Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (186) is a permanent employer-sponsored visa that enables skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently after being nominated by an eligible Australian employer. It is designed to help Australian businesses fill skilled roles when qualified local workers are unavailable. The visa offers pathways through the Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition (TRT), and Labour Agreement streams. Once approved, you can enjoy permanent residency benefits, including work, study, Medicare, and a pathway to Australian citizenship. At Ozmate Migration, our experienced migration agent Clyde North team provides expert guidance and personalised support to help you achieve a successful 186 visa outcome.
- Visa Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186), you must generally meet the following requirements:
- Be nominated by an eligible Australian employer for a full-time, ongoing skilled position.
- Have the skills, qualifications, and relevant work experience required for the nominated occupation.
- Meet the requirements of the applicable visa stream (Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, or Labour Agreement).
- Have competent English language proficiency (unless an exemption applies).
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of application unless you qualify for an age exemption.
- Hold a positive skills assessment where required under your visa stream.
- Meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
- Hold any mandatory registration, licence, or professional membership required for your occupation, where applicable.
- SIMPLE AUSTRALIAN VISA PROCESS
Start Your 186 Visa Application in 3 Simple Steps
Employer Nomination
Your Australian employer submits a nomination application for an eligible skilled position, demonstrating that the business is lawfully operating, genuinely requires the role, and meets all employer sponsorship obligations.
Prepare & Lodge Your Visa Application
Once nominated (or simultaneously where permitted), you submit your Subclass 186 visa application along with supporting documents such as proof of skills, work experience, English language results, qualifications, and health and character documents. A skills assessment may also be required depending on your visa stream.
Visa Assessment & Permanent Residency Grant
The Department of Home Affairs assesses both the employer nomination and your visa application. If all requirements are met and both applications are approved, you will be granted permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
Secure Your Permanent Future with an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (186)
Ready to make Australia your permanent home? Ozmate Migration provides expert assistance with Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) applications, helping eligible applicants navigate employer nomination requirements, prepare accurate documentation, and lodge a strong application. Our experienced migration professionals are committed to supporting you every step of the way towards Australian permanent residency.
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- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa 186 a permanent residency visa?
Yes. The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency (PR) visa. Once granted, it allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare, sponsor eligible family members, and, if you meet the eligibility criteria, apply for Australian citizenship in the future.
2. What are the different streams available under the Subclass 186 visa?
The Subclass 186 visa has three streams:
- Direct Entry (DE): For applicants who meet the skills, qualifications, and work experience requirements.
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT): For eligible workers who have worked for their sponsoring employer on a qualifying temporary visa for the required period.
- Labour Agreement Stream: For workers sponsored under a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.
3. Do I need a skills assessment for a 186 visa?
It depends on the visa stream you apply under. Applicants applying through the Direct Entry stream generally need a positive skills assessment unless an exemption applies. Skills assessments are usually not required for the Temporary Residence Transition stream, provided all eligibility requirements are met.
4. Can I include my family members in my 186 visa application?
Yes. You can include eligible family members, such as your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children, in your Subclass 186 visa application. If the visa is granted, they will also receive permanent residency and enjoy the same rights to live, work, and study in Australia.
