Australia Employer Nomination Scheme ENS Visa Subclass 186 Eligibility Streams PR Pathway

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186 is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers, nominated by an approved Australian employer, to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa is a key pathway for skilled professionals already working in Australia on temporary visas or those nominated from overseas.

In this guide, we’ll cover the streams, eligibility, benefits, and step-by-step application process for the Subclass 186 Visa to help you understand the pathway to permanent residency.

What is the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)?

The Subclass 186 Visa allows skilled workers to settle permanently in Australia when they are nominated by an eligible employer.

There are three main streams under this visa:

• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

• Direct Entry Stream

• Labour Agreement Stream

Each stream has different eligibility requirements based on your work situation and qualifications.

Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa

• Permanent Residency: Live and work in Australia indefinitely.

• Work and Study: Full work and study rights anywhere in Australia.

• Bring Family Members: Include eligible family members in your application.

• Access to Medicare: Enroll in Australia’s public healthcare system.

• Pathway to Citizenship: Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible.

Streams of the ENS Visa (Subclass 186)

1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

• For applicants who have worked for their nominating employer on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482 or related visa.

• Requires at least 2–3 years of full-time work with the same employer.

• Employer must nominate the applicant for the permanent role.

2. Direct Entry Stream

• For skilled workers who are outside Australia or have not worked long-term for the employer in Australia.

• Requires a skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant work experience.

• Suitable for high-demand occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

3. Labour Agreement Stream

• For workers sponsored under a Labour Agreement between their employer and the Australian Government.

• Designed for specific industries and skill shortages not covered under standard occupation lists.

Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 186 Visa

For Applicants

• Age: Must be under 45 years old (some exemptions apply).

• Skills & Qualifications: Meet the skill requirements for the nominated occupation.

• English Proficiency: Meet minimum English language standards.

• Work Experience: Varies depending on stream (generally at least 3 years).

• Health & Character: Meet Australian health and character requirements.

For Employers

• Must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor or have a valid Labour Agreement.

• Must offer a genuine position that is full-time and ongoing.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Employer Nomination

Your employer must submit a nomination to the Department of Home Affairs for the role they are offering.

Step 2: Lodge Your Visa Application

After the nomination is approved, you can apply for the visa via the ImmiAccount portal. Required documents include:

• Passport and identity documents

• Employment references

• Skills assessment (if required)

• English test results

• Health and character documents

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

The application fee is approximately AUD $4,640 for the primary applicant (fees vary for secondary applicants).

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary depending on the stream and document completeness.

Visa Costs

• Base Application Charge: Around AUD $4,640

• Additional Applicants: Extra charges apply for family members.
  (Fees subject to change – check the Department of Home Affairs for updates.)

Pathway to Australian Citizenship

Once granted the Subclass 186 Visa, you become a permanent resident. After meeting residency requirements (generally 4 years with at least 12 months as a PR), you may apply for Australian citizenship.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Ensure your occupation is on the eligible list for the stream.

• Double-check all documents before submission to avoid delays.

• Work closely with your employer during the nomination process.

• Consider consulting a registered migration agent for expert guidance.

Final Thoughts

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186 is one of the most reliable pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers in Australia. Whether you are transitioning from a temporary work visa or being nominated directly from overseas, this visa offers stability, long-term work rights, and the opportunity to build a future in Australia.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents early, work with your employer closely, and apply on time to maximise your chances of approval.