What is the Subclass 186 Employer Nominated Scheme Visa?
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186, ENS) is a permanent residency visa in Australia's employer-sponsored migration program. It allows Australian employers to directly sponsor skilled overseas workers, providing a pathway to Australian permanent residency in a single step for the applicant and their family.
The 186 visa is the most valuable visa in the employer-sponsored category and one of the most popular programs. Unlike points-tested skilled migration, the 186 visa does not require an EOI score. As long as you have a qualifying employer nomination and meet the basic requirements, you can apply. After obtaining the 186 visa, holders can live anywhere in Australia, including major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, with no regional restrictions.
Three Application Streams
The 186 visa is divided into three distinct application streams, each catering to applicants with different backgrounds and varying requirements:
1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
This is the most common pathway to the 186 visa. It is designed for applicants currently holding a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482/SID) or the legacy 457 visa in Australia. After working full-time for their sponsoring employer for at least two years, applicants can transition to the 186 permanent residency visa.
The TRT stream offers more lenient English and skills assessment requirements: English only needs to meet the Competent English standard (IELTS 6.0 in each band), and there is no need for a new skills assessment. For 482 visa holders already working in Australia, this is the most straightforward pathway to permanent residency.
2. Direct Entry Stream
This stream is for applicants currently overseas who do not hold a 482 visa. As long as you have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, pass a skills assessment, meet the Competent English requirement, and have a qualifying employer nomination, you can apply for the 186 permanent residency visa directly from overseas.
The Direct Entry stream has higher thresholds, requiring a full skills assessment with the nominated occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). However, its advantage is that you can obtain permanent residency in one step without needing a temporary visa transition.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
This stream applies when the employer has a formal labour agreement with the Australian government. Such agreements are typically used to address skill shortages in specific industries or specialized roles, with requirements determined by the terms of the agreement.
Labour agreements typically offer flexibility in English requirements, work experience, and other criteria, but the employer must first obtain government approval. This stream is commonly seen in industries such as aged care, hospitality, and agriculture.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Regardless of which stream you choose, the following basic requirements must be met:
Age: Must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
English: Must meet the Competent English standard — IELTS minimum 6.0 in each band, or PTE Academic minimum 50 in each section.
Health: Must pass the Australian immigration health examination.
Character: Must provide police clearance certificates.
Work experience: TRT stream requires at least 2 years of full-time work with the sponsoring employer; Direct Entry stream requires at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
Skills assessment: TRT stream typically does not require a new assessment; Direct Entry stream requires a positive assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Application Costs and Processing Times
The primary applicant visa fee is AUD 4,640 (2024 standard). For family members, each adult secondary applicant incurs an additional AUD 2,320, and each child AUD 1,160. Additionally, employers must pay the SAF (Skilling Australians Fund) levy, which is a one-time fee calculated based on business size.
Processing times for the 186 visa typically range from 6 to 12 months, depending on application volume and case complexity. The TRT stream generally processes faster as applicants already have an established work record in Australia.
Employer Requirements
The 186 visa involves not just the applicant — the employer must also meet strict requirements. The employer must be a lawfully operating business in Australia, and the nominated position must be a genuine full-time role with a commitment of at least two years of full-time employment.
Regarding salary, the employer must pay an annual salary meeting the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). The 2024 TSMIT standard is AUD 70,000, and employers must pay at the market rate to ensure equal pay for equal work.
Employers must also pay the SAF training levy, comply with Australian workplace and safety laws, and maintain all employment records for immigration department review.
Rights and Benefits of 186 Visa Holders
Obtaining the 186 visa means receiving an Australian green card. Holders and their family members can enjoy the following benefits:
Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely without visa renewal.
Access to Australia's public healthcare system (Medicare) with free or low-cost public medical services.
Children can attend public schools tuition-free; higher education fees are significantly lower than international student rates (approximately one-third).
Spouses have unrestricted work rights in Australia.
Eligible family members can obtain permanent residency as secondary applicants.
Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residence requirements.
Freedom to travel in and out of Australia as a permanent resident, with a five-year Resident Return Visa (RRV) renewal requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the 186 visa and the 189/190 skilled migration visas?
A: The 186 is an employer-sponsored visa that does not require EOI scoring or state sponsorship. As long as you have a qualifying employer nomination and meet basic requirements, you can apply. The 189/190 are skilled migration visas that require competitive EOI scoring — 189 is nationwide invitation-based, while 190 requires state sponsorship. The 186's advantage is its score-free, clearly defined pathway.
Q: Can I change jobs after getting the 186 visa?
A: Yes. The 186 is a permanent residency visa, and holders have full work rights to freely change employers or occupations without visa restrictions. However, maintaining some stability after grant is recommended.
Q: For the 482-to-186 transition, do I need to stay with the same employer?
A: The TRT stream requires at least 2 years of full-time work with the sponsoring employer. These 2 years must be during the period holding a 482 visa, sponsored by the same employer. Time on a bridging visa can also be counted.
Q: Can I still apply for the 186 if I am over 45 years old?
A: The general age limit is 45 years. However, exemptions may apply if you held a 457 or 482 visa before February 1, 2020, and still hold one. Additionally, certain high-income earners (above the Fair Work high-income threshold) or specific medical practitioners may qualify for age exemptions.
Q: What if my 186 visa application is refused?
A: If your visa is refused, you have the right to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (AAT). It is strongly recommended to thoroughly prepare your application materials or consult a registered migration agent (MARA) to improve your chances of approval.
Application Process
Step 1: Background assessment — Determine whether your nominated occupation is on the occupation list and whether you meet the stream requirements.
Step 2: Skills assessment — Direct Entry stream applicants need to obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority in advance.
Step 3: English test — Take IELTS, PTE, or other approved English tests to ensure you meet the Competent English standard.
Step 4: Find an employer — Find a qualifying Australian employer and obtain a job offer.
Step 5: Employer nomination — The employer submits a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 6: Visa application — Submit your visa application after or concurrently with the employer's nomination.
Step 7: Health and character checks — Complete the immigration health examination and submit police clearance certificates.
Step 8: Visa grant — Visa approved; the entire family receives Australian permanent residency.
Conclusion
The 186 Employer Nomination Scheme permanent residency visa is one of the most efficient pathways to an Australian green card. Whether you are a 482 visa holder already working in Australia looking to transition to permanent residency, or a skilled professional overseas wanting to go directly to permanent residency, the 186 visa offers a clear pathway. The key lies in finding a qualifying employer, preparing comprehensive application materials, and having a clear career plan. If you have questions, it is recommended to consult a registered migration agent for personalized guidance.