Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is an Australian permanent residency visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. It can provide a pathway to living and working permanently in Australia, provided the applicant and employer meet the relevant requirements.

Educate Migrate helps individuals understand Australian migration pathways and the requirements they may need to explore. Your options depend on your occupation, qualifications, work experience, employer and personal circumstances.

What Is the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa?

Subclass 186 allows an Australian employer to nominate an eligible skilled worker for permanent employment in Australia. The employer must meet the applicable nomination criteria, and the worker must satisfy the requirements of the relevant stream.

This visa may be worth exploring if you have relevant skills and experience and an Australian employer is willing to nominate you for an eligible position.

The Three Subclass 186 Visa Streams

1. Direct Entry Stream

The Direct Entry stream may suit skilled workers who have an eligible employer nomination and meet the relevant criteria. Requirements generally include an eligible occupation, relevant skills and qualifications, at least three years of relevant work experience and a positive skills assessment unless an exemption applies. Applicants generally must be under 45 and have at least Competent English, subject to specified exemptions.

2. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

The TRT stream may be an option for eligible workers who have been employed in qualifying sponsored work in Australia. Applicants generally need to hold a subclass 457, subclass 482 or eligible bridging visa and have completed the required period of eligible sponsored employment. The exact requirements depend on the applicant’s circumstances and current rules.

3. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream may apply when an Australian employer is party to a relevant labour agreement with the Australian Government. The agreement can set specific requirements for the occupation, skills, English, age and other criteria.

Key Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility depends on the stream and may include:

• Employer nomination: An eligible Australian employer must nominate you for an appropriate position.
• Occupation and skills: Your occupation, qualifications and experience must meet the applicable criteria.
• English language: You must satisfy the relevant English requirement unless an exemption applies.
• Age: The general age requirement is under 45, although specified exemptions may apply.
• Health and character: You and any relevant family applicants must meet applicable requirements.
• Employment history: Relevant work experience and previous sponsored employment may be important, depending on the stream.

Meeting some of these criteria does not automatically establish eligibility. The complete requirements for your stream must be considered.

How Does the Application Process Work?

1. Assess your profile: Review your occupation, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency and visa history.
2. Identify the stream: Consider whether Direct Entry, TRT or Labour Agreement may be relevant.
3. Employer nomination: Your employer must meet the applicable criteria and submit a nomination.
4. Prepare documents: Gather identity documents, qualifications, employment evidence and any required English results or skills assessment.
5. Lodge the visa application: Follow the current application instructions and deadlines. For relevant streams, the visa application generally must be lodged within six months of nomination approval.
6. Respond to requests: Provide further information if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

The nomination and visa application have separate requirements. The correct process and deadlines depend on your stream and circumstances.

Subclass 186 vs Subclass 482

The subclass 186 visa is permanent, while the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is temporary. Some eligible subclass 482 holders may later qualify for the TRT stream of subclass 186. However, permanent residency is not automatic and depends on meeting the relevant requirements.

How Educate Migrate Can Help

Educate Migrate, based in Paschim Vihar, West Delhi, helps individuals understand Australian migration pathways and the requirements they may need to explore. Our founders have personally experienced studying, living and building a future in Australia. That first-hand experience informs our approach, while recognising that each person’s circumstances and outcomes are different.

Explore our Australia PR guidance and Migration to Australia pages for related information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is subclass 186 a permanent residency visa?

Yes. It is a permanent visa for applicants who meet the relevant eligibility and visa grant requirements.

Can I apply without an employer nomination?

No. An eligible employer nomination is a fundamental requirement for subclass 186.

Do I need a skills assessment?

A skills assessment may be required, particularly under the Direct Entry stream, unless an exemption applies.

Can a subclass 482 visa lead to subclass 186?

Some sponsored workers may qualify for the TRT stream, but eligibility is not automatic and depends on the applicable requirements.

How long does processing take?

Processing times vary according to the application, stream, supporting documents and Department of Home Affairs workload. Check the official website for current information.

Important Disclaimer

This page provides general information only and is not immigration or legal advice. Visa requirements can change and depend on individual circumstances. Consider seeking advice from an appropriately authorised Australian migration professional or legal practitioner. No visa outcome is guaranteed. For current requirements, visit the official Department of Home Affairs subclass 186 visa page.