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Australia’s Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) is a popular pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for a permanent role when there is a genuine need for their skills.
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In this guide, we’ll explore the streams, eligibility, benefits, and application process for the Subclass 186 visa.
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency (PR) visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. It is designed to fill skill shortages in specific occupations and offers a direct route to PR.
The visa has three main streams:
Direct Entry Stream – For applicants with skills, qualifications, and experience in occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Temporary Residence Transition Stream – For 482 visa holders who have worked for the same employer for at least three years.
Labour Agreement Stream – For applicants nominated under a labour agreement between their employer and the Australian Government.
Permanent residency in Australia.
Live and work anywhere in Australia.
Access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system).
Ability to sponsor eligible family members.
Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
The eligibility criteria differ slightly depending on the stream.
Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
Occupation must be on the MLTSSL (Direct Entry Stream).
Meet skills, qualifications, and experience requirements.
Be under 45 years of age (some exemptions apply).
Meet English language requirements.
Satisfy health and character requirements.
Skills assessment in the nominated occupation.
At least three years of relevant work experience.
Hold a 482 TSS visa or eligible 457 visa.
Work for the same employer for at least three years.
Must be sponsored under a labour agreement.
Meet age, skills, and English requirements as outlined in the agreement.
Applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa involves two main stages:
Your employer submits a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.
Once the nomination is approved, you can lodge your visa application online via ImmiAccount.
Valid passport
Employer nomination details
Skills assessment (if required)
English language test results
Employment references and work experience documents
Health examination results
Police clearance certificates
Identity documents of dependents (if applicable)
Processing times can vary depending on the stream:
Direct Entry Stream: 5–12 months
Temporary Residence Transition Stream: 4–11 months
Visa application fees start from AUD 4,640 (main applicant) and additional fees apply for dependents.
As a permanent resident under the Subclass 186 visa, you may apply for Australian citizenship after meeting:
4 years of lawful residence in Australia.
12 months as a permanent resident.
Ensure your employer is an approved sponsor.
Verify your occupation is on the MLTSSL (for Direct Entry).
Keep all documents updated and certified.
Meet English test requirements early to avoid delays.
Consider professional help from a migration agent for complex cases.
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) is a direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia for skilled workers. Whether applying through the Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, or Labour Agreement stream, understanding the eligibility requirements and application process will improve your chances of success.
With employer support and proper preparation, the Subclass 186 visa can open the door to a permanent future in Australia.
