Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa for overseas skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer to work in Australia.

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is an Australian visa for skilled workers who want to work and live in Australia permanently. Employers can nominate workers for this visa if they can’t find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to do the skilled work. There are three streams under this scheme:

1. Direct Entry Stream: For skilled workers who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia.
2. Labour Agreement Stream: For skilled workers sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement.
3. Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For Subclass 457 or TSS visa holders who have worked for their employer for at least three years.

Each stream has specific requirements. Generally, the stay is permanent, and the visa cost starts from AUD 4,640. Applicants must meet health and character requirements, have the necessary skills and qualifications, and comply with Australian laws and the conditions of their visa. 

Direct Entry Stream

• About the Stream: Designed for skilled workers who have not previously worked in Australia or have only worked briefly. Suitable for those applying directly from outside Australia or who do not qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
• Staying Options: Permanent residency in Australia.
• Fees: The visa application fee starts from AUD 4,115.
• Processing Time: Approximately 6 to 8 months for most applications.
• Must Follow Guidelines: Applicants must be nominated by an Australian employer, have a relevant occupation on the skilled occupation list, have at least three years of relevant work experience, and meet the skills, qualifications, and English language requirements.

Important Note: Skill Assessment is mandatory under this stream. However, English level equivalent to IELTS 6 (each module) is required. Additionally, any secondary applicant who are over 18 need to meet the Functional English ability (Overall IELTS 4.5 or equivalent) in last 12 months.

Labour Agreement Stream

• About the Stream: For skilled workers who are sponsored by an employer through a labor agreement. Labor agreements are negotiated between the Australian government and employers to address specific skill shortages in the Australian labor market.
• Staying Options: Permanent residency in Australia.
• Fees: The visa application fee starts from AUD 4,115.
• Processing Time: Varies depending on the complexity of the labor agreement.
• Must Follow Guidelines: Applicants must be nominated by an employer who has a labor agreement with the Australian government, meet the age, skills, and English language requirements specified in the labor agreement, and comply with all other conditions of the visa.

Important Note: From 19th April 2017, the CSOL (Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List) and the SOL (Skilled Occupation List) have been condensed and replaced by the STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List) and MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) respectively.

For STSOL, there is no separate list but a Combined List of Skilled Occupations (including the occupations from both STSOL and MTSSL).

Both STSOL and MLTSSL are due to be revised on 1st July, 2017.

Hence, for 186 visa, the employer should nominate someone for the occupation that is either on STSOL or MTSSL list.

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

• About the Stream: For Subclass 457 or TSS visa holders who have worked for their nominating employer in Australia for at least three years and the employer wants to offer them a permanent position.
• Staying Options: Permanent residency in Australia.
• Fees: The visa application fee starts from AUD 4,115.
• Processing Time: Approximately 6 to 8 months for most applications.
• Must Follow Guidelines: Applicants must have worked for their nominating employer full-time for at least three years, have a genuine need for the position, and meet the required skills and qualifications for the position. The employer must also have complied with Australian immigration and workplace laws.

Important Note: No Skill Assessment is required under this stream. However, English level equivalent to IELTS 5 (each module) is required unless exempted. Additionally, any secondary applicant who are over 18 need to meet the Functional English ability (Overall score of IELTS 4.5 or equivalent) in last 12 months unless exempted.

For all streams, applicants must meet health and character requirements and be under the age of 45 at the time of application, unless specific exemptions apply. It’s important to note that processing times and fees can vary, so it’s advisable to check the latest information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or consult with an immigration professional.

Benefits You Get On 186 Visa

With 186 visa, you and your family members included in the visa application can

• Live, study and work in Australia for an indefinite period
• Enrol in Medicare to cover health care costs
• Apply for Australian citizenship on satisfying the criteria
• Sponsor other eligible relatives for permanent residence in Australia
• Visit Australia frequently for 5 years from the date visa is granted

Eligibility Criteria For Applicants

As an applicant, to be eligible for this visa, you must have

• Age less than 50 years of age unless you are exempt from the age criteria
• Nomination by an Australian employer who is legally operating in Australia
• Applied for the visa within 6 months of getting a nomination
• Required skills and qualifications for the position
• Evidence of English Language proficiency unless you are exempt
• Meet health and character requirements
• Fulfilled the criteria of the stream you applied