The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Work visa allows employers to hire foreign workers on a permanent basis to address skills shortages within the Australian workforce. The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa that requires the sponsorship of a nominating employer. The 186 Visa is a common pathway for existing 482 TSS Visa holders (or former 457 holders) to transition to Permanent Residence, but it is also possible to apply for Permanent Residence directly with this visa.
There are three streams available for this visa:
- Temporary Residence Transition stream
To be eligible for this stream, you must have worked for your sponsor for three years while holding a 482 visa. You must also be nominated by
an Australian employer, and their nomination must be approved by DHA. - Direct Entry stream
To be eligible for this stream, you must have a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation prior to applying. You must also have a
minimum English level of IELTS-6666, and your employer must have an approved nomination for your position. - Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is for employers who have made a labour agreement with the Australian government. In this stream, the requirements for work
experience and English knowledge are less stringent compared to the other streams.
The application process includes two steps:
- Sponsorship application from the employer.
- ENS visa application by the employee.
Both the employer and the employee are subject to certain requirements, although not as strict as in the case of professional immigration. Requirements for the employer:
- The business must be operating in Australia.
- The business must operate in the industry relevant to your occupation.
- The employer must demonstrate a genuine need to fill the specified full-time position.
- The position must be from the list of eligible positions announced by the Immigration Department.
- There must be a contract for a minimum period of two years.
- The salary must be in accordance with the annual market salary rate.
- The employer must make payments to the industry training fund Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) ranging from 3 to 5 thousand Australian
- dollars, depending on the size of the business.
Requirements for the employee:
- The applicant must have an occupation listed on the 186 Visa Occupations List.
- Must have a level of English proficiency at least equivalent to Competent (IELTS 6.6).
- Possess formal educational qualifications and/or relevant work experience in the nominated occupation. In some cases, a skill assessment may be necessary.
- Maximum age requirement of 45 for the Direct Entry Stream. Maximum age requirement of 50 for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
- Must demonstrate good character.
- Must not have any health issues.