Are you an employer in Australia looking to sponsor skilled workers permanently, or a skilled worker planning to settle in Australia? The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) could be the perfect pathway to permanent residency (PR). This visa is designed for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover its streams, eligibility criteria, step-by-stepe application process, costs, and benefits. https://immigrationbuddy.com.au/subclass/employer-nomination-scheme-visa-186What is the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa?The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently after being nominated by an Australian employer. It is one of the most popular employer-sponsored visas and provides a direct route to Australian Permanent Residency.This visa is suitable for those already in Australia on a temporary visa or those living overseas with a job offer from an approved employer.Streams of Subclass 186 VisaThe ENS Visa has three main streams, each catering to different circumstances:1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) StreamFor workers who have worked for their employer for at least 3 years on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482 or Subclass 457.The occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).Employer must nominate the worker for a permanent role.2. Direct Entry (DE) StreamFor skilled workers outside Australia or those who have not worked with the employer for 3 years.Applicants must have:At least 3 years of relevant work experience.A positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.Occupation must be on the MLTSSL.3. Labour Agreement StreamFor workers sponsored under a Labour Agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.Common in industries facing severe skill shortages.Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 186 VisaTo apply for the 186 Visa, you need to meet certain requirements:✔ Age – Must be under 45 years old (some exemptions apply).✔ Skills & Qualifications – Must have the skills and qualifications required for the nominated occupation.✔ English Language – Must demonstrate competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).✔ Health & Character – Must meet health and character requirements.✔ Employer Nomination – Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.Step-by-Step Application ProcessApplying for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa involves two stages:Step 1: Employer NominationThe employer must lodge a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs.The position must:Be genuine and full-time.Be available for at least 2 years.Meet salary requirements (Annual Market Salary Rate).Step 2: Visa ApplicationOnce the nomination is approved, you can lodge your visa application.You’ll need:Identity documents.Skills assessment (if required).English test results.Health and character clearances.Processing Time for Subclass 186 VisaProcessing times vary depending on the stream and completeness of your application:Temporary Residence Transition: 8 – 10 months (approx.)Direct Entry: 6 – 9 months (approx.)Labour Agreement: 8 – 12 months (approx.)Cost of Subclass 186 VisaThe application fee for the 186 visa is:Primary Applicant: AUD 4,640Additional Applicant (over 18): AUD 2,320Additional Applicant (under 18): AUD 1,160Additional costs may include:Skills assessment fees.English language tests.Medical examinations.Benefits of the Employer Nomination Scheme VisaThe Subclass 186 Visa offers several advantages:✔ Permanent Residency – Live and work in Australia indefinitely.✔ Pathway to Citizenship – Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.✔ Family Sponsorship – Include eligible family members in your application.✔ Access to Medicare – Enjoy Australia’s public healthcare system.✔ Work & Study Rights – Full work and study rights across Australia.Common Reasons for Visa RefusalMany applications are refused due to:Incomplete or incorrect documentation.Employer not meeting nomination requirements.Failing English or skills assessment requirements.To avoid these issues, always seek professional migration advice before applying.Final ThoughtsThe Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) is a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers to settle in Australia permanently. Whether you apply through the TRT stream, Direct Entry stream, or under a Labour Agreement, meeting all eligibility criteria and providing accurate documentation is key to success.If you’re an employer wanting to sponsor skilled workers or a skilled worker aiming for permanent residency, consider consulting a registered migration agent to guide you through the process.