Hi, How Can We Help You?

Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent). Subclass 186

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS). Subclass 186

Work visa 186 (ENS) allows employers to hire foreign workers on permanent basis to fulfil skills shortages that exist within the Australian workforce.

The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa that requires the sponsorship of a nominating employer.

The 186 Visa is a common way for existing 482 TSS Visa holders (or former 457 holders) to transition to Permanent Residence but it is also possible to apply for Permanent Residence directly with this visa.

 

 

There are three streams for this visa:

Free Employer Sponsored Visa Eligibility Assessment

Temporary Residence Transition stream

  • To be eligible you must have worked for your sponsor for three years whilst the holder of 482 visa, and
  • been nominated by an Australian employer and his nomination must be approved by DHA

Direct Entry stream

  • To be eligible you must have positive skills assessment in the eligible occupation prior to application;
  • minimum English level of IELTS-6666; and
  • your employer must have an approved nomination for your position

Labour Agreement Stream

  • This stream is intended for employers who have entered into a labour agreement with the Australian government. In this stream, the work experience and English knowledge requirements are less stringent than in other streams.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS INCLUDES 2 STEPS:
  1. sponsorship application from the employers;
  2. ENS visa application by the employee.

Both the employer and the employee are subject to certain requirements, although not as stringent as in the case of professional immigration.

Requirements for the EMPLOYER:
  • Operating business in Australia;
  • The business must operate in the relevant to your occupation industry;
  • The employer must demonstrate that their business has a genuine need to fill the specified full time position.
  • The position must be from the list of illegible positions, announced by the Immigration Department;
  • There must be a contract for the period of a minimum two years;
  • The salary must be in accordance with Annual market salary rate
  • The employer must have payments made to an industry training fund Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) ranging from 3 to 5 thousands Australian dollars, depending on the size of the business.
Requirements for the EMPLOYEE:
  • the applicant's occupation must be on the 186 Visa Occupations List;
  • level of English not lower than Competent (IELTS 6666);
  • formal educational qualifications and / or work experience relevant to the nominated occupation (for some occupations skill assessment may be required);
  • maximum age requirement of 45 for the Direct Entry Stream. Maximum are requirement of 50 for the Temporary Residence Transition stream;
  • be of good character;
  • absence of health issues.
Australian Permanent Residency through Employer Nomination Scheme visa 186

This video focuses on the main criteria and requirements for the Australian Employer who is sponsoring an overseas worker.

How Sydney Visa can assist:

Our aim is to support our clients from initial assessment through to the visa grant and subsequent relocation to Australia. Therefore, Sydney Visa offers Comprehensive Employer Sponsored Visa Application package as well as Australian job search services.

Employer Sponsored Visa Application Package
Employer Search Service

Apply for Subclass 186 Visa with Confidence: Step-by-Step Assistance & Document Support

The Subclass 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme – ENS visa) is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. If you’re seeking to live and work in Australia permanently, the subclass 186 visa offers a stable and long-term migration option. With several streams available, including direct entry and transition from a subclass 482 visa, applicants have flexibility to pursue the path that matches their situation.

At Sydney Visa, we offer full assistance for subclass 186 visa applications – from initial assessment to document preparation and submission. Our legal experts understand the Australian immigration system in depth and help reduce the risks of refusal, delays, and compliance errors.

Subclass 186 Visa Eligibility, Legal Rules & Conditions Explained by Migration Experts

Understanding the eligibility requirements for subclass 186 visa is the first critical step toward a successful application. The main eligibility criteria include:

  • Employer Nomination – You must be nominated by an Australian employer for a full-time skilled position located anywhere in Australia.
  • Occupation List – Your nominated job must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
  • Skills and Experience – You must have at least three years of relevant work experience and a positive skills assessment (if required for your occupation).
  • English Proficiency – Competent English is necessary (IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent in each component).
  • Age Limit – Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age, with some exceptions.
  • Health and Character – You and any accompanying family members must pass medical exams and provide police clearance certificates.

