Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa allows skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.

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Overview

The subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa available to skilled workers through employer sponsorship. There are three streams under this visa:

1. Direct Entry Stream

2. Labour Agreement Stream

3. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

Each stream has specific eligibility requirements, but all require nomination by an Australian employer and that applicants meet health, character, and skill requirements.

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Streams & Requirements

1. Direct Entry Stream

This stream is for applicants who are outside Australia, or who have not worked for their nominating employer in Australia for at least two years.

You must:

• Be nominated by an Australian employer.

• Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.

• Demonstrate at least Competent English.

• Have a suitable skills assessment for your occupation.

• Be under 45 years of age, unless exempt.

Stay: Permanently
Cost: From AUD 4,770

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2. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for skilled workers nominated by an employer who has a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.

You must:

• Work or plan to work for an employer under a labour agreement.

• Meet the age, skills, and English language requirements stated in the agreement.

• Be nominated by the employer who is party to the agreement.

Stay: Permanently
Cost: From AUD 4,770

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3. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

This stream is for temporary visa holders who have worked with their employer for a minimum period and are transitioning to permanent residence.

You must:

• Hold a subclass 457, subclass 482, or an eligible bridging visa.

• Have worked in your nominated position full-time for at least 2 years (unless transitional arrangements apply).

• Be nominated by your current employer.

• Meet the required English, skills, and character criteria.

Stay: Permanently
Cost: From AUD 4,770

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Eligibility Criteria (General)

To qualify for any of the streams under the subclass 186 visa, you must:

• Be nominated by an eligible Australian employer
• Meet the relevant skills and qualifications for your occupation
• Meet the English language requirements
• Be under 45 years of age (with some exemptions)
• Meet the health and character requirements
• Sign the Australian Values Statement
• Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused

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What This Visa Allows You to Do

With the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, you can:

• Live and work permanently in Australia

• Include eligible family members in your application

• Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system

• Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible

• Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence

• Travel to and from Australia for five years from the visa grant date

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Cost

• Primary applicant: From AUD 4,770

• Additional charges may apply for family members, health checks, biometrics, and police certificates.

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Applying for the 186 Visa

You can apply for this visa in or outside Australia, but not while in immigration clearance.

Before applying, ensure your employer has submitted a valid nomination. Once the nomination is approved, you must lodge your visa application within 6 months.

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Need Help With Your Subclass 186 Visa?

Navigating visa requirements can be complex. Our team of registered migration experts is here to guide you through every step of the Employer Nomination Scheme process.