for other Australian visas, or if their earnings are above a certain threshold.
5. Work Experience
The required work experience depends on the visa stream:
- Under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, applicants must have worked for their employer in the nominated position for at least three years on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa.
- For the Direct Entry Stream, applicants must have at least three years of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation and pass a skills assessment.
6. Health and Character Requirements
Nigerian applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This involves undergoing a medical examination with an approved physician and obtaining police clearance certificates from Nigeria and any other countries where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
- Tip: It’s advisable to start the police clearance and medical examination process early to avoid delays.
Streams of the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
There are three distinct streams under the Subclass 186 visa, and understanding which one you qualify for is key to submitting a successful application.
1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
This stream is for individuals who have already worked in Australia for the same employer for at least three years on a TSS Visa (Subclass 482). To qualify for this stream, applicants must:
- Be nominated by their employer for a permanent position.
- Have been working in the same occupation for their nominating employer while holding a TSS visa.
- Meet the English language requirements.
2. Direct Entry Stream
The Direct Entry stream is for applicants who:
- Are applying from outside Australia or have been in Australia for less than three years.
- Have never worked on a TSS visa or have worked for less than the required three years.
- Have at least three years of work experience in their nominated occupation.
- Have a positive skills assessment from a recognized authority.
This stream is suitable for Nigerian professionals who meet the skills and experience requirements but have not yet worked in Australia.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is for applicants who are nominated by an employer operating under a labour agreement with the Australian government. Labour agreements are typically used in industries with severe skill shortages, such as agriculture, construction, or manufacturing.
- Tip: If you are in an industry with a labour agreement, check with your employer to determine if they are eligible to sponsor you under this stream.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Subclass 186
Applying for the Subclass 186 visa involves multiple steps, from securing a nomination to submitting the application online. Here’s a detailed guide to help Nigerian applicants navigate the process.
Step 1: Obtain an Employer Nomination
The first step is for your Australian employer to nominate you for a position in an occupation that is listed on the relevant Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The employer must show that they could not find an Australian citizen or permanent resident for the job.
Step 2: Complete a Skills Assessment
Before submitting your visa application, you must complete a skills assessment in your nominated occupation. The assessment ensures that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.
- Tip: Contact the relevant assessing authority early to understand the specific requirements for your occupation.
Step 3: Prepare and Submit the Visa Application
Once your employer’s nomination is approved, you can submit your visa application online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The application should include:
- Proof of your skills assessment.
- English language test results.
- Police clearance certificates.
- Evidence of your work experience and qualifications.
- Health examination results.
- Visa Fee: As of 2023, the visa application fee for Subclass 186 is AUD 4,240.
Step 4: Biometric Appointment and Health Examination
Applicants must undergo a biometric appointment (where fingerprints and photographs are taken) and a medical examination to meet Australia’s health requirements. These appointments are usually scheduled after submitting your visa application.
Step 5: Receive Visa Decision
The processing time for the Subclass 186 visa depends on the stream and complexity of the case, with decisions typically taking 8 to 12 months. Once the visa is approved, applicants will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), allowing them to live and work permanently in Australia.
Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa for Nigerians
The Subclass 186 visa offers several significant benefits for Nigerian professionals, including:
- Permanent Residency: This visa provides immediate permanent residency, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Access to Medicare: Subclass 186 visa holders are eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, which offers comprehensive healthcare services.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After holding the Subclass 186 visa for four years, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, which grants you the right to vote, hold an Australian passport, and enjoy all the rights of an Australian citizen.
- Family Sponsorship: You can include your spouse and dependent children in your visa application, allowing them to live and work in Australia as well.
- Freedom to Travel: Visa holders can travel in and out of Australia without needing additional visas, providing greater freedom to visit family and friends in Nigeria or travel internationally.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) offers a clear pathway to permanent residency, Nigerian applicants may face certain challenges during the application process. Being aware of these challenges and taking proactive steps to address them can increase the chances of a successful visa application.
1. Securing a Nomination
One of the biggest hurdles for Nigerian applicants is securing an employer nomination. Australian employers must be willing to sponsor international workers and go through the nomination process, which can be time-consuming and expensive for them.
- Tip: Target industries that have a high demand for skilled workers and a shortage of local talent. Networking through professional associations, job fairs, and LinkedIn can help Nigerian professionals connect with Australian employers who are more likely to sponsor visas.
2. Meeting the Skills Assessment Requirement
Completing a skills assessment can be a complex and time-consuming process. Each assessing authority has specific requirements, and these must be met before lodging a visa application.
- Tip: Start the skills assessment process early, as it can take several months depending on your occupation. Ensure you meet all requirements set by the relevant authority before applying to avoid delays.
3. English Language Proficiency
Nigerian applicants must meet the English language requirements for the Subclass 186 visa. Even though Nigeria is an English-speaking country, applicants may still need to provide test scores from exams like IELTS or PTE to demonstrate proficiency.
- Tip: Take an English language test as early as possible and aim for a score higher than the minimum requirement to strengthen your application. Some industries may have higher English language score requirements.
4. Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must pass strict health and character assessments. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to visa refusal.
- Tip: Ensure you have recent medical records and police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more. Address any potential health or character concerns before lodging the application.
Conclusion
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) offers a fantastic opportunity for skilled Nigerian professionals to live and work permanently in Australia. By understanding the eligibility criteria, completing the necessary skills assessments, and meeting the health, character, and English language requirements, applicants can successfully navigate this visa route.
The benefits of the Subclass 186 visa, including permanent residency, access to healthcare, and the potential for Australian citizenship, make it an excellent option for those looking to establish a long-term future in Australia.
For more detailed information on the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) and to begin your application process, visit the Department of Home Affairs website here.