Australia Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa
Secure Permanent Residency Through Employer Sponsorship
🏆 Permanent Residency - Direct pathway to Australian PR
💼 Employer Matching - We connect you with sponsoring employers
⚡ Proven Success - 95%+ approval rate
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently. With our employer matching service and 95%+ success rate, Premier Visa Group makes employer-sponsored permanent residency accessible and achievable.
What is the 186 Visa?
Understanding the Employer Nomination Scheme
Introduction
The Subclass 186 visa, officially known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), is one of Australia's most popular permanent residency pathways for skilled workers. This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for permanent residency, providing a direct pathway to PR without the uncertainty of points-based systems.
Key Features
The 186 visa is particularly attractive because it offers permanent residency from day one, not provisional status. Once granted, you and your family can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely. The visa also provides a clear pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Unlike points-tested visas where you compete with thousands of other applicants, the 186 visa is based on employer nomination. If you have the right skills and qualifications, and an Australian employer is willing to sponsor you, your pathway to permanent residency is clear and straightforward.
Eight Core Advantages
1. Permanent Residency from Approval
The 186 visa grants permanent residency immediately upon approval. There's no provisional period or additional requirements—you're a permanent resident from day one.
2. Direct Pathway
Unlike the 482 temporary visa which requires 3 years before transitioning to permanent residency, the 186 Direct Entry stream provides immediate permanent residency for eligible applicants.
3. Family Inclusion
Your spouse/partner and dependent children are included in your application and receive the same permanent residency rights, including full work and study rights.
4. No State Nomination Required
Unlike skilled migration pathways that require state nomination, the 186 visa only requires employer nomination, simplifying the process.
5. Wider Occupation List
The 186 visa uses the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), providing more occupation options than skilled independent visas.
6. Employer Support
Your sponsoring employer supports your application and provides evidence of genuine need for your skills, strengthening your case.
7. Pathway to Citizenship
After living in Australia for 4 years (with at least 1 year as a permanent resident), you can apply for Australian citizenship.
8. Employer Matching Service
Premier Visa Group provides employer matching services to connect you with Australian employers seeking skilled workers in your occupation.
Eligibility Requirements
Requirement 1: Occupation
Eligible Occupation on MLTSSL or STSOL
Your occupation must be on either the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Common eligible occupations include IT professionals, engineers, healthcare professionals, tradespeople, and managers.
Popular Eligible Occupations:
• Software Engineers & Developers
• Accountants & Auditors
• Registered Nurses
• Civil & Mechanical Engineers
• Chefs & Cooks
• Electricians & Plumbers
• Marketing & HR Managers
• Teachers & Educators
Requirement 2: Skills Assessment
Positive Skills Assessment
You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This confirms that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.
Skills Assessment Process:
• Identify the relevant assessing authority for your occupation
• Submit qualifications and employment evidence
• Receive positive assessment outcome
• Use assessment in visa application
Requirement 3: Work Experience
Minimum 3 Years Relevant Experience
You must have at least 3 years of full-time work experience in your nominated occupation (or closely related occupation) within the last 5 years.
Experience Requirements:
• Full-time employment (at least 38 hours per week)
• Relevant to nominated occupation
• Within the last 5 years
• Documented with employment references
Requirement 4: English Language
Competent English
You must demonstrate Competent English, which is IELTS 6.0 in each component (or equivalent in PTE, TOEFL, or other accepted tests).
English Requirements:
• IELTS: 6.0 in each component
• PTE Academic: 50 in each component
• TOEFL iBT: 12/13/21/18 (L/R/W/S)
• Exemptions for certain passport holders
Requirement 5: Age
Under 45 Years Old
You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application. Exemptions may apply in limited circumstances for highly skilled applicants.
Three Streams of 186 Visa
Stream 1: Direct Entry Stream
For Applicants Outside Australia or Without 482 Visa
The Direct Entry stream is for skilled workers who have never worked for the nominating employer or have worked for less than 3 years. This stream provides immediate permanent residency without requiring a provisional period.
Requirements:
• At least 3 years work experience
• Skills assessment
• Competent English
• Under 45 years old
• Occupation on MLTSSL or STSOL
Stream 2: Temporary Residence Transition Stream
For 482 Visa Holders
The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is for workers who have held a 482 (or previous 457) visa and worked for their nominating employer for at least 3 years.
Requirements:
• Held 482/457 visa for at least 2 years
• Worked for nominating employer for at least 3 years
• Competent English
• No skills assessment required
• Age exemption may apply
Stream 3: Labour Agreement Stream
For Employers with Labour Agreements
The Labour Agreement stream is for workers nominated by an employer who has a labour agreement with the Australian government. This stream has tailored requirements based on the specific agreement.
