Employer Nomination Scheme Visa | Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (ENS)
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. This visa is one of the most sought-after pathways to permanent residency, as it allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely without the points-test requirements of other skilled categories.
The subclass 186 visa allows Australian employers to recruit highly skilled overseas workers to fill vacancies that cannot be met by the local labor market. Whether you are transitioning from a temporary visa or applying directly from overseas, the 186 visa provides you and your family a secure, direct route to becoming Australian permanent residents.
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa – At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent Residency |
| Stay | Indefinite |
| Cost | From $6,140 AUD1 |
| Processing Time | Stream 1: Direct Entry 9 – 15 months Stream 2: Transition to 186 from another visa: 9 – 15 months Stream 3: Labour Agreement 5 – 8 months2 |
| Key Requirement | Nomination by an Australian Employer |
Fees are subject to change by the Department and other concession fees may apply.
To view our professional services fees click here.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 186 visa, you must meet specific criteria across one of the three available streams: the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, the Direct Entry (DE) stream, or the Labour Agreement stream.
1. Employer Nomination
The core of the 186 visa is a valid nomination from an Australian employer. The business must be actively and lawfully operating in Australia and demonstrate a genuine need for your skills. The position must be full-time and available for at least two years.
2. Occupation & Skills Assessment
For the Direct Entry (DE) stream, your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations, and you must obtain a positive skills assessment. For the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, you must generally have worked for your nominating employer for at least two years while holding a subclass 482 visa. The Labour Agreement stream provides additional occupations, can be less age and experience restrictive – we often use this stream where an applicant is not eligible under the other streams.
3. Work Experience
Eligibility varies by stream:
- Direct Entry: Requires at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- TRT Stream: Requires you to have worked full-time for your employer for 2 out of the last 3 years while holding a 482 visa.
- Labour Agreement: Varies depending upon occupation and the relevant labour agreement.
4. Age, English, and Health
You must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of application, though specific exemptions may apply particularly in the Labour Agreement stream. You must also demonstrate “Competent” English (again exceptions apply) and meet Australia’s strict health and character requirements.
How to Apply for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Employer Nomination Lodgement
The Australian employer must first lodge a nomination application. This involves proving the business’s financial viability and that the offered salary meets the TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold), which for the 2025-2026 period is significantly indexed.
Step 2: Skills Assessment (Direct Entry Only)
If you are applying via the Direct Entry stream, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority before the visa application can be finalised.
Step 3: Lodge the Visa Application
Once the nomination is lodged (or approved), you lodge your individual visa application. This includes all supporting evidence for your experience, qualifications, and English proficiency.
Step 4: Health and Character Checks
After lodgement, you and your family will be required to undergo medical examinations and provide police clearances from all countries resided in for more than 12 months.
Step 5: Visa Grant and Permanent Residency
Upon approval, you are granted permanent residency. This grant covers you and any eligible family members included in the application, such as your partner and children.
Being on a Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa means…
What You Can Do on the Subclass 186 Visa
As a permanent resident, you can:
- Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible.
Your Visa Obligations
While the 186 is a permanent visa, there is an expectation that you will remain with your nominating employer for at least two years. We can provide legal guidance on your rights and obligations if your employment circumstances change.
The Pathway to Australian Citizenship
After living in Australia for four years, with at least the last 12 months as a permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. See our Citizenship page here for further details about attaininig Australian citizenship.
Your Best Chance of Success with Visa Advisory Australia
The 186 visa is high-stakes for both the employer and the employee. A single error in the nomination stage such as an incorrect ANZSCO code or failing to meet the SAF levy requirements may lead to an automatic refusal of the visa.
Our Subclass 186 Services include:
Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment for both the business and the individual to ensure a high probability of success.
Employer Nomination Strategy to ensure the business meets all financial and training requirements.
Skills Assessment Guidance for Direct Entry candidates to avoid common pitfalls with assessing authorities.
Decision-Ready Application lodgement by Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) to minimise processing delays.
Full Management of all communication with the Department of Home Affairs.
And much, much more.
Don’t risk your permanent residency. Talk to an expert today.
Related Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
Q: Can I change employers after my 186 visa is granted?
A: Once the 186 visa is granted, you are a permanent resident. However, the visa is granted on the basis of a genuine intent to work in the nominated position for two years. Contact us if your employment ends prematurely to understand the impact on your status.
Q: What is the difference between Direct Entry and TRT?
A: The Direct Entry (DE) stream is for those who haven’t worked for their employer on a 482 visa yet but have 3 years of experience. The TRT stream is for those who have already worked for their nominating employer for 2 years on a 482 visa.
Q: Do I need a points test for the 186 visa?
A: No. Unlike the 189 or 190 visas, the subclass 186 is an employer-sponsored visa and is not points-tested.
Q: What happens if my employer’s nomination is refused?
A: If the nomination is refused, the visa application will also be refused. This is why ensuring the employer’s nomination is “decision-ready” is the most critical part of the process.
Q: What happens if my visa is refused?
A: If your visa is refused, you may have rights to appeal the decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Our firm is highly experienced in representing clients at the ART for partner visa matters. Our firm specialises in ART appeals for family visas – click here for further details.
- Base application charge only. Prices are subject to change. Source: Department of Home Affairs. ↩︎
- Visa processing time current as of 23 April 2026. For the latest processing time click here. ↩︎
