🇦🇺 What Is 186 Visa in Australia? | Key Difference Between 186, 189, and 190 Visas Explained
Introduction: Why So Many Applicants Confuse the 186 Visa
If you’ve been researching permanent residency (PR) in Australia, you’ve probably come across the 186, 189, and 190 visas — three popular options for skilled migrants.
Many people ask, “What is 186 visa in Australia?”, and more importantly, “Is the 186 visa points-based like the 189 or 190?”
The short answer is no — the Subclass 186 visa is not points-based. It’s an employer-sponsored permanent residency visa, unlike the 189 and 190, which are points-tested skilled visas.
Let’s break it down clearly so you’ll know which pathway suits you best.
🧭 What Is 186 Visa in Australia?
The Subclass 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) allows skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
This visa was created to help Australian businesses fill long-term skill shortages by sponsoring overseas talent.
✅ Key takeaway: The 186 visa is employer-sponsored, not based on points or invitations.
📘 Main Streams of the 186 Visa
There are three ways to qualify for the 186 visa in Australia:
1️⃣ Direct Entry Stream – for skilled workers outside Australia or with limited local work experience.
2️⃣ Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream – for workers already in Australia on a 482 (TSS) or 457 visa, working with the same employer for at least 3 years.
3️⃣ Labour Agreement Stream – for workers whose employers have a special labour agreement with the Australian Government.
Eligibility Highlights:
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Must be nominated by an approved employer.
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Must have an occupation on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
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Must meet skills, English, health, and character requirements.
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Must generally be under 45 years of age (some exemptions apply).
⚙️ What Makes the 186 Visa Different from the 189 and 190 Visas?
Here’s where most applicants get confused.
Let’s compare them clearly:
| Feature | Subclass 186 | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Employer-Sponsored Visa | Skilled Independent Visa | Skilled Nominated Visa |
| Points-Based | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sponsor/Nomination | Australian Employer | None | State or Territory Government |
| Occupation List | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL + State Lists |
| Permanent Residency | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Who It’s For | Workers with a job offer in Australia | Skilled professionals without sponsorship | Skilled professionals willing to live in a nominated state |
| Extra Points for Nomination | Not applicable | Not applicable | +5 points |
| Typical Processing Time | 5–10 months | 7–12 months | 7–12 months |
🧩 The Common Misunderstanding: “Is the 186 Visa Points-Based?”
No, the Subclass 186 visa is not points-based.
Unlike the 189 and 190 visas, which use the Australian Skilled Migration Points Test, the 186 is based on:
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Employer nomination,
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Job availability, and
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Meeting skill and experience criteria,
not on your total points score.
If your employer is approved and nominates you for the 186, you don’t need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or compete for invitation rounds like 189/190 applicants.
💼 Who Should Apply for Each Visa Type?
💡 Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
Ideal for skilled workers who already have a job offer or sponsorship from an Australian employer.
💡 Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
Perfect for professionals who want to migrate independently without relying on an employer or state nomination.
💡 Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
Great for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory and willing to live in that region for at least two years.
🏡 Benefits of the 186 Visa in Australia
Once granted, the Subclass 186 visa gives you:
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✅ Permanent residency in Australia
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✅ The right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia
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✅ Access to Medicare (public healthcare)
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✅ Ability to sponsor family members for PR
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✅ A pathway to Australian citizenship
🔍 Summary: Key Differences at a Glance
| Criteria | 186 Visa | 189 Visa | 190 Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basis | Employer nomination | Points-based | Points-based + State nomination |
| Main Advantage | Employer support | Full independence | Higher chance of invitation |
| Obligation | Work for sponsoring employer | None | Live/work in nominating state |
| PR Pathway | Immediate upon grant | Immediate upon grant | Immediate upon grant |
🧠 Final Thoughts
If you’ve been asking “what is 186 visa in Australia”, now you know:
It’s an employer-sponsored permanent residency visa, not a points-tested skilled visa like the 189 or 190.
Understanding this distinction is crucial — many applicants mistakenly believe all skilled visas require points, but the 186 visa follows a completely different pathway.
✅ In short:
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186 = Employer-Sponsored PR (no points test)
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189 = Independent PR (points-based)
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190 = State-Sponsored PR (points-based + nomination)
Choosing the right visa depends on your career goals, job offer, and migration plan. If you’re unsure which option fits best, Contact BCS Global today registered migration agent for tailored advice.
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