Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) : Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer. If you meet the requirements, this visa allows you and your family to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
1. Purpose & Overview
The Subclass 186 visa is a core component of Australia’s skilled migration framework, enabling businesses to sponsor skilled professionals when no eligible local candidate is available. It offers a direct, employer-sponsored route to permanent residency, along with access to Medicare, the ability to sponsor relatives, and eventual eligibility for citizenship.
2. Subclass 186 Visa Streams
Direct Entry (DE) Stream
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Designed for applicants with relevant qualifications, skills, and at least 3 years of work experience, along with a positive skills assessment (unless exempted).
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
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Intended for current or former Subclass 482 (TSS) or Subclass 457 holders who have worked for their sponsoring employer for at least 2–3 years. No skills assessment is required.
Labour Agreement Stream
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For skilled workers nominated under a labour agreement between their employer and the Australian Government. Terms vary based on the agreement.
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3. Eligibility Requirements (All Streams)
Applicants across all streams must:
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Be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a role on the Subclass 186 Occupation List.
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Be under 45 years old (with some exemptions).
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Demonstrate competent English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band), unless exempt.
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Meet health and character requirements.
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Hold the necessary skills and qualifications, and provide a skills assessment where required.
4. Application Process Overview
Employer Sponsorship: Employer must become an approved sponsor and lodge a nomination for the position. Immigration and citizenship WebsiteHECT Migration & Appeal Experts
Applicant Submission: After nomination, the applicant submits the visa application with required documentation (ID, assessment, English, health, character). VisAustraliaJade Immigration LawyersThink Visa
Hold Permanent Residency: Upon approval, the visa is granted, with a 5-year travel facility before needing a Resident Return Visa (RRV).
5. Key Benefits of Subclass 186 Visa
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Permanent Residency from the day of grant or entry into Australia.
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Work and study rights across Australia, no employer restriction after a reasonable period.
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Access to Medicare, public healthcare, and social security after eligibility.
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Ability to include family members (partner, dependent children) in the application.
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After meeting residency requirements, eligibility for Australian citizenship.
6. Processing Time & Financial Costs
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Processing Times vary by stream; typically ranging from 5 to 18 months, depending on stream and application complexity. Jade Immigration LawyersMigration Downunderimmigrationsnews.com
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Relevant Fees (indicative):
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Nomination Fee: ~AUD 540
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Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy: ~AUD 3,000 (small business) or AUD 5,000 (larger businesses)
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Visa Application Fee: ~AUD 4,640 (primary), AUD 2,320 (adult dependents), AUD 1,160 (child dependents)
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