Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Building a long-term future in Australia becomes achievable when your skills are genuinely valued by an Australian employer. The Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 offers a direct pathway to permanent residency for professionals ready to settle, grow their careers, and contribute to the local workforce. Designed for stability and opportunity, this visa connects trusted employers with skilled individuals, allowing families to plan ahead, careers to flourish, and lives to be built with confidence in Australia.

Whether you are currently working in Australia or applying from overseas, the visa subclass 186 offers a structured route to stability, career growth, and permanent residency.

What Is An Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186?

The 186 Employer Nomination Scheme is a permanent residence visa that enables skilled workers to be nominated by an Australian employer to get a specified job. Upon approval, the 186 visa offers unrestricted employment opportunities, Medicare facilities, and the possibility to sponsor the qualified relatives. This visa is employer-driven, meaning the sponsoring business must demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated position and meet compliance obligations. The ENS Visa is suitable for applicants both inside and outside Australia, depending on the stream they apply under.

Streams Under Visa Subclass 186

The streams of the visa subclass 186 are developed to fit various working conditions and the employment phases. Every stream provides a clear way to permanent residency, depending on the period of time you worked in Australia, the position of your employer, and the type of your skilled job.

1] Direct Entry Stream

The Direct Entry stream is ideal for skilled workers who have not previously worked for their sponsoring employer in Australia. Applicants under this stream usually apply from offshore or may be on a temporary visa in Australia for a short period. The subclass 186 visa under Direct Entry requires a positive skills assessment and relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.

2] Labour Agreement Stream

This is a visa that allows talented workers who are nominated by their employer to reside and work in Australia permanently. You may consider joining the Labour Agreement stream if you currently work, or will work, for an employer. The 186 employer nomination scheme visa of this stream follows the terms and concessions outlined in the agreement.

3] Temporary Residence Transition Stream

The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for skilled workers who have worked with their current employer on an eligible temporary visa for the required period. This stream allows eligible workers contributing to the Australian workforce to transition smoothly to permanent residency through the visa subclass 186.

Subclass 186 Visa Eligibility Criteria & Required Documents

Before starting your 186 visa application, it is important to clearly understand the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. This visa pathway is designed for skilled professionals who are genuinely nominated by Australian employers for permanent roles.

Applicants must also carefully assess the 186 visa English requirements, as language proficiency plays a key role in determining overall eligibility and application success.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Job Offer by an approved Australian employer – Employer has to be registered as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).
• Skills & Work Experience – Applicants must have a minimum of three years’ experience in the nominated occupation.
• English language proficiency – IELTS( minimum 6.0 in every band), PTE or TOEFL.
• Health and legal character requirement – A police clearance certificate and medical examination are required.
• Salary compliance – Sponsored workers should be remunerated according to the Australian market rate of salary.
• Age criteria – The age should be below 45 years (some exemptions apply).

Documents Required:

• Valid passport – This should be valid during the visa procedure.
• Job offer letter – An approved Australian employer offers employment to the candidate in a formal employment contract.
• Skills assessment report – Need for Direct Entry applicants.
• Educational qualification – Degree, trade certificates or diploma.
• Salary Evidence – Evidence of salary being in compliance with the Australian market rate.

What Is The Visa Subclass 186 Processing Time and Duration?

The 186 Visa processing time can vary based on the stream, occupation, and complexity of the application. Processing can take an average of several months, but some applications can take longer if some extra checks are necessary.

The visa itself is permanent, meaning there is no expiry on residency status once granted. Travel rights are usually valid for five years from the date of grant.

Cost Breakdown For The Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa

Understanding 186 visa costs is crucial for financial planning. The total cost includes the nomination fee paid by the employer and the visa application charge paid by the applicant.

Other costs might be skills and English tests, a medical examination, and a police certificate. The amount of fees also varies with the number of family members covered in the application, and it is therefore important to make a budget before applying.

Step-by-Step Process To Apply For Subclass 186

The process of applying for subclass 186 is simple. Knowing the steps involved is a way of ensuring the applicants and employers get ready to do things properly, gather the required documents in time and make a smooth transition towards a successful visa application.

• Initiate the process: It is better to start with getting an understanding of the route of the 186 employer nomination scheme and to make sure that your occupation and position will be suitable to meet the permanent sponsorship requirements.
• Check eligibility: Determine your age, skills, experience and English language criteria to satisfy the criteria of subclass 186, according to the associated stream.
• Make sure employer nomination: Ensure that your employer has nominated you under the correct stream and that the business satisfies the sponsorship requirements.
• Apply for a visa: Submit the visa application within six months of the nomination approval, with all the documents being accurate and complete.
• Visa grant decision: Once assessed and approved by the Department of Home Affairs, your subclass 186 visa is granted, allowing you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.

Working with an experienced immigration agent Perth WA ensures your application aligns with current migration regulations.

Start Your Subclass 186 Visa Application Today – Speak With An Immigration Agent In Perth

Navigating permanent residency pathways can be complex without professional guidance. Our qualified migration expert can assess your eligibility, identify the most suitable stream, and manage your documentation accurately.

If you are planning your future through immigration Perth, our expert advice can make a significant difference in achieving a successful outcome. Begin your journey with confidence by seeking our tailored support for your 186 visa application today!