Australia’s Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Visa offers skilled workers a direct path to permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
This visa is an excellent option for individuals who wish to live and work in Australia permanently and have secured a nomination from an Australian employer. With three distinct streams catering to different applicants, the ENS visa is a flexible solution for skilled workers.
This blog explores everything you need to know about the ENS Subclass 186 Visa, its streams, requirements, and how Migration Guru can assist you throughout the process.
What is the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)?
The ENS Subclass 186 Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by their employer. This visa is part of Australia’s skilled migration program and allows successful applicants to live and work in Australia indefinitely. The visa also provides access to many of the benefits that come with Australian permanent residency, including access to healthcare, education, and eventually citizenship.
Key benefits include:
- Permanent residency
- Ability to work, study, and live in Australia
- Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
- Sponsoring eligible family members for permanent residency
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
Streams of the ENS Subclass 186 Visa
The ENS Subclass 186 Visa is divided into three streams to accommodate different employment situations and applicant profiles. These streams include the Direct Entry Stream, the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, and the Labour Agreement Stream.
- Direct Entry Stream
This stream is for skilled workers who have not previously worked in Australia or have only worked here for a short period. It’s also ideal for individuals who are overseas and have been nominated by an Australian employer for a position in Australia.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be nominated by an Australian employer.
- Your occupation must be listed on the skilled occupation list.
- You need to demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
- You must meet the English language requirement (typically Competent English).
- A skills assessment may be required.
This stream is suitable for highly skilled workers who have the experience and qualifications needed to fill in-demand positions in Australia.
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream
This stream is for applicants who are already working in Australia on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) or 457 visa. It allows workers who have been employed by the same employer for at least two years to transition to permanent residency.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- You must hold a TSS, 457, or related bridging visa (A, B, or C).
- You must have worked full-time for your employer for at least two years before nomination.
- The employer must have nominated you for the ENS visa.
- You must meet the English language requirement (Competent English).
The Temporary Residence Transition Stream is a natural progression for skilled workers who are already contributing to the Australian workforce under a temporary visa and seek permanent residency.
- Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is for workers who are employed by companies that have a Labour Agreement with the Australian government. Labour agreements are typically used for sectors that face skill shortages and allow employers to sponsor workers from overseas for permanent residency.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- The employer must have a labour agreement with the Australian government.
- The nominated occupation must be listed in the labour agreement.
- You must meet the skills, English language, and age requirements specified in the agreement.
The Labour Agreement Stream is essential for industries with specific needs that ar
e not fully met by the local workforce.
Requirements for the ENS Subclass 186 Visa
To apply for the ENS Subclass 186 Visa, you need to meet several important requirements:
- Employer Nomination: You must be nominated by an Australian employer who is actively operating in Australia and has met the nomination criteria.
- Skilled Occupation List: Your occupation must be listed on the Australian skilled occupation list relevant to your stream.
- Work Experience: Depending on the stream, you need to show relevant work experience, typically three years for the Direct Entry Stream.
- Skills Assessment: You may need a skills assessment to demonstrate your qualifications and experience align with Australian standards.
- English Language: You must meet the English language requirement. Generally, this is at a Competent level (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
- Health and Character Checks: All applicants must pass health and character checks, including medical exams and police certificates.
- Age Limit: For most streams, you need to be under 45 years old at the time of application.
How Long Does the ENS Subclass 186 Visa Process Take?
The processing time for the ENS Subclass 186 Visa depends on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. Typically, processing can take anywhere from 8 to 12 months. The exact time will depend on the stream you are applying through and whether you provide all required documents promptly.
How Migration Guru Can Assist You
Navigating the complex world of Australian immigration law can be overwhelming, but Migration Guru is here to help. Our experienced migration agents and lawyers provide a comprehensive suite of services designed to make your ENS Subclass 186 Visa application smooth and successful.
Here’s how Migration Guru can support you:
- Eligibility Assessment: We review your profile to ensure you meet the necessary requirements for the ENS visa.
- Employer Nomination Assistance: We help employers ensure their nomination application meets the criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Document Preparation: Our team assists with gathering and preparing all the necessary documents, ensuring they meet the Australian government’s requirements.
- Skills Assessment Guidance: We help you navigate the skills assessment process, ensuring your qualifications are recognized.
- Application Submission: We handle the entire visa application process through ImmiAccount, ensuring your application is complete and accurate.
- Ongoing Support: From start to finish, we provide continuous support, ensuring you stay informed and updated on the progress of your visa application.
Start Your Journey to Australian Permanent Residency
The Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Visa offers a secure pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers looking to make Australia their home. Whether you’re applying from overseas, transitioning from a temporary work visa, or seeking a Labour Agreement visa, Migration Guru has the expertise to guide you every step of the way.
Take the first step towards your Australian PR journey today. Contact Migration Guru for a consultation and let us help you achieve your migration goals.
📞 Contact us: +61-0730363800
📧 Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
🌐 Website: www.migrationguru.com.au