Australia Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) – Employer-Sponsored PR Pathway

The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. This visa allows professionals to live and work in Australia permanently and is one of the most popular pathways to Australian PR through employer sponsorship.

In this guide, we’ll cover the eligibility, requirements, benefits, and step-by-step application process for the Subclass 186 visa.

What is the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)?

The Subclass 186 ENS Visa is designed to help Australian employers fill skill shortages by sponsoring qualified overseas workers.

There are three streams under this visa:

• Direct Entry Stream – For applicants with skills that meet the requirements of an occupation on the eligible skilled list.

• Temporary Residence Transition Stream – For Subclass 482 or 457 visa holders who have worked with their employer for a set period.

• Labour Agreement Stream – For applicants sponsored under a labour agreement.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa

• Permanent Residency – Live and work in Australia indefinitely.

• Family Inclusion – Include eligible family members in your application.

• Pathway to Citizenship – Become eligible for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

• Access to Medicare – Enjoy Australia’s public healthcare system.

visit here- Work Visa Australia

Eligibility Criteria for the 186 Visa

To qualify for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, you must:

• Be Nominated by an Approved Employer – Your employer must be approved as a sponsor.

• Occupation List – Your role must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.

• Skills & Qualifications – Have the required skills, qualifications, and experience.

• English Language Proficiency – Meet the English language requirements (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent).

• Age Requirement – Be under 45 years old (some exemptions apply).

• Health & Character – Satisfy health and character checks.

Documents Required for the 186 Visa

You will need to provide:

• Valid passport

• Nomination approval from your employer

• Skills assessment (if required)

• English language test results

• Employment references and experience documents

• Health insurance proof (if applicable)

• Police clearance certificates

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Subclass 186 Visa

1. Employer Nomination

Your employer lodges a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs.

2. Lodge Your Visa Application

Once the nomination is approved, you can submit your visa application online.

3. Pay the Visa Fee

The visa fee starts from AUD 4,640, with additional fees for dependents.

4. Wait for Processing

Processing times vary depending on the stream, usually between 6 to 12 months.

5. Visa Grant

Once approved, you receive permanent residency status in Australia.

Visa Conditions and Rights

With the 186 visa, you:

• Have full work rights in Australia

• Can live anywhere in Australia

• Have access to Medicare and social benefits

• Can sponsor eligible family members

Processing Time and Fees

• Processing Time – 6 to 12 months depending on the stream

• Visa Fees – From AUD 4,640, plus additional costs for health, police, and dependents

Final Thoughts

The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) is a reliable and direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia for skilled workers. With the right employer sponsorship, strong documentation, and correct application process, you can achieve your dream of living and working in Australia permanently.

For the best chance of success, you may consider getting help from a registered migration agent to make your application smooth and hassle-free.