Subclass 186
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186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
Take the Next Step in Hiring Skilled Overseas Workers
The Australia Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) is a significant pathway for skilled workers seeking Permanent Residency in Australia through employer sponsorship. This visa category allows Australian employers to nominate foreign workers for Permanent Residency based on the employee’s skills, qualifications, and experience.
Requirements To Apply For A Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
To be eligible for the Subclass 186 visa, applicants need to meet specific criteria related to their occupation, skills, qualifications, and English language proficiency. They also need to be nominated by an eligible employer who demonstrates a genuine need for the position and complies with labour market testing requirements.
The Subclass 186 visa offers permanent residency status, allowing successful applicants and their families to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. It provides access to healthcare, education, and social security benefits, similar to Australian citizens.
The 186 visa requires an employer nomination of skilled employment, and an acceptance for such employment in Australia. The applicant must have all the relevant skills and work experience to fill the position.
- Being no more than 45 years of age.
- Have sufficient English proficiency.
- Be of good character and health.
- Be nominated for an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List.
- Have a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience.
- Hold a positive skills assessment before applying .
Types Of Subclass 186 Visa Streams
There are three streams for the 186 visa in Australia.
Direct Entry Stream
For applicants who have 3 years of relevant work experience of an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, and who have an offer from an employer in that field. You must also meet health and character requirements, and meet the minimum standards of English language proficiency.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
For applicants who hold a subclass 457, 482 or eligible bridging visa, have completed at least two years of full-time sponsored employment, and have an approved nomination from an Australian employer within the six months before applying.
Labour Agreement Stream
For applicants who currently work, or will work, for a nominating employer who is party to a labour agreement. If the applicant is in Australia, they will need to meet the labour agreement’s specific requirements for age, skills, and English language proficiency.
Who Needs to Lodge an Employer Nomination?
You must lodge a nomination if you are:
- Sponsoring a skilled worker under Subclass 482, 494, or 186 visas
- Seeking to transfer an overseas worker already in Australia under your sponsorship
- Wanting to offer a permanent position to a temporary sponsored employee
Eligibility Criteria for Employer Nomination
To nominate a worker, your business must:
- Hold a current SBS approval (or be an eligible regional certifying body applicant for certain visas)
- Offer a position that is on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
- Prove that the position is genuine and necessary to your business
- Pay the required market salary (meeting or exceeding TSMIT)
- Conduct and evidence Labour Market Testing (if required)
- Commit to paying the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
Required Documents for Employer Nomination
- Detailed position description and employment contract
- Organisational chart showing the role’s place in the business
- Evidence of Labour Market Testing (advertisements, recruitment outcomes)
- Salary evidence (Fair Work compliance, payscales, market salary surveys)
- Business financial documents (if requested)
- Proof of paying the SAF levy
Processing Time and Validity
- Standard processing time: 1–3 months (may be faster for accredited sponsors)
- Validity: Generally valid for the duration of the worker’s visa grant period
- Must be lodged and approved before the worker can apply for their visa