ENS 186 Visa
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Secure permanent residency in Australia through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS 186 Visa). Visa Empire helps skilled workers and Australian employers navigate the 186 visa requirements, nomination stages, documents, and application process with full accuracy and confidence.
Whether you’re transitioning from a temporary work visa or seeking direct permanent residency, we ensure your ENS 186 pathway is smooth, compliant, and fully supported.
What Is an ENS 186 Visa?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency (PR) visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer.
It is designed for workers with skills in demand, allowing businesses to fill ongoing positions while workers secure long-term residency.
This visa has three streams, each with different criteria based on your experience and visa status.
Types of ENS 186 Visa Streams
Now let’s have a look at the types of ENS 186 visa streams. They are as follows:-
- Direct Entry Stream
It is suitable for applicants who:-
- Have never worked in Australia
- Or are not eligible for the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream
- Or are overseas skilled workers seeking PR
Requirements for it include:-
- Skills assessment in the nominated occupation
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Nomination for an occupation on the 186 Visa Occupations List
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
It is for applicants who already hold a temporary employer-sponsored visa such as:-
- Subclass 482 (TSS)
- Subclass 457 (legacy holders)
You must have worked for your nominating employer for:-
- 2 years (from July 2024 onwards) under a 482 visa
- In the same occupation as your nomination
This stream is the most common pathway to PR for temporary visa holders.
- Labour Agreement Stream
It caters to workers who are sponsored under an approved labour agreement between the employer and the Australian Government.
It is ideal for occupations not on the standard skilled occupation list or industries that are facing severe shortages.
186 Visa Requirements
In order to qualify for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), applicants generally must:
- Be nominated by an Australian employer
- Have an occupation on the 186 visa occupation list (Direct Entry)
- Have positive skills assessment (if applicable)
- Have 3+ years of relevant work experience
- Meet age requirements (usually under 45)
- Meet health and character criteria
- Meet English language requirements
- Apply within the required timeframe following nomination
186 ENS Visa Application Process
Visa Empire follows a detailed and step-by-step approach that ensures your application meets every requirement. To serve that purpose, we perform:-
- Eligibility Assessment
We assess:-
- Work history & skills
- English proficiency
- Employer eligibility
- Stream suitability (DE, TRT, or Labour Agreement)
- Employer Nomination
Your employer must submit a nomination demonstrating:-
- Genuine, ongoing position
- Market salary requirements
- Labour market needs
- Compliance with sponsorship obligations
- Document Preparation
We assist with gathering all required documents:-
- Identity documents
- Skills assessment (if required)
- Employment references & contracts
- English test results
- Health & police checks
- Lodge Visa Subclass 186 Application
Once the nomination is approved, we lodge your ENS 186 visa application with full documentation to avoid delays.
- Application Assessment
The Department evaluates:-
- Skills & work experience
- Compliance with nomination
- Employer obligations
- Your eligibility for permanent residency
- Visa Outcome
Upon approval, you receive permanent residency, with access to:-
- Medicare
- Pathway to citizenship
- Unlimited work rights
- Family sponsorship options
186 Visa Processing Time
The processing times for the ENS 186 visa tend to vary depending on the stream.
- Direct Entry: ~6 to 11 months
- TRT Stream: ~4 to 9 months
- Labour Agreement: varies
Timelines are also affected by documents, employer compliance, and case complexity
Why Choose Visa Empire for Your ENS 186 Visa?
Choosing the ENS 186 Visa is a major step toward securing permanent residency in Australia. Having the right migration experts beside you to serve that purpose well can indeed make all the difference.
At Visa Empire, we offer complete, end-to-end assistance to ensure your application is accurate, compliant, and strategically prepared for the best possible outcome.
With us, you benefit from:-
- A strong and fully compliant employer nomination that is aligned with all legislative and policy requirements.
- Expert preparation of your skills, qualifications, and documentation to meet the standards set by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Thorough checking and error-free lodgment that helps you avoid common mistakes that lead to costly delays or refusals.
- Guidance for applicants transitioning from a temporary visa to permanent residency, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.
- Personalised updates, document reviews, and ongoing support until your final visa decision.
At Visa Empire, your visa goals become our mission.
We simplify the process, strengthen your case, and give you the confidence to apply without worrying about complexities or technicalities.
Are you ready to Secure Your PR through the ENS 186 Visa?
Let Visa Empire, Perth’s trusted migration experts, guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for professional, reliable, and results-driven assistance with your 186 Visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa. It grants the holder the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
Recent updates include expanded occupation eligibility, streamlined pathways for TSS 482 visa holders, and increased focus on skills, employer compliance, and workforce needs. Processing times and requirements may continue to evolve in 2025.
You may be eligible if:-
- You are nominated by an approved Australian employer
- You meet the skills, occupation, and English requirements
- You are generally under 45 years old (unless exempt)
- You meet health and character requirements
- You satisfy the criteria of your chosen stream (Direct Entry, TRT, or Agreement Stream)
Processing times tend to vary, but typically range from 6 to 10 months, depending on the stream, occupation, nomination approval timing, and completeness of your application.
Government fees typically start around:-
- Primary Applicant: AUD $4,640+
- Additional Applicants: Extra charges apply based on age
Fees vary depending on age, dependents, and stream. Professional fees and medical/police checks are separate.
A 186 visa offers the following benefits:-
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Access to Medicare
- Ability to sponsor eligible family members
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
- Full work and study rights
- Freedom to live anywhere in Australia
The general age limit is under 45 at the time of application.
However, exemptions exist for:-
- High-income earners
- Certain academic roles
- Long-term 457/482 visa holders
- Regional medical practitioners
The 186 visa is permanent and it does not expire. However, the travel facility attached to the visa typically lasts 5 years and can be renewed or replaced with citizenship.
Yes. As a permanent resident visa, the ENS 186 visa gives you full access to Australia’s Medicare healthcare system.
Yes. Some common refusal reasons include:-
- Incomplete documentation
- Employer nomination issues
- Not meeting skills, English, or age requirements
- Incorrect occupation classification
Visa Empire helps minimise the risks of refusal through accurate guidance and documentation support.
The visa does not legally enforce a fixed duration with the employer. However, leaving too soon may raise concerns about whether the employment was genuinely intended. It's recommended to seek migration advice before making any decisions.