Employer Nomination Scheme ENS (Subclass 186 Visa)
What you need to know about the 186 visa!
What you should know:
• For skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer
• Leads to permanent residency in Australia
• Three visa streams: Direct Entry, Transition, and Agreement
• Must meet age, health, English, and work experience requirements
• Allows you to live, work, and study in Australia permanently
• Access to Medicare and the ability to sponsor relatives
• Cost starts from AUD 4910 different timelines for each stream
• Family members (partner and children) can be included in your application
Looking for a clear and reliable pathway to permanent residency?
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The Subclass 186 Visa makes it possible for skilled workers to settle in Australia with the full backing of an employer nomination. It’s your chance to not just work here but to live, study, and build a secure future.
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To be qualified for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Subclass 186, you shall have recent experience with your chosen profession, job postings, and all other age, health, and English language requirements applicable to most visas.
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We know the process can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry.
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​Our expert team guides you through every requirement, ensuring you meet the criteria for a strong application.
This visa allows skilled workers nominated by their employer to live and work permanently in Australia.
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186 Visa has three streams:
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Direct Entry Stream: This stream is about applicants, experienced enough in an eligible occupation.
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Transition Stream: This stream is about holders of 457 visas or 482 TSS Visas that have worked for their nominating employers for at least two or three years.
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Agreement Stream: This stream is related to applicants sponsored by an employer based on a labor agreement.
Each pathway has unique requirements, but they all lead to the same goal: permanent residency in Australia.
Employer Nomination Scheme or186 Visa holders can:
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Work in Australia permanently
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study in Australia
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travel from/ to Australia for five years
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register in Australia’s public healthcare system or Medicare
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sponsor relatives to come to Australia
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if eligible, apply for Australian citizenship
General Eligibility for Employer Nomination Scheme or 186 Visa
If you have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you and meet the requirements below, you may have the eligibility to apply for a 186 Permanent Resident visa.
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Sponsor: Must be recommended by an Australian business before applying for this visa
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experience: Must have at least three years of experience in the nominated profession. Part-time jobs might be considered, but causal work is not considered.
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Age The age limit is 45 unless excused
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Employer Nomination
An Australian employer shall nominate the applicant before applying for this visa and the applicant shall apply six months after the approved nomination in case the application is not submitted with it.
In case the followings occur, the visa cannot be granted:
withdrawal of the nomination
The position unavailable
Duration of stay
Although this is a permanent visa, the 186 visa has a travel component that expires five years from the visa issuance date.
After expiration, applicants can apply for either: Australian Citizenship or Resident Return Visa
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Direct Entry Stream
This visa allows skilled workers nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently. You might be able to apply for a Permanent Resident (PR) visa through this stream if you meet the following requirements:
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At least three years of experience in the related profession.
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Shall have English competency
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You must take an English test unless one of the following applies:
Be a Canadian, Irish, UK, US, or New Zealand passport holder
If an English proficiency test is required, you can take one of the following tests:
*According to Home Affairs Department, the cost of this stream starts from AUD4,240
*According to Home Affairs Department, the processing time is as follows:
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25% of applications: 68 Days
50% of applications: 5 Months
75% of applications: 11 Months
90% of applications: 14 Months
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Applying for this visa requires that you be under 45 years old.
If you have the following conditions, you can be over 45 years old:
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An Australian university has nominated you for an academic position
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Appointed by a government scientific agency as a scientist, researcher, or technical expert holding a New Zealand visa subclass 444 or 461 and have been with your designated employer for two years.
This requires police and medical check. Shall Meet the health and character requirements (Unless you are excused).
You must apply for a 186 visa within six months of being nominated by your Australian employer and having your nomination approved (unless the visa and nomination application are submitted at the same time).
If the nomination is withdrawn, the visa will not be granted. The department does not associate new nominations with existing visa applications.
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Transition stream
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Current Visa
You shall be a holder of 457 Visa or TSS or related bridging visa A, B , or C to be able to apply for the 186 Visa this stream
*According to Home Affairs Department, the cost of this stream starts from AUD4,240
*According to Home Affairs Department, the processing time is as follows:
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25% of applications: 3 Months
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50% of applications: 8 Months
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75% of applications: 13 Months
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90% of applications: 19 Months
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Required Experience​
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You must have a minimum of three years of experience on subclass 457 or subclass 482 visa working full-time for your employer. It is enough to have spent at least two years working for your employer if you had a subclass 457 visa on April 18, 2017, or if you had applied for one,
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In case you have been laid off, taken unpaid leave, or have had your work hours reduced due to COVID-19, this time may still count towards your employer's hours.
