Australian Permanent Residency via Employer

Employer Nomination Scheme (SUBCLASS 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is Australia's premier employer-sponsored permanent residence visa. It allows Australian employers to nominate skilled workers for permanent residency through three distinct streams.

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Three Streams of the ENS (Subclass 186)

1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

For current Subclass 482 or 457 visa holders who have worked for the nominating employer in their nominated occupation for at least 3 years (or 2 years for some occupations). No skills assessment required.

2. Direct Entry Stream

For skilled workers who do not meet TRT requirements. Requires a positive Skills Assessment, at least 3 years of relevant work experience, and Competent English.

3. Labour Agreement Stream

For workers who are sponsored under a labour agreement negotiated between an employer and the Australian government. Skills Assessment and English requirements depend on the agreement.

Benefits of Subclass 186 Visa

Permanent Residency (PR) granted directly upon visa approval.
Work and live anywhere in Australia permanently — no employer restriction after grant.
Medicare access for you and your included family members.
Pathway to Australian Citizenship after meeting residence criteria.
Include partner and dependent children in the same PR application.
Travel to and from Australia freely for 5 years from visa grant date.

Criteria for Employers (Subclass 186)

To nominate a worker under Subclass 186, the employer generally must:

Be lawfully operating a business in Australia.
Have no adverse information (character checks) recorded against them.
Not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices.
Pay the sponsored employee at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR).
Meet any training benchmarks set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Workers (Subclass 186)

Have a positive Skills Assessment (Direct Entry stream) OR qualifying work experience (TRT stream).

Be nominated in an eligible occupation on the MLTSSL or STSOL list.

Be under 45 years of age at the time of application (some exemptions apply).

Meet Competent English requirements (unless exempt).

Satisfy health and character requirements.

Health & Character Requirements

Medical examination by an approved BUPA or panel physician clinic.
Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) for all countries lived in for 12+ months over the past 10 years.

English Language Requirements

Competent English (Mandatory Minimum)

IELTS 6.0 each band / PTE 50 each section

Required

Proficient English (+10 points if applying TRT with PR intent)

IELTS 7.0 each band / PTE 65 each section

+10 Pts

Exempt Categories

Citizens of UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Republic of Ireland

Exempt

Eligible Family Members in the Visa Application

You can include the following eligible family members when lodging your Subclass 186 application:

Your spouse or de facto partner

Dependent children (under 18 years old)

Other dependent relatives (subject to criteria)

Stepchildren and legally adopted children

FAQs About Employer Nomination Scheme (SUBCLASS 186)

The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. It can be applied for via the TRT (Transition), Direct Entry, or Labour Agreement stream.

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For any Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) query. We are more than happy to guide your employer-sponsored permanent residency journey.

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