Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa is one of Australia’s most trusted pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers. If you have the skills that Australian employers need and a business is willing to nominate you, this visa can open the door to a secure future in Australia. At Amar Immigration, we specialise in helping skilled workers and employers navigate the complex 186 visa process with confidence and clarity.

What Is the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)?

The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled professionals to live, work, and settle in Australia permanently. To apply, you must be nominated by an approved Australian employer and meet the visa requirements relevant to your stream.

This visa is available through three main streams, each designed for a specific situation:

1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

2. Direct Entry (DE) Stream

3. Labour Agreement (LA) Stream

Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 186 Visa

Although each stream has unique criteria, the general requirements include:

• A valid nomination from an eligible Australian employer

• Being under 45 years of age (unless exempt)

• Meeting English language requirements

• Satisfying health and character requirements

• Having suitable skills, qualifications, and work experience

Your employer must also meet strict sponsorship obligations, including providing a genuine, full-time position and paying market salary rates.

Streams of the Subclass 186 Visa

1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

This stream is ideal for applicants already working in Australia on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa or the older Subclass 457 visa.

To qualify:

• You must have worked with your sponsoring employer full-time for a minimum period (usually 2 years).

• You must continue in the same occupation as your temporary visa.

• You must demonstrate competent English.

• A skills assessment is generally not required for this stream.

This pathway is perfect for skilled workers who have already proven their value to an employer and want to transition to permanent residency.

2. Direct Entry (DE) Stream

This stream is for applicants who may not have worked in Australia before or do not qualify under the TRT pathway.

To be eligible:

• Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.

• You must complete a formal skills assessment for your occupation, unless exempt.

• You must typically have at least three years of relevant work experience.

• Your employer must offer a full-time, ongoing position.

The DE stream is suitable for highly skilled professionals being hired directly from overseas or within Australia.

3. Labour Agreement (LA) Stream

This stream applies when your employer has a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.

Eligibility under this stream depends on:

• The terms and conditions written into the specific labour agreement

• The occupation, age, English, and skill levels set by the agreement

This visa stream is often used by industries facing workforce shortages where standard visa conditions may not be suitable.

Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa

The Employer Nomination Scheme offers substantial long-term benefits:

• Permanent residency for you and eligible family members

• The ability to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia

• Access to Medicare and other social benefits

• Opportunity to sponsor eligible relatives

• A clear pathway towards Australian citizenship once residency requirements are met

• Freedom to travel to and from Australia for five years after the visa grant

For skilled workers seeking stability and growth, this visa offers one of the most secure migration pathways.

Why Choose Amar Immigration for Your 186 Visa Application?

Applying for the Subclass 186 visa involves employer nomination, skill verification, document preparation, and stringent eligibility checks. At Amar Immigration, we make the entire process smooth and stress-free by offering:

• Detailed visa eligibility assessment

• Guidance for both employers and applicants

• Assistance with skills assessments

• Preparation of nomination and visa applications

• Ongoing support until visa decision

Our experienced migration agents ensure your application is accurate, complete, and aligned with current immigration rules—maximising your chances of approval.

Start Your 186 Visa Journey Today

If you are a skilled professional seeking permanent residency or an employer looking to sponsor an overseas worker, the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa could be the perfect solution.

Contact Amar Immigration today to get expert guidance and personalised support from start to finish.