The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. It is designed for applicants who are nominated by an approved Australian employer and meet specific eligibility requirements.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Subclass 186 Visa, including eligibility, application process, costs, and processing times. We’ll also answer common questions to make the process easier.
What is the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)?
The Subclass 186 Visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to stay in Australia indefinitely. It is an ideal option for those who have relevant skills, experience, and employer sponsorship.
This visa has three streams:
Direct Entry Stream – For applicants who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream – For applicants who have been on a temporary work visa (such as Subclass 482) for at least three years and are sponsored by their employer.
Labour Agreement Stream – For applicants sponsored by an employer under a Labour Agreement with the Australian government.
Benefits of the ENS Visa (Subclass 186)
Permanent residency in Australia
Ability to work and live anywhere in Australia
Access to Medicare (public health care)
Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
Sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 186 Visa
To qualify for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
Meet the English language requirements
Have at least 3 years of work experience in your nominated occupation (depending on the stream)
Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
Meet health and character requirements
Streams of Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
1. Direct Entry Stream
For skilled workers who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia.
Requires skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
Must have competent English.
2. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
For applicants who have been on a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) or similar for at least 3 years.
Must work for the same employer who is nominating you.
No need for skills assessment if you have been working with your employer.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
For skilled workers sponsored under a Labour Agreement.
May have different age, skill, and English requirements based on the agreement.
Cost of the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
The application cost for the Subclass 186 Visa is approximately:
Primary applicant: AUD 4,640
Additional applicant over 18 years: AUD 2,320
Additional applicant under 18 years: AUD 1,160
Note: Additional charges such as health checks, police certificates, and biometrics may apply.
Processing Time for Subclass 186 Visa
Processing times vary depending on the stream:
Direct Entry Stream: 8 to 12 months
Temporary Residence Transition Stream: 5 to 9 months
Labour Agreement Stream: Varies based on agreement
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Employer Nomination
Your employer must submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Collect all required documents, including:
Passport
Skills assessment (if required)
English language test results
Work experience evidence
Health and character documents
Step 3: Submit Visa Application
Lodge your visa application online via ImmiAccount.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
The Department will review your application and may request additional information.
Documents Required for Subclass 186 Visa
Valid passport
Nomination approval from an Australian employer
Skills assessment (if required)
English language test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.)
Health insurance
Police clearance certificates
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa – Key Points to Remember
You must be nominated by an approved employer.
You need to meet skills, health, and character requirements.
This visa grants permanent residency.
The age limit is generally 45, with some exemptions.
English language proficiency is mandatory.
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Frequently Asked Questions (QA)
Q1: Can I apply for Subclass 186 Visa without an employer?
No, you must have an Australian employer who is approved and willing to nominate you.
Q2: Is Subclass 186 Visa permanent?
Yes, it grants you permanent residency in Australia.
Q3: How long does it take to process the 186 Visa?
On average, 5 to 12 months, depending on the stream.
Q4: Do I need a skills assessment for Subclass 186 Visa?
Yes, for the Direct Entry Stream, a skills assessment is usually required.
Q5: Can my family members apply with me?
Yes, you can include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your application.
Final Thoughts
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) is one of the most popular pathways to Australian permanent residency for skilled workers. If you have the right skills and an Australian employer to sponsor you, this visa can open the door to a stable future in Australia.
Pro Tip: Always ensure that your employer is an approved sponsor and that your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list before applying.
