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Amit Taya (Perth): +61 426 488 909 | Harmandeep Kaur (Adelaide): +61 8 8120 4199
Amit Taya (Perth): +61 426 488 909 | Harmandeep Kaur (Adelaide): +61 8 8120 4199
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa Subclass 186 has become one of Australia’s most trusted pathways for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency. For many applicants, this visa represents stability, long-term employment opportunities, and the chance to build a future in Australia with family.
This comprehensive guide explores every major aspect of the Subclass 186 visa, written in a natural, practical style designed for individuals genuinely trying to navigate the Australian migration system.
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa subclass 186 is a permanent resident visa specifically designed for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. This visa is designed to make skilled workers available to Australian businesses where they cannot be found in the country.
Key benefits of this visa include:
The visa is especially useful for workers already in the country under employer-sponsored temporary visas, as well as for highly skilled candidates overseas whose occupations appear on relevant skills lists.
The knowledge of the three streams of the Subclass 186 visa helps the applicants and the employers in making the right choice.
This stream suits applicants who may be applying from overseas, or those in Australia who have not worked with their sponsoring employer over the necessary period. To qualify, you will need:
The Direct Entry stream is favoured by highly experienced individuals who possess a good level of qualification and wish to have direct permanent residency.
This stream assists those workers who have already been in Australia on a temporary employer-sponsored visa. You must:
The TRT stream is frequently smoother since the applicants already have the Australian work history and employer support.
Only people who are in employment or will be employed by a labor-sponsoring employer may qualify. These agreements enable the employers within the particular industries to recruit foreign workers when there are no local workers to hire. The requirements vary depending on the conditions of the agreement.
Also Read: Easiest Way to Migrate to Australia: Guide for 2025
Applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa subclass 186 involves two major stages: employer nomination and the visa application.
The employer is required to make a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs. They must show:
Properly filled business documentation, financial information and employment credentials are required to facilitate a hassle-free nomination.
Once the nomination has been submitted or endorsed, you can submit your visa application. This includes providing:
The Department can request additional records. Common requests include:
A collaboration with an expert migration agent might be a way to make sure that such requests are properly handled on time.
The duration that it will take to process the 186 visa will be determined by the chosen stream, country of residence, and the information that is provided in the application.
Currently, the approximate processing times of the various streams are as follows:
Many applicants also choose to work with a professional for guidance, and this is where how immigration agent in Perth can help becomes relevant. Their role is to review documents carefully and help you avoid simple errors that often lead to processing setbacks.
Before submission of your visa application, make sure that you have the following documents and evidence ready:
Having everything ready before lodging helps avoid delays and ensures your application stays on track.
The subclass 186 visa is associated with a list of obligatory eligibility criteria. To qualify, you must:
Some exemptions apply for long-term workers, academics, medical practitioners, and individuals with high incomes.
The government charges for the Subclass 186 visa generally include:
Professional fees if you choose to work with a migration agent
One of the strongest advantages of this visa is the ability to include eligible family members in your application. You can add:
Family members must undergo their own health and character checks. Once the visa is granted, they receive the same permanent residency rights as the primary applicant, including work and study permissions and access to healthcare.
If your family circumstances change while your application is in progress, such as marriage or the birth of a child, you can generally update your application before a decision is made.
Also Read: What Is The Minimum Points Requirement For Australia PR Eligibility?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa subclass 186 offers skilled workers a stable, long-term pathway to permanent residency in Australia. With clear documentation, employer support, and guidance from a qualified migration agent, applicants can navigate the process with confidence.
Understanding each stream, meeting key requirements, and preparing thoroughly helps ensure your application is both strong and well-structured.
You should start working for your nominating employer as soon as your visa is approved if you are in Australia. If you are in another country, you must start working within six months of your first arrival in Australia.
The ENS 186 is a permanent visa, which means you can live and work in Australia for as long as you want. If you meet the requirements, you can also apply for Australian citizenship or a resident return visa if eligible.
Visa 186 can be cancelled at any time if the visa holders break the rules of the country or if the Department of Home Affairs finds any false or misleading information that you gave them.
