Nomination approval means the Department has approved your employer’s nominated position, allowing you to lodge your 186 visa application.
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
Employer Sponsored Permanent Residency Visas (Subclass 186 – ENS)
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) visa allows skilled workers to be nominated for a permanent, full-time position in an eligible occupation in Australia.
This visa is available through two main pathways:
Direct Entry (DE) for skilled workers nominated directly for PR
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) for TSS/SID Subclass 482 holders transitioning to PR after two years
Any occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) can be nominated for the ENS 186 visa under the Direct Entry stream.
Streams of the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
This pathway is designed for holders of the TSS/SID (Subclass 482) visa who have:
• Worked with the same employer for at least two years, and
• Been offered a permanent position
It provides a streamlined transition from a temporary 482 visa to Australian Permanent Residency.
Direct Entry (DE) Stream
This route allows skilled workers to be sponsored for PR without holding a 482 visa first.
Applicants must:
• Have at least three years of relevant work experience
• Hold a positive skills assessment
• Meet competent English requirements
• Be nominated for an occupation on the eligible skilled occupation list
Labour Agreement (LA) Stream
This stream applies when an employer has an approved Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. It is commonly used in sectors experiencing long-term workforce shortages, enabling employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers under customised terms.
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Two-Stage Application Process for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
1) Employer Nomination Stage
- • Genuine Position: The nominated role must be real, ongoing, and essential to the business.
- • Eligible Occupation: The occupation must be listed on the relevant legislative instrument for the ENS program.
- • Fair Employment Conditions: The salary and employment terms must be at the Australian market rate and comply with workplace laws.
- • Business Need: The business must demonstrate a genuine need for the position and the nominee.
2) Visa Application Stage
- • Skills & Experience: Applicants must demonstrate the required level of skills and relevant work experience.
- • Competent English: Applicants must meet the English proficiency requirement, unless exempt.
- • Health & Character: Applicants must satisfy Australian health checks and provide police clearances for all relevant countries.
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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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1. What is nomination approval?
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2. What documents are required for a 186 visa?Document requirements vary by stream but generally include identity documents, skills evidence, relevant work experience proof, and valid English test results.
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3. Does a Subclass 186 visa expire?No. The ENS 186 visa is a permanent visa, allowing you to live, work, and stay in Australia indefinitely.
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4. What if I make a mistake on my application?You must notify the Department if any details in your visa application are incorrect—even after approval. Failure to update information may affect your visa status.
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5. What if I get a new passport?Update your passport details via ImmiAccount or lodge Form 929 to notify the Department of Home Affairs.
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6. What if my relationship breaks down while my application is processing?You may still be eligible for visa approval depending on your circumstances. Contact our team for tailored advice.
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7. What if I change my contact details?Update your contact information via ImmiAccount or by lodging Form 929 to ensure accurate communication from the Department.
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8. Is there a Skills in Demand (SID) 482 to PR pathway?Yes. All SID (Subclass 482) streams lead to PR via the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), subject to eligibility.
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9. Is there a 482 to PR transition pathway?Yes. TSS/SID 482 visa holders can transition to PR under the 186 visa after completing two years with their sponsoring employer under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.