186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa

The Australia Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) is a significant pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Australia through employer sponsorship. This visa category allows Australian employers to nominate foreign workers for permanent residency based on the employee’s skills, qualifications, and experience.

Requirements To Apply For A Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

To be eligible for the Subclass 186 visa, applicants need to meet specific criteria related to their occupation, skills, qualifications, and English language proficiency. They also need to be nominated by an eligible employer who demonstrates a genuine need for the position and complies with labour market testing requirements.

The 186 Visa offers permanent residency, allowing you and your family to live, work, and study in Australia for as long as you want. You’ll also have access to healthcare, education, and social security benefits, just like Australian citizens.

To apply, you need an employer nomination for a skilled job and must have the right experience and qualifications to fill the position.

Other 186 visa requirements include:

  • Being less than 45 years of age.
  • Have sufficient English proficiency, depending upon the stream.
  • Be of good character and health.

Types Of Subclass 186 Visa Streams

There are three streams for the 186 visa in Australia.

Direct Entry Stream

For applicants who have 3 years of experience of an occupation on the list of skilled occupations, and who have an offer from an employer in that field.

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

For applicants who hold a 457, TSS or related bridging visa A, B, or C, and are sponsored by the same employer that sponsored your 457 or 482 visa for at least 3 out of 4 years. 

Labour Agreement Stream

For applicants who currently work, or will work, for a nominating employer who is party to a labour agreement. If the applicant is in Australia, they will need to hold a substantive 457 or TSS visa that is issued under a labour agreement.

How To Apply For A 186 Visa

Ready to apply for a 186 Visa? Contact K1 Migration today!

Whether you're a business looking to sponsor a skilled worker or an individual already sponsored by an employer, our expert team is here to help. Book a discovery call with us for professional and strategic guidance tailored to your needs.

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    Step 1

    Once you reach out to K1 Migration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.

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    Step 2

    From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.

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    Step 3

    Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Let’s make it happen together. Contact K1 Migration today, and let us help you or your business take the next big step. We’re here to make your move smooth, stress-free, and successful!

Not sure what visa you could be eligible for?

Australian visas can be confusing, especially if you might have more than one option. Use our Visa Finder to view your visa options. 

Want to speak to someone about your case?

Not sure where to go from here? Speak to a registered migration agent about your immigration needs today.

Know what you need and want some pricing?

Know what visa you want to apply for but need some pricing? Get in touch with us and we will get back to you with a fixed price quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Subclass 186 Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. It allows individuals to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

The visa has three streams:

  • Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: For workers who have held a Subclass 482 Visa for at least 2 years with the same employer.
  • Direct Entry Stream: For applicants outside Australia or those with less than 2 years with an employer but meeting skills and experience requirements.
  • Labour Agreement Stream: For workers sponsored through a formal Labour Agreement between an employer and the government.

Applicants must:

  • Be nominated by an approved employer.
  • Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience (Direct Entry Stream).
  • Hold a skills assessment if required.
  • Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
  • Be under 45 years old (exemptions apply in some cases).

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Stay informed with the latest updates, expert insights, and essential resources on Australia’s evolving visa programs. From skilled migration pathways to new visa regulations, K1 Migration provides clear, accurate, and actionable information to help individuals and businesses successfully navigate the complex immigration landscape.

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