English
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The Employer Nomination Scheme visa primary applicant shall have English competency.
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If an English proficiency test is required, you can take one of the following tests:
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shall take an English test unless one of the following applies: a Canadian, Irish, UK, US, or New Zealand passport holder.
*Please note that there is no School English exemption for the 186 visas anymore.
Applying for this visa requires that you be under 45 years old.
If you have the following conditions you can be over 45 years old:
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You are a Holder of (or have applied for) a Class 457 visa on April 18, 2017. In this case, you can apply up to the age of 50.
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An Australian university has nominated you for an academic position. Appointed by a government scientific agency as a scientist, researcher, or technical expert.
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You have worked as a 457 or 482 visa holder for at least three years as a medical practitioner who has spent two years in rural areas.
•You have three years of experience working for your employer on a 457 or 482 visa, during which time you have earned at least the Fair Work High Income Threshold each year.
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Health & Character
This requires police and medical check. Shall Meet the health and character requirements (Unless you are excused).
You must apply for a 186 visa within six months of being nominated by your Australian employer and having your nomination approved (unless the visa and nomination application are submitted at the same time).
If the recommendation is withdrawn, the visa will not be granted. The department does not associate new nominations with existing visa applications.
Include family in 186 Visa
This visa allows holders to include family members mentioned below in their application:
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Dependent children or stepchildren
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Dependent children or stepchildren of partner
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partners
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Partner
Including married or de facto partners of the same or opposite sex.
• The relationship is genuine and ongoing
• Live together or not permanently separated.
• Partner must be at least 18 years old at the time of application (there might besome exceptions)
• You are not related by your family (in case you are in a de facto relationship)
• You and your partner make a mutual commitment to live together to the exclusion of others.
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Children
To be added or included in a 186 visa as a child:
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They shall be Your child or stepchild from an ongoing or former relationship (certain circumstances).
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They shall not be engaged, married, or have a de facto partner
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Shall be under 18 years old or
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Over 18 years old but not turned 23 yet and dependent on you or your partner or
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Over 23 years and unable to make a living to support their own lives because of cognitive or physical disabilities and depending on you or your partner (Please take note that the youngster still needs to meet Australia's health requirements) or
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A dependent child of an eligible child under the age of one, two, or three or above.
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English
Applicants older than 18 years old shall have functional English abilities. However, you might choose to pay the department an additional application fee for family members who do not have sufficient English proficiency.
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Age
Children 23 years and older are not eligible to be included in your application. (Unless there are exceptional circumstances)
HEALTH & CHARACTER
All the members of the family shall acquire the health and character requirements. Applicants over 16 years old shall submit police clearances.
In case you already have a 186 (ENS) permanent visa and wish to bring your family to Australia you can apply for one of the family visas
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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186 Visa): Your Path to Permanent Residency
If you’re a skilled worker with an Australian employer ready to sponsor you, the 186 Visa could be your gateway to permanent residency. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently, access Medicare, study, and even sponsor your family.
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You must be under 45 (unless exempt), have at least three years of relevant work experience, and meet English, health, and character requirements. You’ll also need to be nominated by an eligible Australian employer.
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There are three streams:
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Direct Entry Stream – for skilled workers with no previous Australian work visa.
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Temporary Residence Transition Stream – for 457 or 482 visa holders employed with the same sponsor for at least two years.
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Labour Agreement Stream – for workers sponsored under a labour agreement.
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Apply within 6 months of nomination approval. Getting expert advice from a MARA-registered agent can boost your chances of a successful outcome.
FAQS
What is the Subclass 186 Visa?
A permanent visa for skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer.
How long does it take to process a 186 Visa?
Anywhere from 3 to 14 months, depending on your stream and case complexity.
Can I include my family?
Yes, partners and dependent children can be included in your application.
Do I need to take an English test?
Yes, unless you’re from an exempt English-speaking country.
What happens if my nomination is withdrawn?
Your visa cannot be granted. Always ensure your nomination remains valid.