186 Labour Agreement Pathway to Permanent Residence
The 186 Labour Agreement stream enables employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for Permanent Residence with access to concessions to standard 186 Visa requirements.
By supporting Permanent Residence through the Labour Agreement stream, businesses can strengthen workforce planning and maintain stability in critical roles.
186 Visa: Labour Agreement Stream
| For Skill Shortages Requiring Greater Flexibility: | Provides concessions to the standard eligibility criteria that apply to 186 Visas. |
| Eligibility and Concessions: | * Labour Agreement: Employer must have established a formal Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. * Employer Nomination for an eligible position as per the Labour Agreement. * Qualifications and Work Experience: As specified in the Labour Agreement. * Age Limit: Generally set at 45 years, unless Labour Agreement exemptions apply. * English Language Proficiency: As per the specific labour agreement. |
| Health and Character Tests Apply | This is a standard requirement. |
| Labour Market Testing may be required: | To demonstrate that no suitably qualified Australian worker is available for the role. |
| Stream Benefits: | * Flexible and responsive PR pathway with customised visa requirements. * Several types of Labour Agreements available – each with varying levels of flexibility to negotiate concessions to visa requirements. * Supports businesses requiring roles not on standard occupation lists. |
The 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Process
Under the Labour Agreement Stream, sponsoring a worker involves two separate applications: Nomination and Visa applications.
1. Nomination
Home Affairs evaluates the genuineness, relevance, and terms and conditions of the role being offered.
The financial and operational capacity of the business to nominate the position is also assessed.
2. Visa
Home Affairs assesses your worker’s qualifications, experience and eligibility to perform the nominated role and meet the visa requirements.
Once Permanent Residence is granted, workers can continue to live in Australia and work for your business.
Permanent Residence Planning
Permanent Residence planning is a strategic approach for businesses seeking to build a stable and committed workforce.
Interstaff assists businesses by advising on visa pathways that align with growth plans and providing support throughout the process.
STRATEGISE
Assess and Strategise:
Permanent Residence Eligibility
Interstaff helps businesses and employees understand suitable PR pathways and plan accordingly. We support you by:
- Discussing your ongoing and future workforce needs
- Assessing eligibility and costs for PR pathways for existing or new employees
- Advising a migration strategy including sponsorship compliance advice to ensure ongoing Permanent Residence eligibility for the candidate – for example, maintaining role consistency and ensuring salary levels meet regulatory thresholds
APPLY
Apply and Comply:
186 Visa Application
We manage the PR application process on your business and employee’s behalf, providing support by:
- Advising on key application requirements
- Managing all aspects of the application, including complex cases
- Keeping you and your employees informed at every stage of the process
GROW
Retain and Grow:
Permanent Residence Policies
Interstaff work with you to integrate PR policies into your broader workforce strategies. Our support includes:
- Compliance advice during business or employment changes
- PR pathway mapping for temporary visa holders
- Temporary visa expiry tracking to plan future workforce needs
- Advice on building PR policies into your employee retention strategy
- Advice on matters impacting PR eligibility, such as income threshold changes
- Post-visa support for employees and their families – including Australian Citizenship
- Ongoing training on immigration policy impacts
Talk to us to understand how we assist with permanent migration.
What 186 Visa Applicants Should Know
If an employer is wishing to sponsor you for a Subclass 186 Visa, it is essential to understand if you and the business meet the eligibility criteria. Interstaff provide eligibility assessments to both individuals and employers.
We also advise on migration pathways after Permanent Residence is established, such as Australian citizenship.
Experience and Insights: Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Visa
Explore more about how we work, our industry experience and insights.
Permanent Residence Planning
Industries
186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa FAQs
No – many businesses support transitions to Permanent Residence for a Subclass 186 Visa on a case-by-case basis. The business must have a genuine ongoing need for the position. The benefit of making Permanent Residence policies available to employees is that it ensures the possibilities are clear and upfront.