Application Process
Your Path to Permanent Residency in 5 Steps
Step 1: Eligibility Assessment & Employer Matching
Duration: 2-4 Weeks
We begin with a comprehensive assessment of your qualifications and experience. If you don't have an employer, we activate our employer matching service to connect you with Australian employers seeking skilled workers in your occupation.
What's Included:
• Detailed eligibility assessment
• Occupation verification
• Employer matching service
• Success probability evaluation
Step 2: Skills Assessment
Duration: 8-12 Weeks
We guide you through obtaining a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. This confirms that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.
What's Included:
• Assessing authority identification
• Document preparation
• Application submission
• Follow-up and liaison
Step 3: Employer Nomination
Your sponsoring employer lodges a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs. We assist the employer with preparing the nomination and providing evidence of genuine need for your skills.
What's Included:
• Nomination application preparation
• Labour market testing evidence
• Training benchmark compliance
• Employer liaison
Step 4: Visa Application
Duration: 8-12 Months
Once the nomination is approved, we prepare and lodge your visa application. This includes all personal documentation, health examinations, and character checks.
What's Included:
• Complete visa application
• Document compilation
• Health and character requirements
• Application lodgment
Step 5: Visa Grant & Relocation Support
Duration: Ongoing
Once your visa is granted, we provide relocation support to help you move to Australia and start your new job. Our post-arrival services ensure a smooth transition.
What's Included:
• Visa grant notification
• Relocation guidance
• Settlement assistance
• Ongoing consultation
Why Choose Premier Visa Group?
Your Success is Our Priority
Advantage 1: Employer Network
Extensive Connections with Australian Employers
We maintain relationships with hundreds of Australian employers across various industries who regularly seek skilled workers. Our employer matching service significantly increases your chances of securing sponsorship.
Advantage 2: 186 Visa Expertise
Specialized Experience with Employer Sponsored Visas
Our team has successfully processed hundreds of 186 visa applications with a 95%+ approval rate. We understand the requirements and know how to present your case effectively.
Advantage 3: End-to-End Service
From Employer Matching to Settlement
We handle every aspect of your application, from finding an employer to settling in Australia. Our comprehensive service ensures nothing is overlooked.
Advantage 4: MARN Registered Agents
Qualified and Regulated Professionals
All our migration agents are MARN registered and regulated by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Advantage 5: LLM Qualified Lawyers
Legal Expertise When Needed
Our team includes Australian practicing immigration lawyers with Master of Laws (LLM) degrees for complex cases.
Advantage 6: Transparent Process
Clear Communication Every Step
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About 186 Visa
FAQ 1
Q: Can I apply for 186 visa without an employer?
A: You need an Australian employer to nominate you for the 186 visa. However, Premier Visa Group provides employer matching services to connect you with employers seeking skilled workers in your occupation. Our extensive network significantly increases your chances of securing sponsorship.
FAQ 2
Q: What is the difference between 186 and 482 visa?
A: The 186 visa grants permanent residency immediately, while the 482 is a temporary visa (2-4 years). However, 482 visa holders can transition to 186 after working for their employer for 3 years through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
FAQ 3
Q: How long does the 186 visa process take?
A: From initial application to visa grant, the process typically takes 12-18 months. This includes skills assessment (8-12 weeks), employer nomination (4-8 weeks), and visa processing (8-12 months).
FAQ 4
Q: Can my spouse work on 186 visa?
A: Yes, your spouse/partner receives the same permanent residency rights as you, including full work rights in Australia.
FAQ 5
Q: What if I'm over 45 years old?
A: The 186 Direct Entry stream has a strict 45-year age limit. However, the Temporary Residence Transition stream may offer age exemptions for 482 visa holders who have worked for their employer for 3+ years.
FAQ 6
Q: Do I need to live in a specific location?
A: No, once you have permanent residency, you can live and work anywhere in Australia. However, you should initially work for your sponsoring employer as agreed.
FAQ 7
Q: What is Premier Visa Group's success rate for 186 visas?
A: We maintain a 95%+ approval rate for 186 visa applications through rigorous assessment and expert application preparation.
FAQ 8
Q: Can I change employers after getting 186 visa?
A: Yes, once your permanent residency is granted, you're free to change employers or start your own business. However, you should fulfill your initial commitment to your sponsoring employer.
FAQ 9
Q: What occupations are eligible for 186 visa?
A: Occupations on the MLTSSL and STSOL are eligible. Common occupations include IT professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, tradespeople, and managers. Check the official skilled occupation list or contact us for assessment.
