Thursday, 19 Mar 2026
Yes, you can quit your job upon receiving your Subclass 186 visa. Since this visa is employer-nominated, it’s important to understand your responsibilities and what the government expects from both you and your employer. Many people wonder about this after getting permanent residency, so in this guide, we explain everything you need to know.
We will answer the question of what will occur once your 186 visa is granted, whether there is an obligation period required, and what one needs to take into account before switching jobs in this blog.
The subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa. This implies that after receiving your visa, you are entitled to all the work rights in Australia, and you do not legally bind yourself to your employer as you would have done had you been on a temporary visa. It should be noted, however, that the visa is based on an employer nomination. During the application procedure, you and your employer commit to each other. The employer agrees to provide you with a full-time and permanent job, and you accept to perform in that job.
Although there is no rigid law that requires one to serve their employer for a specified time, the Department of Home Affairs anticipates that both the employer and the employee are to be honest when entering into the arrangement. In the majority of instances, this is interpreted to mean serving in the position for about two years. Quitting prematurely without any justifiable cause can question the true intent of the visa in the first place. One has to think hard before making any decision to relocate.
You are granted permanent residence in Australia after your 186 visa is approved. This will provide you with a complete work right and the flexibility of employment. It is not a legal obligation to remain with your sponsoring employer since there are no visa requirements that compel one to remain in the same job.
The visa is however, granted under employer nomination and therefore one should be aware of what is expected behind it. You and your employer are supposed to have signed the agreement in good faith, meaning that you were to work in the position provided.
Here are the key things to know once your 186 visa is granted:
Although there are no rigid guidelines, quitting your employer too soon, particularly immediately after getting your visa, can also raise doubts regarding the legitimacy of the initial motive. Before making any decision, it is always good to think and do in good faith.
The Subclass 186 visa has a couple of significant details other than acquiring permanent residency. These involve what jobs are acceptable, the qualifications your employer needs to have, and what you need to keep in mind in case you wish to switch jobs. Knowing such details can guide you to make intelligent decisions regarding your work and future in Australia.
In the process of applying for a visa, your occupation has to be registered on the corresponding skilled occupation list. This will make sure that your skills are sought after in Australia, and that will suit the Employer Nomination Scheme. In case your occupation is not mentioned in the list, then you are unable to apply for this visa. Before you begin your application, it is essential to go through the list to eliminate any delays or rejection.
The criteria of your employer are to be satisfied in order that your 186 visa be valid. They must be authentic, legally running, and they must be capable of offering a decent, and continuing work. These regulations ensure that the visa is utilized in the purpose it was issued and that you are treated fairly.
Employers must:
Such requirements safeguard you, as well as the integrity of the visa program.
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent visa meaning that you can stay and work in Australia forever. Although the visa rests on an employer nomination and two year employment expectation, there is no binding policy that you stay with your employer until the end. One should know how this works and what the department of home affairs anticipates.
In short, you may leave your employer with a Subclass 186 visa but it is always better that you act in good faith and honor the employment contract to safeguard your visa and the immigration prospects in the future.
The Subclass 186 visa is a visa that enables skilled workers to permanently live and work in Australia. You must have been nominated by an eligible employer and have to satisfy the requirements of the visa in terms of skills, experience and English proficiency. The application has three major streams to be used depending on your circumstances, and taking the right procedures will assist in making sure that your application is a success.
Streams of the 186 Visa
Basic Steps to Apply
The Subclass 186 visa process may be complex and any wrong turn may slow down or even jeopardize your application. You should seek professional assistance to make sure that your application is complete, accurate and that it satisfies all requirements. When you work with an expert, it can also advise you on what to do in case of a change of circumstances once you are granted the visa.
At Classic Migration, you can work with a registered migration agent in Canberra who will give you professional advice depending on the existing laws. They can assist in document preparation and revision, in the way of application, and assist you in case of change of circumstances. By enlisting the services of a reputable migration agent in Canberra, such as Classic Migration, you will have the confidence to go through the visa process and will help you to avoid the pitfalls.
Yes, you are legally free to leave your employer once you have been granted 186 visa. Nevertheless, you should not rush out of the country without any real cause because this can cause suspicion of the initial purpose of your visa application.
No legal obligation exists that you have to remain with your employer two years. The anticipated time of approximately two years is just to demonstrate that you and your employer went into the arrangement in good faith.
Yes, you can change the employer as this 186 visa will provide a permanent residence. Just make sure that you adhere to the usual employment regulations and that you will be acting in good faith so as to prevent any trouble.
No, quitting your job will not revoke your permanent residence. However, in case it seems that false or deceptive information was given when you applied to be issued with a visa, the Department may conduct an inquiry.