Employer Nomination Scheme Visa 186

What is the 186 Visa?

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) or Subclass 186 visa grants permanent residency to skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. You must live and work for your nominating sponsor.

This visa has three streams, each tailored to different nomination and applicant scenarios:

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be nominated by an approved Australian employer

  • Be under the age cap (usually 45; exemptions may apply)

  • Meet skills and qualifications standards, including skills assessments (DE and LA streams)

  • For TRT, have worked full-time for 2 years on a 457, 482, or 494 visa with your sponsor

  • Satisfy English, health, and character requirements

  • Hold any relevant registration or licensing, if required for the occupation

Processing Times & Priorities

The Subclass 186 visa is a skilled permanent visa under Ministerial Direction 105, and is typically processed in this order:

  1. TRT applications for regional (494) or SID holders

  2. Applications in health or teaching occupations

  3. Nominations by accredited employer sponsors

  4. Remaining permanent and provisional visa subclasses

Median processing times are available in ImmiAccount and vary by stream and completeness

Employer-Sponsor Responsibilities

Employers must:

  • Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor

  • Provide a market-rate salary (at or above AMSR and relevant threshold)

  • Undergo Labour Market Testing (LMT) if required

  • In a labour agreement, ensure nomination aligns with approved terms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who qualifies for the TRT stream?

You must have worked full-time for 2 years on a 457, 482, or 494 visa with the nominating employer within 6 months prior to application

Yes, for DE and LA streams unless exemptions apply (e.g., registration occupations) .

The salary must meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and be at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of AUD 73,150 (2024–25)

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your application and receive PR too.

Usually capped at 45, though some exemptions apply—such as for holders of regional 494, labour agreements, or specific occupations.

📞 Need Expert Help with Your 186 Visa?

Applying via the ENS visa requires employer cooperation, accurate documentation, skills assessments, and nomination. At Abbasi Migration & Citizenship Services, we help both businesses and skilled workers navigate each step — from sponsorship and nomination to PR grant.

Start Your Migration Journey Today

Ready to take the next step toward a new life in Australia? Book a personalized consultation with our expert migration advisors. Whether you’re applying for a student visa, skilled migration, or family sponsorship — we’ll guide you every step of the way.

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