Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Visa
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. This visa allows eligible workers from overseas to live and work in Australia permanently. It’s intended for individuals with skills that are in high demand in the Australian labor market, helping employers fill critical roles while providing skilled workers with a stable future in Australia.
With this visa, workers can enjoy the benefits of permanent residency, including the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, access healthcare, and apply for citizenship after meeting the necessary requirements.
Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa
Permanent Residency
Successful applicants receive permanent residency, allowing them to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
Pathway to Citizenship
After fulfilling residency requirements, visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship.
Family Inclusion
Visa holders can include eligible family members in their application, enabling them to also live, work, or study in Australia.
Job Security
The visa is linked to employment with the sponsoring employer, providing job stability.
Access to Medicare
Visa holders gain access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
Social Security Benefits
Permanent residents are eligible for various social security benefits after meeting waiting periods.
Subclass 186 Visa
MAIN REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Subclass 186 visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:
Nomination by an Employer
Applicants must be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a position that meets specific skill requirements.
Skills Assessment
For the Direct Entry stream, applicants may need to undergo a skills assessment to confirm their qualifications and experience in their nominated occupation.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, although some exemptions may apply.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate a competent level of English, usually by taking an approved English language test.
Health and Character
Applicants and their family members must meet health and character requirements, including medical examinations and police clearances.
Different Streams of Subclass 186 visa
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
(TRT Stream)
This stream is for individuals who are currently in Australia on a temporary work visa (such as the Subclass 482) and have worked for their sponsoring employer for at least three years in the same occupation.
Applicants can transition to permanent residency without the need for a skills assessment if their temporary visa is valid.
Direct Entry Stream
This stream is for skilled workers who are either outside Australia or hold a temporary visa but do not qualify for the TRT stream.
Applicants must undergo a skills assessment relevant to their nominated occupation and may not need to have worked for their employer prior to applying.
Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is for applicants sponsored by employers who have a formal labour agreement with the Australian government.
It allows employers to recruit foreign workers for positions that meet specific labor market needs under the terms of the agreement, often involving occupations not typically eligible for other ENS streams.
Steps to apply for the Subclass 186 Visa
Obtain a Job Offer
Secure a job offer from an Australian employer who is willing to sponsor you.
1
Employer Nomination
Your employer must submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.
2
Gather Documentation
Collect required documents, including proof of skills, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, health assessments, and police clearances.
3
Submit Visa Application
After the nomination is approved, submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
4
Processing
Wait for the Department to assess your application. They may request additional information or documentation during this process.
5
Receive Visa Decision
If approved, you will be granted permanent residency under the Subclass 186 visa.
6
Current Processing Time: Subclass 186 Visa
When it comes to the processing timeline, several factors can impact your application. These include the quality of submitted documents and the volume of applications received by the Department.
| Stream | 50% applications are processed in | 90% applications are processed in |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Entry Stream | 4 Months | 9 Months |
| Temporary Residence Transition Stream | 6 Months | 14 Months |
| Labour Agreement Stream | 73 Days | 4 Months |
Frequently
Asked
Questions
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The Direct Entry stream is for skilled workers who are not currently in Australia or who hold a temporary visa, while the Temporary Residence Transition stream is for those who have worked for their employer on a temporary visa for at least 3 years.
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Yes, you can include eligible family members, such as your spouse/partner and dependent children, in your application.
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Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, although some exemptions apply for certain occupations or situations.
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A skills assessment is typically required for the Direct Entry stream to validate your qualifications and work experience in your nominated occupation. It may not be required for the Temporary Residence Transition stream if you are already working in the nominated occupation.
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The Subclass 186 visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
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Yes, after meeting the residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship.