The little-known PR shortcut for 461 visa holders

In our blog post “Why you shouldn’t just renew your 461 visa” we described why subclass 461 visa holders should apply for another visa that gives them permanent residence, rather than continuing to renew their 461 New Zealand citizen family relationship visas and remaining only temporary residents in Australia.

An obvious option for many 461 holders is the subclass 820/801 permanent partner visa, however if that option is not available to you (eg if you are no longer in a relationship), then the subclass 186 employer nomination scheme visa may be for you.

The reason this is a good option for 461 holders because the 186 visa has a special concession for 461 holders in the direct entry stream. Unlike other applicants, 461 and subclass 444 New Zealand passport holders:

·         Can be any age – this means you can be older than 45 years of age

·         Do NOT need to get a skills assessment

Special Requirements

To be eligible, subclass 461 and 444 holders need to:

·         have been working for the same employer in their occupation for at least 2 years in the 3 years before applying for the subclass 186 visa.

General Requirements

You will also need to meet the following requirements other 186 applicants must meet:

·         Your employer will need to be willing to sponsor you

·         Your job will need to be “on the list”

·         You will need to meet health and character requirements

·         Meet English language requirements

·         Be paid market salary which is at least $75,000AUD per annum

If you are working in a skilled role and meet these criteria, this can be a strong pathway to permanent residency.

Benefits of transitioning from a 461 to a 186 visa

• Permanent residency: The 186 visa grants you the right to live in Australia indefinitely and access most benefits available to Australian permanent residents

• Access to Medicare and social security: Once granted, you’ll have access to the public healthcare system and may be eligible for certain government benefits

• Pathway to citizenship: After meeting residency and other eligibility requirements, you may be able to apply for Australian citizenship

• No need to be a family member of a New Zealand citizen: The 186 visa is not tied to your relationship status or your partner’s visa, giving you more independence and certainty

Important things to keep in mind

While the 186 visa offers a clear pathway to permanent residency, it involves a detailed application process, including employer nomination, and strict eligibility requirements.

It’s important to:

• Confirm that your occupation is eligible

• Understand the documentation you’ll need

• Work with an employer who is prepared to meet sponsorship obligations

Next steps

If you’re on a 461 visa and working in a skilled occupation, now may be a good time to explore your options for permanent residency through the subclass186 visa. At Mandeville Migration, we can help you assess your eligibility, support your employer through the nomination process, and guide you through the application from start to finish.

Contact Mandeville Migration to find out if the 186 visa is the right step toward securing your future in Australia.

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