Australia Subclass 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) – Guide

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. It allows the applicant and eligible dependants to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Unlike skilled migration visas, it does not require a points test. The process involves two steps: the employer lodges a nomination, and the applicant then applies for the visa. Once granted, the visa provides access to permanent residency benefits such as Medicare and, eventually, eligibility for Australian citizenship.

The Subclass 186 visa has three streams, each designed for different situations:

• Direct Entry (DE) Stream – For applicants outside Australia or those who have not worked long enough for their nominating employer. A skills assessment and occupation on the skilled list are required.
• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream – For holders of certain temporary visas (such as subclass 482 or the legacy 457) who have worked for their employer for two to three years. A new skills assessment is usually not required.
• Labour Agreement (LA) Stream – For workers sponsored under a labour agreement between the employer and the Australian government. Requirements can be more flexible, depending on the terms of the agreement.

Eligibility criteria vary depending on which stream of the Subclass 186 visa you apply under. Below is a comparison of the main requirements:

Note: Exemptions may apply in certain circumstances (for example, for academics, high-income earners, or positions covered by a labour agreement). Applicants should always check the latest requirements before applying.

Employers nominating applicants under Subclass 186 must meet strict obligations. They must:

• Be actively and lawfully operating in Australia.
• Offer a genuine, full-time role aligned with the nominated occupation.
• Pay the nominee the market salary rate, ensuring conditions are no less favourable than those offered to Australians in similar roles.
• Demonstrate the need for the nominated position and ensure it is available for at least two years.
• Lodge a nomination application and pay the relevant fees and levies, including the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.
• Not pass on certain nomination costs or levies to the visa applicant.

The costs for the Subclass 186 visa include both applicant charges and employer fees:

Note: These fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and may change, so applicants and employers should always confirm the current costs at the time of application.

The costs for the Subclass 186 visa include both applicant charges and employer fees:

Note: These fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and may change, so applicants and employers should always confirm the current costs at the time of application.

The Subclass 186 visa has three main streams:

• Direct Entry Stream – For skilled workers who meet skills, English, and work experience requirements whether or not they’ve held a temporary visa. Applicants usually need to have a positive skills assessment, relevant experience, and be nominated by an employer for a full-time position.
• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream – For those already working in Australia under a qualifying temporary visa (e.g. subclass 482) with their current employer. This stream allows a transition to permanent status if you have worked full time for the employer for a required period.
• Labour Agreement Stream – For workers nominated under an employer labour agreement negotiated with the Australian government. This is used when the occupation is not covered under standard lists or when special arrangements are needed.

Note: Each stream has distinct eligibility rules (skills assessments, work history, employer obligations) tailored to different applicant circumstances.

To choose the proper stream:

• If you are overseas (or in Australia) with the required skills, experience, and qualifications, and have an employer willing to nominate you, the Direct Entry stream is appropriate.
• If you are already working in Australia under a temporary work visa (e.g. 482) and have been with your employer for the required time, then TRT may be your pathway.
• If your employer has a Labour Agreement in place (or the occupation is outside standard lists), then Labour Agreement stream may apply.
• Your individual situation—your visa history, work history, employer status, and occupation—determines which stream you qualify for. It’s important to match your background with the correct stream criteria.

Key eligibility criteria that all applicants and their sponsoring employer must satisfy include:

• The applicant must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
• The nominated position must be a full-time job consistent with your occupation.
• You must have the required skills, qualifications, and relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
• Meet health and character requirements (medical checks and police certificates).
• Meet English language requirements (often “competent English” or higher).
• Be under the age limit (generally under 45) unless exemptions apply (for certain positions or agreements).
• For the TRT stream: you must have already worked for the nominating employer in Australia under a qualifying temporary visa for a minimum period.
• For Direct Entry: a skills assessment is required (unless exempt).
• For Labour Agreement: satisfy terms of that specific agreement.

Note: If all conditions are met, the visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

Step 1: Employer nomination – Your Australian employer submits a nomination for the role, demonstrating the business need and meeting sponsorship obligations.

Step 2: Nomination approval – Once the nomination is approved, you become eligible to proceed with your visa application.

Step 3: Gather documentation – Collect all necessary documents, including proof of identity, skills, qualifications, employment records, English test results, health, and character checks.

Step 4: Lodge your visa application – Submit your application online through ImmiAccount, ensuring you select the correct stream (Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, or Labour Agreement).

Step 5: Complete health and character assessments – Attend medical examinations and obtain police clearances from countries where you have lived.

Step 6: Await the decision – The Department of Home Affairs reviews your application, may request more information, and finalizes the decision.

Step 7: Visa grant and conditions – If granted, you become a permanent resident and must follow visa conditions, such as starting work with the sponsoring employer within the required timeframe.

Typical documents needed include:

• A valid passport and identity documents
• Certified copies of qualifications and transcripts relevant to your nominated occupation.
• A positive skills assessment for your occupation (unless exempt).
• Evidence of relevant work experience, such as employment references, pay records, contracts.
• English language test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.) at the required level.
• Health examination reports and police certificates for all jurisdictions you’ve lived in.
• The nomination approval reference from your employer.
• Employer documentation showing ability to sponsor (business registration, financials, etc.).
• Proof of licensing or registration if required by the occupation in the Australian state.
• Additional documents per stream (for TRT, proof of previous visa and employment with same employer; for Labour Agreement, evidence satisfying agreement terms).

Note: Document quality, correctness, translations, and certification are critical. Applications missing or unclear documents are often delayed or refused.