Subclass 186 Visa – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa

Achieve Permanent Residency in Australia Through Employer Sponsorship

Do you have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you for permanent residency?

The Subclass 186 Visa—also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa—offers skilled overseas workers a pathway to live and work in Australia permanently under the sponsorship of an eligible employer. It is a direct route to permanent residency for workers who meet Australian labour market needs.

Why Choose the Subclass 186 Visa?

The Subclass 186 Visa is designed for skilled foreign workers who have been nominated by their Australian employer for a position that cannot be filled locally. It is part of Australia’s permanent skilled migration program and is suitable for those already working in Australia on a Subclass 482 (TSS) visa or applying directly from overseas.

This visa allows you to stay in Australia permanently, enjoy full work rights, and eventually become an Australian citizen.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa

• Permanent residency from the day your visa is granted
• Work and live anywhere in Australia
• Include your spouse and dependent children in the application
• Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
• No restrictions on travel in and out of Australia for 5 years

Streams Under the Subclass 186 Visa

1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
   For those already working in Australia on a Subclass 482 visa for at least 2 years with the same employer.
2. Direct Entry Stream
   For skilled workers applying from outside Australia or those not eligible for the TRT stream. Requires a skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant experience.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
   For applicants sponsored through a labour agreement between an Australian employer and the government.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 186 Visa

To apply for this visa, you must:

• Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
• Be under 45 years of age (some exemptions apply)
• Have the required skills, qualifications, and work experience
• Demonstrate competent English proficiency
• Hold or be eligible for any required licensing or registration
• Meet health and character requirements
• Not have any outstanding debts to the Australian Government

Additional requirements may apply depending on the stream you’re applying through.

English Language Requirements

You must meet the competent English requirement:

• IELTS: Minimum 6.0 in each component
• PTE Academic: Minimum 50 in each band
• TOEFL iBT, OET, or CAE: Equivalent scores accepted

Some exemptions apply based on nationality, income level, or education background.

Work Experience and Skills Assessment

• For the Direct Entry stream, you must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience
• A positive skills assessment is required unless applying through the TRT stream and exempt
• Your nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

Including Family Members

You can include the following family members in your application:

• Your spouse or de facto partner
• Your or your partner’s dependent children or stepchildren

All family members must meet health and character requirements.

Transitioning from 482 to 186 Visa

If you’re currently holding a Subclass 482 (TSS) visa, you may be eligible for the TRT Stream of the Subclass 186 visa. You must have:

• Worked for your nominating employer for at least 2 out of the last 3 years
• Met all the visa and employment conditions
• An occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list

BFES Global will help you transition smoothly from temporary to permanent residency.

How BFES Global Helps with Subclass 186 Visa

Our experts at BFES Global provide end-to-end assistance with:

• Assessing your eligibility for the 186 visa
• Coordinating with your employer for nomination
• Managing skills assessments and work experience validation
• Assisting with licensing/registration requirements
• Lodging nomination and visa applications
• Preparing your case for TRT or Direct Entry stream
• Supporting your family inclusion and documentation

Frequently Asked Questions – Subclass 186 Visa

Is this a permanent visa?
Yes, the 186 visa grants immediate permanent residency.

Can I apply from outside Australia?
Yes, you can apply through the Direct Entry stream from offshore.

Do I need a job offer?
Yes, you must be nominated by an Australian employer offering a full-time position.

How long must I stay with the sponsoring employer after PR is granted?
While not legally enforced, you’re generally expected to stay with the nominating employer for at least 2 years.

Is a skills assessment mandatory?
It is required for the Direct Entry stream but not typically needed for TRT stream applicants.

Can I include my family members?
Yes, your spouse and children can be included and receive PR status.

What happens if my nomination is refused?
You will not be able to proceed with the visa unless the refusal is overturned or a new nomination is approved.

Subclass 186 Visa Summary

Visa Class: Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
Type: Permanent Residency
Sponsorship Required: Yes, by an Australian employer
Work Rights: Full-time, unrestricted
Includes Family: Yes
Streams: TRT, Direct Entry, Labour Agreement
PR Pathway: Direct

Secure Your PR in Australia with Employer Sponsorship

Let BFES Global guide you through the Subclass 186 visa process with confidence. From employer coordination to visa lodgement, our team ensures your journey to permanent residency is seamless and successful.