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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

WIDEN Migration Experts — helping skilled professionals secure permanent employment-based migration to Australia.

Overview

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (Subclass 186) allows skilled workers who are nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently. It provides a stable pathway to permanent residency for those in eligible occupations with employer support.

Streams of Subclass 186

There are three streams under this visa, each with its own eligibility criteria:

  • Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream – For people already working in Australia under a temporary skilled visa with their employer offering a permanent position.
  • Direct Entry Stream – For applicants with the required skills, experience and qualifications who may not have held a temporary visa.
  • Labour Agreement Stream – For applicants nominated by an employer who has a labour agreement with the Australian Government.

Eligibility Requirements

While stream-specific rules apply, common requirements typically include:

  • An offer of employment and nomination by an approved Australian employer.
  • The nominated occupation is eligible for the visa stream.
  • Relevant work experience in the nominated occupation (length varies by stream).
  • Competent English (or evidence of an applicable exemption).
  • Age under 45 at time of application (some exemptions may apply).
  • Registration, licence or professional accreditation if required for the occupation.
  • Satisfying health, character and identity requirements.
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Key Eligibility Details

  • You must submit an Expression of Interest. EOIs remain valid for up to 2 years.
  • If invited, you have **60 days** to lodge your visa application.
  • You can apply from inside or outside Australia (provided you are not in immigration clearance).
  • If you are under 18 or 55 and older, you must show you are of exceptional benefit to Australia.
  • You must meet standard health, character, and identity requirements.
  • Functional English is required, or where not met, there may be a second instalment of visa charge.

What you get with the NIV (Subclass 858)

  • Permanently live, work and study in Australia.
  • Access to Medicare and other services.
  • Sponsor eligible family members.
  • Travel to and from Australia (usually for 5 years) after grant.
  • Pathway to Australian citizenship (if all standard requirements met).
 
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Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa

  • Permanent right to live, work and study in Australia.
  • Access to Medicare and other public services (subject to eligibility).
  • Ability to sponsor eligible family members for migration.
  • Travel to and from Australia for a specified period after grant.
  • Pathway to Australian citizenship, subject to meeting residency and other requirements.

Application Process

  1. Employer nomination — The employer applies to nominate the position and demonstrates the genuine need for the role.
  2. Prepare your visa application — Gather proof of skills, qualifications, work experience, English, identity and health/character checks.
  3. Lodge the visa application — Submit your application through ImmiAccount once the nomination is approved.
  4. Decision & grant — If all requirements are met, the visa is granted and you gain permanent residency.
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Application Process

  1. Expression of Interest (EOI) — Submit the EOI to Homes Affairs. It stays in the system for up to 2 years.
  2. Invitation to Apply — If your profile is selected, you’ll receive an invitation. You have 60 days to apply.
  3. Prepare your application — Collect your evidence of exceptional achievement, nominator Form 1000, English, health, character etc.
  4. Lodge the visa application — Once invited, apply via ImmiAccount with all documentation.
  5. Decision & grant — Processing times vary. Once approved, you gain permanent residency.

How Widen Migration Experts can help you with National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) ?

The NIV pathway is highly competitive and requires precise preparation. WIDEN Migration Experts are here to guide you through every step and strengthen your application:

  • Free initial evaluation of your achievements and profile to assess whether you meet the NIV standards.
  • Assistance identifying and securing a suitable nominator with national reputation in your field.
  • Support preparing a compelling Expression of Interest (EOI) that highlights your international recognition and potential impact in Australia.
  • Review and organisation of supporting evidence – awards, publications, patents, leadership roles, etc.
  • Ensuring you meet all health, character, English, and identity requirements, and advising on any potential gaps.
  • Full management of your visa application once invited, including document lodgement, liaison with Home Affairs, and follow-ups.

Contact WIDEN today for a free consultation to explore if the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is the right pathway for you.