Visa Conditions:

  • Work and Residence – Successful applicants receive permanent residency and are allowed to work and live anywhere in Australia.
  • Compliance Obligations – You must remain employed in the nominated position for at least two years, or risk visa cancellation.

Sydney Visa ensures you fully understand your obligations as a 186 visa holder and avoid mistakes that may jeopardize your immigration status.

Get Nominated for Subclass 186 Visa: Employer Sponsorship & Occupation List Covered

The employer nomination process is a vital part of your subclass 186 visa application. Here’s what’s required from the sponsoring employer:

  • Business Legitimacy – The employer must be an actively operating business in Australia.
  • Genuine Position – The nominated role must be full-time, skilled, and necessary for the business.
  • Market Salary Rate – Employers must offer a salary equal to or above the market rate for the occupation.
  • Occupation Relevance – Your job must match the official description in the relevant occupation list.

Sponsorship Obligations:

Employers must not exploit workers and are obligated to keep records, pay fair wages, and follow workplace regulations. At Sydney Visa, we provide tailored advice for both businesses and skilled workers, ensuring nominations meet all legal standards.

Choose the Right 186 Visa Stream or Convert 482 Visa with Trusted Migration Advice

There are three main streams under the subclass 186 visa program:

  • Direct Entry Stream – Ideal for applicants who have not previously worked in Australia or are applying directly from outside the country. You must meet all skill, qualification, and English language requirements.
  • Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRT) – For subclass 482 or 457 visa holders who have worked for their sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation for at least three years. This is one of the most popular subclass 186 pathways.
  • Labour Agreement Stream – For workers sponsored under a labour agreement between the employer and the Australian Government. This stream requires case-specific legal support.

Converting Subclass 482 to Subclass 186:

Many skilled workers holding a temporary 482 visa want to transition to permanent residency. The TRT stream is designed for this, and Sydney Visa helps you manage the process smoothly, including employer paperwork and time-sensitive documentation.

Subclass 186 Visa Cost, Processing Time & Extension: Clear Timelines and Full Support

Proper budgeting and realistic planning require knowledge of the financial and time aspects involved:

  • Visa Cost:
  • Primary applicant: From AUD $4,640
  • Partner: Approx. AUD $2,320
  • Child (under 18): Approx. AUD $1,160
  • Additional Charges:
  • Second instalment fee for applicants with less than functional English
  • Medical, police checks, and translation costs
  • Processing Time:
  • Direct Entry Stream: 5–12 months
  • TRT Stream: 4–9 months
  • Labour Agreement Stream: May vary
  • Extensions: The subclass 186 is a permanent visa and does not require renewal. However, visa holders must comply with conditions or risk losing residency.

Sydney Visa helps you understand these costs upfront and prepare all documentation early to avoid common delays.

Move to PR and Bring Your Family: Full Subclass 186 Support by a Trusted Migration Agent

One of the biggest advantages of the subclass 186 visa is the ability to obtain permanent residency in Australia with the option to sponsor family members. You can include the following dependents in your visa application:

  • Spouse or de facto partner – Must be in a genuine ongoing relationship. • Dependent children – Biological, adopted, or step-children under 23 years (or older in special cases).

Family Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa:

  • Full work and study rights in Australia • Access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare) • Pathway to

Australian citizenship after four years of residency

Avoiding Visa Refusal:

Common reasons for subclass 186 visa refusals include:

  • Incomplete employer nomination documentation • Mismatched occupation or insufficient skills • Failure to meet English or health criteria

Our experienced migration agents assist you at every stage, reviewing documents, checking for inconsistencies, and preparing strong submissions.

Your Migration Partner: Sydney Visa

At Sydney Visa, we understand the complexity and importance of every migration case. We take a deeply personal approach, combining legal precision with genuine care for your goals. Whether you’re a skilled worker or an employer looking to nominate overseas talent, we offer clear strategies and ongoing legal support.

Order your subclass 186 visa consultation today and get a free eligibility check from our licensed migration experts!