The Australian Subclass 186 Visa, also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), is a visa granting permanent residency and allowing skilled workers to live and work in Australia. With the Subclass 186 Visa, they can also enroll in university and benefit from public healthcare.
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) – Information
The Australian Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is a special visa issued to foreigners who wish to reside permanently in Australia. This visa was launched in 2012 as a replacement for the previous Subclass 873 Visa and Subclass 883 Visa, with some changes in the streamlining processes.
In order to apply for the Australian ENS Visa, you need to have the necessary skills for the position and meet the crucial health and character requirements. This visa is sponsored by Australian employers who must demonstrate their ability to contribute to the nominated workers’ development in Australia.
Once approved, the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa grants the applicant rights to remain in Australia permanently and take up paid employment abroad. What is more, the visa also allows them to study freely at Australian universities and sign up for the public healthcare system – Medicare.
After spending some time residing in Australia, holders of the Subclass 186 ENS Visa may additionally apply for Australian citizenship. Moreover, they will be allowed to sponsor their relatives visiting Australia (temporarily or permanently).
Subclass 186 Visa – Visa Types
The Employer Nomination Scheme offers several visa types for the applicants to choose from. As for now, there are 3 different visa types available for visitors, tailored to their needs.
Direct Entry Stream
This type of visa is issued for skilled workers nominated and sponsored by an Australian employer. It allows the applicant to live and work in Australia permanently as long as they have sufficient experience. In order to apply for the Subclass 186, they must:
- be nominated by an employer located in Australia
- perform work recognized as relevant on the eligible occupations list
- have a sufficient level of English language knowledge (Competent English)
Labor Agreement Stream
This visa type is designed for applicants sponsored by an Australian employer under a labor agreement. It allows eligible foreigners to stay permanently in Australia and perform paid work there. The elemental visa requirements include:
- be nominated by an employer located in Australia
- work for an employer being a party to a labor agreement
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
This type of Australian visa may be obtained by holders of the Skilled-Recognised Graduate (Subclass 472), Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 457), or Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482). Once you have this visa, you can reside permanently in Australia.
- be nominated by an employer located in Australia
- hold a valid Australian visa issued in the last few years
- perform work under the employment contract full-time for a minimum of 3 years
Subclass 186 Visa – Visa Requirements
Before you apply for an Australian visa, make sure that you meet all the essential requirements.
Direct Entry Stream
For an Australian visa, you must:
- Be under 45 years of age.
- Have the Competent English skills.
- Meet the official health requirements.
- Meet the official character requirements.
- Perform work relevant to the eligible occupations list.
- Have relevant work experience in the specific field of at least 3 years.
- Participate in the skill assessment to prove your nominated skills for the visa.
- Obtain a license or registration from the authorities of the state you intend on visiting.
- Be nominated by an Australian employer with an active and lawfully operating business.
- Complete the visa application within 6 months from the nomination date.
You cannot obtain an Australian visa if:
- Your nomination is withdrawn
- The position is no longer available
Labor Agreement Stream
For an Australian visa, you must:
- Be under 45 years of age.
- Have suitable English skills.
- Meet the official health requirements.
- Meet the official character requirements.
- Perform work relevant to the eligible occupations list.
- Work, or intend on working, for an Australian employer under a labor agreement.
- Participate in the skill assessment to prove your nominated skills for the visa (if applicable).
- Obtain a license or registration from the authorities of the state you intend on visiting.
- Be nominated by an Australian employer with an active and lawfully operating business who is a party to a labor agreement with the nominated employee.
You cannot obtain an Australian visa if:
- Your nomination is withdrawn
- The position is no longer available
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
For an Australian visa, you must:
- Be under 45 years of age.
- Have suitable English skills.
- Meet the official health requirements.
- Meet the official character requirements.
- Perform work relevant to the eligible occupations list.
- Participate in the skill assessment to prove your nominated skills for the visa.
- Be nominated by an Australian employer sponsoring your Temporary Work Visa.
- Obtain a license or registration from the authorities of the state you intend on visiting.
- Be sponsored to work full-time on the Subclass 457 Visa or Subclass 482 Visa for at least 3 years prior to nominating you for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186 Visa).
What is more, you must be the primary visa holder of one of the following visa types:
- Skilled-Recognised Graduate (Subclass 472)
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
You cannot obtain an Australian visa if:
- Your nomination is withdrawn
- The position is no longer available
Subclass 186 Visa – Validity Period
Regardless of the selected visa type, the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) allows its holder to stay in Australia permanently. Once approved, the Australian visa does not lose its validity. With a valid visa, you can live and work in the country problem-free.
Subclass 186 Visa – Processing Time
The standard processing time of the Australian visa may vary significantly depending on the number of submitted applications. Usually, travelers receive their Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after 6 months. However, the waiting time may be prolonged up to 12 months.
