Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an eligible Australian employer.
This visa is commonly used by employers who wish to retain skilled workers on a long-term basis and by eligible workers seeking permanent employer-sponsored residency.
- Permanent residency visa
- Requires employer nomination
- Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry streams
- Eligible family members may be included
What is Subclass 186?
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia after being nominated by an eligible Australian employer.
This visa is commonly used by employers who wish to retain skilled workers on a long-term basis and by skilled workers seeking a permanent employer-sponsored pathway.
Visa Streams
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream – for eligible temporary sponsored visa holders transitioning to permanent residency.
- Direct Entry Stream – for eligible applicants applying directly from overseas or from within Australia.
- Labour Agreement Stream – for employers operating under labour agreements.
Employer Requirements
- Nominate an eligible occupation
- Demonstrate a genuine need for the position
- Offer eligible employment terms
- Meet salary and employment obligations
- Comply with nomination requirements
Employee Requirements
- Relevant qualifications
- Relevant work experience
- Skills assessment where required
- English language requirements
- Health and character requirements
Application Process
- Employer nomination preparation and lodgement
- Visa application preparation and submission
- Department of Home Affairs assessment
- Permanent visa outcome
Benefits of Subclass 186
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Work rights in Australia
- Medicare eligibility
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
- Ability to include eligible family members
Related Employer Sponsored Options
Core Skills Occupation List
Check occupation eligibility for employer-sponsored visa pathways.
Check Occupation ListSkills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
A temporary employer-sponsored visa pathway that may lead to permanent residency.
View Subclass 482 VisaVisa Application Charges and Processing Times
Visa application charges and processing times change regularly. Applicants should review the latest official information before lodging an application.
Official Visa Application Charges
Check the latest Subclass 186 visa application charges published by the Department of Home Affairs.
View Current Visa ChargesOfficial Visa Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the application, supporting documents and Department workload.
View Processing TimesFrequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Subclass 186 directly from overseas?
Yes. Some applicants may apply directly from overseas through the Direct Entry stream if they meet the relevant skills, qualifications and work experience requirements.
Can a Subclass 482 visa holder transition to Subclass 186 permanent residency?
Yes. Many temporary employer-sponsored workers may later become eligible for permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition stream if they meet the relevant criteria.
Does the employer need to provide a permanent position?
Yes. The employer generally needs to nominate a genuine full-time position and meet the relevant nomination and salary requirements.
Do I need a skills assessment for Subclass 186?
Some applicants may require a skills assessment depending on the visa stream, occupation and individual circumstances.
Can family members be included in a Subclass 186 application?
Yes. Eligible family members may generally be included in the visa application.
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