Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Subclass 186

ENS 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.

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.

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.

Visa Application Process

Applying for the Subclass 186 visa usually involves the following steps:

1. Employer Nomination

Your employer must submit a nomination application for an eligible skilled position.

2. Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet age, English language, skills, and work experience requirements.

3. Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather employment documents, educational qualifications, identity documents, and any required skills assessment reports.

4. Submit Visa Application

Once your nomination is lodged or approved, you can submit your visa application through ImmiAccount.

5. Complete Health and Character Checks

Applicants may need medical examinations and police clearance certificates.

6. 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.

Documentation Checklist

1: Identity Documents

Valid passport
Birth certificate
National identity documents
Passport-sized photographs

2: Employment Documents

Employment contract
Employer nomination documents
Work reference letters
Payslips (if applicable)

3: Skills Documents

Skills assessment (if required)
Educational qualifications
Professional licenses or certifications

4: English Language Documents

IELTS
PTE
TOEFL
Other approved English test results

5: 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.

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.