Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer.
Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa
Permanent Residency in Australia
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Study at any Australian educational institution
- Enjoy many of the same rights and benefits as Australian citizens across various aspects of life, subject to eligibility requirements
Access Benefits Available to Permanent Residents
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system
- Access healthcare services and community support programs available to eligible residents
Greater Opportunities for Your Family's Future
- Include eligible family members in your visa application or sponsor eligible relatives to migrate to Australia
- Travel freely to and from Australia for up to 5 years from the date your visa is granted
- Become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship once all requirements are met
BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SUBCLASS 186 VISA
To be eligible for a Subclass 186 visa, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
Employer Sponsorship
Be nominated by an Australian employer for a full-time, ongoing position.
Occupation
Your nominated occupation must be eligible under the relevant visa stream.
Skills & Work Experience
Meet the qualification, skills, and relevant work experience requirements for the nominated occupation.
Skills Assessment (if applicable)
Some streams and occupations require a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
English
Meet the English language requirements specified by the Department of Home Affairs or under the applicable Labour Agreement.
Age
Generally, you must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, unless an age exemption applies.
Health and Character Requirements
Complete the required health examinations using your HAP ID.
If you have lived in any country for 12 months or more within the last 10 years, you will be required to provide a police clearance certificate from that country.
Additional Requirements (if applicable)
Some occupations or Labour Agreement programs may impose additional requirements relating to age, work experience, qualifications, or occupational licensing/registration.
Subclass 186 visa Streams
(either onshore or offshore)
subclass 186 visa Application Process
Assess Eligibility
Assess the nominee's occupation, experience and eligibility.
Lodge Nomination
The approved sponsoring employer submits the nomination application.
Lodge Visa
Submit the visa application once the nomination is lodged or approved.
Await Assessment
Await DHA assessment and respond to further requests.
Visa Granted
The subclass 186 visa is a PR visa with a 5-year travel facility
HOW CAN SKILL DIRECT HELP YOU?
We support you throughout your employer-sponsored permanent residency journey
Identify your stream and create a suitable roadmap
Assess your occupation, qualifications and work experience to recommend the most suitable Subclass 186 stream and confirm your eligibility before you apply
Support Employers with the Nomination and Labour Agreement Process (if applicable)
Prepare the Visa Application
Gathering and preparing all required documents to ensure the application is complete, accurate, and ready for lodgement
Ongoing Support After Visa Grant
Follow up the progress of nomination, labour agreement (if applicable) and visa applications, respond to requests for further information and plan your transition to citizenship
ARE YOU READY TO START YOUR MIGRATION JOURNEY?
Book a consultation with Skill Direct and let us help you develop the right strategy for your application.
Frequently asked questions
Below are our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help you better understand our services and the migration process at Skill Direct.
1. Is It Difficult to Transition from a Subclass 482 to a Subclass 186?
Transitioning from a Subclass 482 to a Subclass 186 is generally achievable if you meet the relevant requirements, including:
– The sponsoring company is qualified, financially stable, and willing to continue sponsoring you for an additional two years after your 186 visa is granted.
- Your sponsoring employer remains eligible and is willing to nominate you.
- You meet all eligibility requirements for the Subclass 186 at the time of application.
If these requirements are met, the transition from a Subclass 482 to a Subclass 186 is generally straightforward.
2. Regarding the experience requirement for the subclass 186 visa, is the required 3 years of experience calculated from the date of the skill assessment, or can it be calculated from before that date?
Experience can be considered prior to this, provided that the requirement of at least 3 years of full-time experience and skill level is met; the skills assessment is only a requirement of the subclass 186 visa application.
3. What are the work experience requirements for the 186 TRT (subclass 186) visa?
For the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the subclass 186 visa, applicants must have worked full-time for at least two years on a 457/482 visa within the last three years, and during that time, the sponsoring employer must have maintained a valid SBS permit. Additionally, the salary must meet the minimum wage required by the Department of Immigration and be commensurate with market rates.