ENS Visa (Subclass 186)

186 Visa (Employer Nominated Scheme) Overview
The Subclass 186 Visa has 3 streams:

Direct Entry Stream
For applicants who are qualified or have sufficient experience in an eligible occupation. See the Direct Entry Stream tab for specific requirements.

Transition Stream
For 457 visa or 482 TSS Visa holders who have worked for their nominating employer for a minimum of two or three years. See the Transition Steam tab for specific requirements.

Agreement Stream
For applicants who are sponsored by an employer under a labour agreement.

186 Visa holders can:

  • work in Australia indefinitely
  • study in Australia
  • travel to and from Australia for 5 years
  • enrol in Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
  • sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
  • apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
  • 186 Visa General Eligibility
  • You might be eligible to apply for the 186 Permanent Visa if you have an Australian employer who is willing to sponsor you and meet the following requirements:

Sponsor
You must be nominated by a business in Australia before lodging your visa

Experience
Applicants must have at least 3 years of work experience in the nominated occupation.

Part-time work may be considered. Casual work will not be considered.

Age
The age limit is 45, unless exempt. See exemptions in specific stream tabs.

Employer Nomination
Applicants must be nominated by an Australian employer before applying for this visa and must apply within 6 months of the nomination being approved if the applications aren’t lodged together.

The visa cannot be granted if:

  • the nomination is withdrawn, or
  • the position is no longer available
  • Length of stay
  • This is a permanent visa, however, the 186 visa has a travel component that expires 5 years after the date of visa grant.

After this time, applicants can apply for one of the below:

  • Australian Citizenship
  • Resident Return Visa
  • Speak to one of our registered migration agents to find out whether you may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 186 Visa.