Subclass 186 Visa (2025): Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) for Permanent Residency in Australia

The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers sponsored by an eligible Australian employer. It is part of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), designed to address labor shortages by enabling businesses to recruit overseas talent for roles that cannot be filled domestically.

Key Features of the Subclass 186 Visa

• Permanent residency is granted upon approval.
• Three streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition (TRT), and Labour Agreement.
• Work and live indefinitely in Australia with full work rights.
• Access to Medicare and eligibility for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
• Family inclusion: Spouses and dependent children can be included in the application.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Employer Nomination
   • An approved Australian employer must nominate the applicant for a skilled position listed on the Subclass 186 Occupations List.
2. Age Requirement
   • Generally, applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of application (exemptions apply in certain cases).
3. Skills & Qualifications
   • Direct Entry Stream: Requires a skills assessment and at least three years of relevant work experience.
   • TRT Stream: Requires at least three years on a Subclass 457 or 482 visa with the sponsoring employer.
   • Labour Agreement Stream: Must comply with terms of a government-approved labour agreement.
4. English Language Proficiency
   • Minimum competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) unless exempt.
5. Health & Character Requirements
   • Must pass medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates

Application Process

1. Employer Lodges Nomination
   • The sponsoring employer submits a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.
2. Visa Application Submission
   • Once the nomination is approved, the applicant submits a Subclass 186 visa application.
3. Processing Time
   • Varies by stream but typically ranges from 6 months to over a year, depending on documentation and caseload.

Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa

1. Permanent residency from day one.
2. No employer restrictions—freedom to change jobs after visa grant.
3. Pathway to citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
4. Family sponsorship for eligible dependents.
5. Full access to Medicare and social benefits.

Key Considerations for a Successful Application

Choose the correct stream based on your work history.
Ensure the skills assessment is up to date (if applying under Direct Entry).
Prepare documents early (employment records, English test results, health checks).
Consult a registered migration agent for complex cases.

Conclusion

The Subclass 186 visa is a leading pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers sponsored by Australian employers. By meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a well-prepared application, successful applicants can secure long-term stability in Australia.

For the latest updates on processing times and policy changes, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website or seek professional migration advice.