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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Employer Nomination Scheme

(Subclass 186) 

 

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa is a popular pathway to permanent residency for skilled international workers who have received a nomination from an Australian employer. It grants the opportunity to live and work in Australia permanently while applying your expertise to support the country’s workforce and economy.

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa 

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa offers a permanent residency pathway for skilled overseas professionals nominated by Australian employers. It is designed for situations where no suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill critical skill gaps. This visa has three main streams:

 

1. Direct Entry Stream

This stream suits skilled workers who are applying from overseas or have limited work experience in Australia and do not qualify under the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be nominated by an Australian employer

  • Occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list

  • Minimum of three years’ relevant work experience

  • Meet skills, qualifications, and English language requirements

 

2. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is intended for applicants whose employer has entered into a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government to fill critical skill shortages that cannot be met through standard visa programs.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be nominated by an employer with an active Labour Agreement

  • Must meet the age, skill, and language criteria outlined in the agreement

  • Occupations must be listed on either the STSOL or MLTSSL

 

3. Temporary Residence Transition Stream

This stream is for current or former holders of the Subclass 457 or TSS Subclass 482 visa who have worked for their nominating employer in Australia and are being offered a permanent position.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have completed at least three years of full-time employment with the nominating employer

  • The role must be genuinely required by the business

  • Must meet skill and qualification criteria

  • Employer must comply with Australian workplace and immigration laws

Visa Class

Employer Sponsored Visa

Australia’s employer sponsored visa program is designed to meet the specific business needs of Australian employers 

Read more

Benefits of Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa

Holding a Subclass 186 visa grants you and your included family members significant benefits:

  • Indefinite Stay: Live, study, and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
  • Medicare Access: Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, to cover medical costs.
  • Citizenship Pathway: Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residency and other criteria.
  • Family Sponsorship: Sponsor other eligible relatives for Australian permanent residency.
  • Travel Rights: Enjoy unlimited travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of visa grant.

Eligibility Criteria

General Eligibility 

Across all streams, applicants must:

  • Meet health and character requirements

  • Be under 45 years of age at the time of application (with some exceptions)

  • Possess relevant skills and qualifications

  • Comply with all Australian visa conditions and laws

Nominating Employer 

To be an eligible nominating employer for the Subclass 186 visa, you must:

    • Be legally and actively operating in Australia.
    • Meet the training benchmark requirements (Training Benchmark A or B).
    • Demonstrate a genuine need for the skilled position on a full-time basis for at least two years.
    • Comply with all Australian immigration and workplace laws.
    • Ensure the nominated employee will be paid at least the market salary rate for the position.
    • Meet the specific criteria for the chosen nomination stream (Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry, or Labour Agreement).
    • Have no adverse information identified about you or your business.


Health and Character Requirements

All primary applicants and accompanying family members must meet specific health and character criteria:

  • Medical Examinations: Undergo medical exams within 12 months before applying to meet health requirements.

  • Police Clearances: Provide police clearances from each country lived in for 12+ months over the past 10 years (if aged 16+).

 

Eligible Family Members

You may include the following dependents in your Subclass 186 visa application:

  • Your spouse or de facto partner

  • Your or your partner’s dependent children or step-children

Supporting documentation must be provided to verify your relationship to each family member included.

 

Expert Support for a Successful Application

The Subclass 186 visa process can be complex, involving skills assessments, stream selection, and meeting exemption criteria. Getting help from a qualified migration agent can improve your chances by ensuring your application is accurate, complete, and strategically prepared.

 

Disclaimer: This information is intended as general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/employer-nomination-scheme-186

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