Work Visa
Employer Nomination Scheme Australia
Subclass 186 Visa Australia
If you’re a temporary skilled worker seeking permanent resident status in Australia, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, also known as the Subclass 186 visa, may be an ideal pathway. This employer-sponsored program allows Australian employers to nominate and sponsor highly skilled foreign workers for permanent residence, whether they are already in Australia or currently overseas. Employers can sponsor skilled workers if they have a genuine need to fill vacancies that cannot be filled by available Australian workers. The ENS (Subclass 186) visa grants Australian permanent residency with no conditions, allowing the holder to live and work anywhere in the country. Dependent family members can also be included. Although the visa is based on skills in a specific occupation, once granted, it does not require you to remain employed in that field.
The Subclass 186 visa offers three streams, which are:
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
- Direct Entry (DE) Stream
- Labour Agreement Stream
Overview
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
Visa Streams
This visa includes three streams: Direct Entry (for new applicants), Temporary Residence Transition (for current sponsored workers), and Labour Agreement (for roles under approved agreements).
Eligibility & Requirements
Applicants must have relevant skills, be nominated by an Australian employer, meet health and character requirements, and (for Direct Entry) have an eligible occupation and competent English.
Key Points
- Permanent residency visa for skilled workers
- Requires approved employer nomination
- Three streams: Direct Entry, TRT, Labour Agreement
- Must meet skills, English, health, and character criteria
- Occupation must be on the skilled list
