The Subclass 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia. Designed for those nominated by an Australian employer, this visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency through three different streams.
What is the Subclass 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme)?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa lets skilled workers stay permanently in Australia when nominated by an eligible employer.
Streams Under the Subclass 186 Visa
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
This stream is for applicants who have worked for their sponsoring employer on a subclass 457 and/or 482 visa for at least two years. It allows them to transition to permanent residency under the employer nomination scheme.
Direct Entry Stream
The Direct Entry stream is for skilled workers who have not worked on the subclass 457 or 482 visa to apply under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, allowing them to apply for the permanent residence directly instead of having to complete sponsored work on a temporary visa first. It requires applicants to have at least three years of work experience and a skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority.
Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is for applicants nominated by an employer who has a labour agreement with the Australian government. It provides a tailored pathway for workers who may not meet standard employer nomination scheme requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 186 Visa
General Requirements
Must be nominated by an Australian employer for an eligible occupation.
Must meet age, skills, and English language requirements, unless exempt.
Employer Nomination Requirements
Employers must submit a nomination application and demonstrate a genuine need for the position.
The role must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must meet English language proficiency standards, with exemptions for certain passport holders and highly skilled applicants.
Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must meet Australian health and character requirements before the visa is granted.
How We Help You Apply for the Subclass 186 Visa
Step 1: Assessing Your Eligibility
We begin by reviewing your circumstances to confirm you meet the criteria for one of the three available streams. This ensures your application is on the right track from the outset.
Step 2: Preparing and Lodging the Employer Nomination
We work closely with your employer to prepare a strong nomination application. This includes ensuring the business meets the sponsorship requirements and that the role offered aligns with the relevant occupation list.
Step 3: Preparing and Lodging Your Visa Application
Once the nomination is submitted, we prepare your visa application and lodge it within the required timeframe. We manage the process end-to-end, keeping you informed at every stage.
Costs and Processing Times for Subclass 186 Visa
The cost of the Subclass 186 visa can be found on the Department’s website, and will vary depending on the number of family members included in the application. Processing times depend on the number of applications and individual circumstances.
Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa
Permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
Ability to sponsor eligible family members for certain visas.
Access to free English language classes.
Pathway to Australian citizenship.
Including Family Members in Your Subclass 186 Visa Application
You can include eligible family members, such as your spouse and dependent children, in your visa application. They will also receive permanent residency upon visa grant.
FAQs
Can I apply for a Subclass 186 Visa if I’m outside Australia?
Yes, the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa is available to both onshore and offshore applicants. However, if you apply from outside Australia, you may not be eligible for a bridging visa while your application is processing. If you require a bridging visa to remain lawfully in Australia while awaiting a decision, we recommend contacting us to develop a strategy that suits your needs.
What happens if my nomination or visa application is refused?
If your nomination or visa application is refused, you may have the right to review the decision through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Depending on the reason for refusal, there may be scope to have the decision set aside by the ART. We recommend obtaining legal advice as soon as you receive the negative decision, to determine the best strategy for your case and how to best utilise your time whilst awaiting an ART outcome.
What are the conditions of the Subclass 186 Visa after it is granted?
The visa grants permanent residency, allowing full work and study rights in Australia with no ongoing visa conditions.
My occupation is on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List, am I eligible for the Subclass 186 Visa?
In December 2024, the Skilled Occupation List was replaced by the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This change allows for all skilled workers nominating an occupation on the CSOL to access both the Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry streams.