Employer Nomination Scheme Visa – Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. To apply for this visa, you must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
This visa is designed for skilled professionals whose employers want to offer them a permanent position in Australia. Once your visa is granted, you can stay in Australia permanently. You can work and study in Australia without restrictions. You may also access Medicare and apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
The Subclass 186 visa offers three streams based on your work situation and eligibility criteria.
Service Highlights
Permanent Residency
Live and work in Australia permanently after grant.
Employer Nomination
Requires nomination by an approved Australian employer.
Three Streams
Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition and Labour Agreement.
Complete Evidence
Strong documents can support smoother assessment.
Subclass 186 Visa Streams
Australia offers three streams under the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa.
Direct Entry Stream
- This stream is suitable for applicants who have not worked in Australia before. It is also for those who do not meet the Temporary Residence Transition requirements.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
- This stream is for applicants who are currently working for their sponsoring employer on an eligible temporary visa. It allows them to transition to permanent residency in Australia.
Labour Agreement Stream
- This stream applies to workers who are nominated by employers. These employers must be operating under a labour agreement with the Australian Government.
Subclass 186 Visa Requirements
To apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, applicants must be nominated by an approved Australian employer. They must also meet certain eligibility requirements before applying.
Main Requirements
- Must be under 45 years of age (unless exemptions apply)
- Must have the required skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation
- Skills assessment may be required depending on the visa stream
- Must meet Competent English requirements
- Must meet health requirements
- Must meet character requirements
- Must apply within six months of nomination approval
Specific requirements may vary depending on the stream you apply under. These include Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, or Labour Agreement streams.
Application Process
Applying for the Subclass 186 visa usually involves the following steps:
Employer Nomination
Your employer must submit a nomination application for an eligible skilled position.
Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet age, English language, skills, and work experience requirements.
Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather employment documents, educational qualifications, identity documents, and any required skills assessment reports.
Submit Visa Application
Once your nomination is lodged or approved, you can submit your visa application through ImmiAccount.
Complete Health and Character Checks
Applicants may need medical examinations and police clearance certificates.
Receive Visa Decision
The Department of Home Affairs reviews both the nomination and visa applications. After the review, a final decision is made on the application.
Document Checklist
Identity Documents
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- National identity documents
- Passport-sized photographs
Employment Documents
- Employment contract
- Employer nomination documents
- Work reference letters
- Payslips (if applicable)
Skills Documents
- Skills assessment (if required)
- Educational qualifications
- Professional licenses or certifications
English Language Documents
- IELTS
- PTE
- TOEFL
- Other approved English test results
Health and Character Documents
- Medical examination reports
- Police clearance certificates
Subclass 186 Visa Processing Time
Processing times may vary depending on your selected stream and the complexity of your application. They may also depend on how complete your submitted documents are.
Applications with complete documentation are generally processed faster. However, additional document requests may delay the processing time. Applicants should regularly check the updated processing timelines. These updates are available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Start Your Permanent Residency Journey
Our migration experts help skilled workers and employers with the Subclass 186 visa process. We support you from nomination through to final approval. Whether you are applying through the Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, or Labour Agreement stream, we can guide you through the process. We can also help you prepare a strong application for Australian permanent residency. You can learn more about employer sponsored pathways on our Employer Sponsored Visa.
Start Your Permanent Residency Journey
Complete the form and our team will contact you with the next steps.